Co-Responder

Description

Under the general direction of the Homeless Coordinator, provides support to the Public Safety department by assisting with mental health clients that come into police contact. Performs a variety of other special project/program activities; performs all other related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Provide rapid crisis intervention and assessment to individuals who have come to the attention the of police, on an as needed basis.
Provide face to face or telephonic follow-up with persons served when clinically indicated.
Accompany police officers on patrol as allowed by officer in charge. Participate in patrol briefings, de-briefings, ride-alongs with officers, and proactive community outreach while accompanying police personnel.
Work in collaboration with police to ensure that persons with behavioral health needs are appropriately diverted from the criminal justice system and referred for appropriate behavioral health services.
Work in collaboration with outpatient clinics and other programs to ensure the individuals are linked to services.
Provide and/or coordinate, as needed training to police personnel and other first responders regarding behavioral health, substance use, trauma spectrum disorders, and other behavioral health topics as required.
Compile and submit monthly statistics. Maintain and manage accurate and timely clinical records and data collection and documentation as required.
Act as primary liaison mental health community providers and Law Enforcement. Assist or link clients with basic needs, such as housing, food, clothing, health care, legal services, vocational services, substance use treatment, and psychiatric services, including inpatient services.
Establish and maintain regularly scheduled, and as needed, contact with the Court Clinicians to optimize appropriate dispositions and outcomes. Collaborate with other case management professionals to support individuals identified as high utilizers and communicate the plans to the appropriate personnel.
Establish and maintain regularly scheduled Community Police Collaborative meetings of all Stakeholders and community providers.
Perform needed case management duties aimed are reducing future encounters with law enforcement.
Perform outreach activities to members of the community who are affected by behavioral health issues.
Maintain training, education, and best practices by attending training, conferences, and other opportunities for continuing education.
Prepare legal documentation for emergency and involuntary commitment processes.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Uses a variety of computer software programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Central Square.
Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in psychology or closely related field
License Master of Social Work (LMSW) or APC (associate professional counselor)
1 2 years of related experience which may include clinical social work, co-responder experience, victim advocacy, or therapy, including experience working with moderate to severe and persistently mentally ill populations.
Valid GA driver’s license
Experience in Crisis Intervention and De-escalation methods is preferred.
Preference for psychiatric experience in one or more of the following areas: screening, and assessment of children and adults with mental health, substance use, and/or developmental disabilities.
Preference for experience in providing clinical services in the public sector.
Knowledge of trauma-informed responses to mental health crises.
Knowledge of Georgia state laws relevant to individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Knowledge of Georgia state laws relevant to police-response to individuals in crisis.
Demonstrated experience working with diverse systems and various client populations.
Must possess excellent assessment and intervention skills.
Must adhere to professional principles and codes of ethics.