Mental Health Clinician- Co-responder Program

The City of Harrisonburg is launching a co-responder program dedicated to mental health crises and is seeking a clinician to lead and shape its future. If you're an experienced and compassionate professional who has a desire to partner with law enforcement to support community members in mental health crises, we encourage you to apply to the Co-Responder Program Mental Health Clinician role!

In this critical position, you'll respond alongside law enforcement to de-escalate situations, connect individuals to appropriate resources, and ensure timely follow-up. You’ll oversee grant applications, analyze program data, provide essential training to a variety of individuals, and play a key role in developing the program. Additionally, as a leader and subject-matter-expertise, you'll supervise one Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) Co-Responder and other team members, as assigned.

The Co-Responder Program Mental Health Clinician is a full-time position with benefits and a preferred hiring range of $35.40 - $39.83 per hour (equivalent to $73,632 - $82,846 annually); however, an exact salary will be dependent upon the selected candidate's qualifications and experience and in compliance with City Policy. This position was created through a federal grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The original grant period is through September 2026, with an anticipated extension through September 2027. Harrisonburg Police Department intends to seek re-establishment of funding to continue the position beyond this period.

A full list of the ideal candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities is available in the class specification.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or other behavioral science field and considerable (3-5 years) experience in social services, psychological services, or behavioral health services. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be used to meet this requirement.
• Possession of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) designation valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Valid driver's license.
• Possession of National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) certifications within six (6) months of hire.
• Bilingual abilities preferred but not required for consideration.
• Click here to view the physical requirements for this position.

The selected candidate for this position will be subject to the following screenings and must receive satisfactory results:

• DMV Driving Record Review;
• Drug Screen;
• Psychological Evaluation;
• Tuberculosis (TB) Test;
• Criminal Background Investigation, including Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) Query & Fingerprinting*.

*Due to the sensitive nature of information available through the performance of this position's essential functions, the successful applicant selected for the role will be subject to a criminal background investigation and fingerprinting by the Harrisonburg Police Department. At a later date, more information will be provided to the candidate selected for those steps in this process.

To Apply: To be considered, all candidates must submit a complete City of Harrisonburg online employment application, including previous work experience and education history. This position may close at any time after 10 calendar days. (posted 11/06/2024) 

The City provides an excellent benefits package including health insurance, retirement (VRS & MissionSquare), life insurance, paid leave and holidays.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or veteran status.

The City of Harrisonburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.