Mental Health Clinician (MH Law Enforcement Liaison)

Job Description Community Mental Health of Ottawa County invites you to make a difference in the lives of people living with mental illness, while working with a team of dedicated and experienced staff! Who We Are Community Mental Health of Ottawa County (CMHOC) provides evidenced based care to the severely mentally ill (SMI) population with or without a co-occurring substance use issue in an integrated team setting. CMHOC is located in the West Michigan area right along the beautiful Lake Michigan lakeshore. We boast high staff satisfaction and retention. CMH is a supportive environment with staff working closely together to provide coordinated and individualized care for clients. We believe in work-life balance to support team members. About the Position Mental Health Law Enforcement Liaisons operate as a part of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) with a high degree of autonomy, responding to crises in conjunction with other emergency services professionals in Ottawa County. These clinicians work to maintain relationships across partner agencies and promote evidence-based and compassionate responses for individuals and families experiencing crisis. This position is unique, with opportunities for micro and mezzo practice that shape crisis response and behavioral health services toward the goals of reducing unnecessary hospitalization and criminal legal involvement through diversion, reducing stigma and traumatization for those in crisis, and aiding systemic transformation. Please review these important details before applying for this position: This position offers non-traditional scheduling opportunities. The position provides additional training and certification opportunities, regular supervision, and functions as part of a supportive and close-knit team. The position requires flexibility and competency to collaborate with professionals across systems, including law enforcement partners, and to practice in various settings. This program is valued by our partners and the community, continuing to grow since its inception. Job Summary This is a full-time, benefited position with the main office location at the CMH Building at the James Street Campus in Holland, MI. However, this position will primarily be community based. Typical working hours vary. This is a professional position primarily responsible for community-based behavioral health crisis response. This is a key role, that involves responding to emergency calls with a mental health component, assisting with the training of law enforcement and first responders, and cross-sector coordination with social services and treatment providers. The position regularly provides direct intervention to people in a mental health crisis requiring emergency response, including assessment, de-escalation of crisis, safety planning, psychoeducation, and referrals to community resources. Essential Job Functions The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: Regularly engages in crisis response alongside law enforcement and outreach in the community in coordination with other community partners. Provides quality direct care encompassing brief clinical assessment, crisis stabilization, referral to treatment, and brief case management as appropriate. Assist with training and education to law enforcement and other first responders about mental health and CMH services through recurring Crisis Intervention Team training. Utilizes evidence-based and best practices to treat the target population, adhering to principles of recovery, community integration, and self-determination. Provides crisis intervention, assessing the immediate danger of the individual to self and/or others, and may assist in the coordination of placement of individuals into crisis facility or psychiatric inpatient unit. Coordinate with police and other community service providers in this process. Collaborates effectively and pragmatically with other first responders in the interest of public safety and compassionate public service. Maintains case documentation and case notes and ensures the security and integrity of private health information in compliance with the provisions of HIPAA, Ottawa County, and CMH policies and procedures. Attends and participates in agency meetings as well as program-specific team meetings. Provides information about mental health services and presents to partner agencies and the general public. Serves as an advocate for greater access to affordable, quality mental health care in the community Required Education, Training and Experience A master's degree in social work, psychology, or a related mental health field is required. Two years of relevant professional experience in a mental health agency is preferred. Previous work experience within the criminal legal system or emergency services is highly valued. Licenses and Certifications: Must possess or obtain State of Michigan licensure as a Licensed Master’s Social Worker, Limited Licensed Master’s Social Worker, Licensed Psychologist, or Limited Licensed Psychologist. Valid Driver’s License required. Additional Requirements and Information Required Knowledge and Skills: Thorough working knowledge of the principles and practices of social work and psychology. Thorough working knowledge of evidence based and best practices appropriate to target population, including the principles of recovery, community integration, and independence. Thorough working knowledge of the principles of treatment for individuals with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders. Thorough working knowledge of the principles and practices of clinical assessment and diagnosis, and the DSM-IV criteria. Good working knowledge of the Medicaid Manual for Service Providers. Thorough working knowledge of professional standards of practice and ethics. Thorough working knowledge of the principles and practices of medical record documentation and medical records management. Cultural competency to work effectively with diverse populations in the community as well as within a law enforcement culture. Knowledge of the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) is valued. Excellent interpersonal communication skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Computer literacy and working knowledge of word-processing, spreadsheet, database and other necessary software programs. Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility. Working Conditions: Work is mostly performed out in the community in various public and private settings with some time spent in a general office setting or co-facilitating training as needed. Primary role of community-based crisis responder requires in-person response to 911-dispatched calls that have been identified to have a behavioral health component.

Salary : $63,700 - $82,950