Community Police Alliance Coordinator

Full Time, 40 Hours/Week, Exempt

Position Summary

The Community Police Alliance Coordinator (CPAC) will receive, analyze, act upon, and follow-up on referrals provided to the coordinator by participating law enforcement agencies. The CPAC provides information and referral, as well as linkages to community services, such as mental health and substance use, domestic violence services, housing and food, childcare, healthcare, etc. Provides psychoeducation, linkage, and ongoing support to individuals and families in the community who have been identified by local law enforcement, whether because they appear to have acute unmet needs, or have a pattern of behaviors requiring law enforcement intervention.

Build inter-system relationships with divisions and departments, serve as a resource for system partners and the community at large, collect and analyze data, manage cases referred by local law enforcement, planning and community outreach, serve as a representative on various local and state committees, knowledge of new and existing programs that provide assistance to residents and families in need of psychiatric emergency services, mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorder services. In collaboration with the SCDHS Director and MHA and ASD (OAP), the CPAC will continuously refine the program as it develops, taking into account the needs of community residents, collaborating police departments and the referral mechanisms of the Somerset County human and social service delivery systems.

Essential Functions

• Attend onboarding training as appropriate.
• Reviews referrals sent by local law enforcement and follows up with the referring local law enforcement agency.
• Analyzes each referral for the purpose of developing a "Personal Response Plan" relative to the needs of the referred individual or individuals.
• Maintains records and collects data for all program referrals.
• Provide follow-up to ensure that the referring law enforcement agency is kept informed of actions and outcomes.
• Respond to calls of an exigent nature when requested, when feasible, when available
• Present on-site at PD on a rotational basis to build relationships, garner roll call information.
• Report all findings to SCDHS Operations and Planning for review by Addiction Services Director and MH Administrator
• Serve as a point of contact person with system partners (all Local Enforcement Agencies, Human Services, Prosecutor’s Office, case management organization; courts; DCP&P; mobile response and stabilization services; schools and colleges; Intensive In-Community (IIC), mental health and substance use disorder providers; Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services (PESS), hospitals and physician offices to include pediatricians.
• Provides linkages, resources and advocacy for residents of Somerset County who have been referred by local law enforcement, based on specific needs identified by individual/family/police department.
• Serve as a representative in county council meetings (Human Services Advisory Council, Children’s Inter-Agency Coordinating Council, Local Advisory Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Mental Health Board; etc.
• Coordinates linkage to risk assessments, other clinical services as needed.
• Provides case management for and support to any new division and/or departmental program initiatives, such as Operation Helping Hand.
• Provides monthly statistical information to division head for dissemination
• Provides intensive case management and advocacy for residents who are assigned to her case load
• Attend job related workshops, trainings and conferences as requested and approved by the supervisor.
• Conducts community outreach (public speaking engagements, distribution of marketing materials) for new and existing programs
• File, fax, collate, and shred confidential client information as needed.

This position reports to the Director of the Department of Human Services and does not (initially) have any positions reporting to it. The position is bound by the professional licensing guidelines of the State of NJ. The position will have a designated liaison available in a Somerset County Police Department, who will provide tasking and context in coordination with the Operations and Planning Addiction Services Director, Mental Health Administrator, and Human Services Director.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or related field with a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience with program management and case management in the criminal justice field (or closely related field). Should be licensed at (minimally) LSW or LAC level. Evidences a thorough understanding of the interplay between law enforcement, court system, DCPP, and Human and Social Services. Experience with children and families preferred. Pertinent lived experience may be considered as part of the qualifying length of time in the field.

Valid NJ Driver’s License required.

• Prior experience working with at-risk youth and families
• Prior experience with public speaking
• Prior experience with data collection and management
• Prior experience with program design and development
• Prior experience providing case management
• Bilingual (Spanish/English)
• Clinical Licensure (LCSW, LPC and/or LCADC)

The successful candidate will complete a program developed by the Somerset County Police Academy designed to introduce the candidate to the police mission with an emphasis regarding issues faced by police in dealing with individuals with life challenges. Completion of the program will not be required if the successful candidate has a policing background.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $68,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Extended hours
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Master's (Preferred)

Experience:

• program/case management in the criminal justice field: 3 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• LSW or LAC (Preferred)
• LCSW, LPC, or LCADC (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $68,000 - $80,000