Behavioral Health Clinician

The behavioral health clinician is embedded in the Andover Police Department (APD) and is available for ride-alongs with officers on calls involving people who may be experiencing emotional distress and/or psychiatric symptoms. They may also have co-occurring substance use issues. The clinician will Provide community-based clinical services as needed, either in collaboration with police officers or as a follow-up to behavioral health situations.
The clinician may evaluate the need for hospitalization, make referrals, and provide follow-up services to support an individual’s engagement in treatment. This includes “upstream” assessments to prevent unnecessary trips to the Emergency. Activities performed by the clinician might include; assisting with the inpatient/outpatient process, making home visits, and collaborating with other medically trained personnel to assist with individual care plans. 
 
 The clinician must have strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of the program networks available to those seeking help and support. The clinician will also coordinate an outreach program to connect community members with appropriate community-based referrals.

• Provide community-based clinical services as needed, either in partnership with police officers or as a follow-up to behavioral health situations.
• Occasionally serve as attachments to police in non-crisis situations, such as accompanying police on follow-up visits, assisting with wellness checks, and working with officers in community encounters when needed.
• Deliver clinical expertise and assistance to the community regarding the process of accessing appropriate medical intervention, including the inpatient/outpatient process, as well as interventions, rehabilitation and recovery issues, and the integration of clients back into the community.
• Offer counseling services to individuals and families impacted by addiction, substance abuse, and related mental health issues. Develop and assist in treatment planning; provide case management and follow-up support. In collaboration with APS training staff and fellow municipal clinicians/social workers, the APD clinician will lead efforts to enhance law enforcement and first responder training to ensure interactions with community members facing behavioral health challenges are successful.
• Facilitate the formalization of linkages between police, Emergency Service Programs (ESPs), and other pertinent healthcare, social service, and community service agencies within their regions.
• Participate in officer debriefings, and, where indicated, craft specific officer training/refreshers on relevant associated topics by providing brief roll-call trainings and/or extended in-service trainings where appropriate.
• Participate in clinical team meetings with municipal social workers to maintain best practices, case conferencing, and community networking.
• Work closely with the Department of Community Services Directors of Elder Services, Youth Services, Recreation, Andover’s Veterans Services Officer and Andover Public Schools to ensure linkages and open communications paths.
• Actively reach out to local service providers to establish collegial associations and referral sources.
• Develop resource and referral materials and ensure these are available to the public free of charge. Ensure this information is up-to-date.
• Maintain confidential case records, program statistics, and monthly reports as directed. In conjunction with APD staff, establish, update, and or edit departmental policies, protocols and procedures as needed.
• Attend local, regional, and statewide trainings as needed.
• Create and facilitate meetings, programs, functions, and open discussion groups.
• Perform all other duties as assigned. 
   

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Demonstrates professionalism and maturity to handle confidential and sensitive personal information and issues.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to work in a flexible schedule to meet deadlines and schedules for multiple projects and assignments.
• Proficiency in the utilization of Microsoft Office.
• Excellent judgment and substantial experience dealing with matters of behavioral health.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to relate to and communicate effectively with diverse individuals and groups.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, to establish positive public relations for the Town and School Departments and the larger Andover Community.
• Knowledge of local and state regulations as they pertain to mental health hospitalizations and other related issues.
• An understanding of various insurance issues impacting treatment for behavioral health challenges. 
   

Education and Experience
 The candidate will have a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work with the appropriate MA license and/or be a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II) or Licensed Mental Health Clinician (LMHC) in Massachusetts; with demonstrable experience in the area of substance abuse counseling/prevention; or any other equivalent of education and experience. 
 
 
 

• Use computer keyboard and other standard office equipment requiring eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity.
• Involves travel to meetings and other communities.
• Involves flexible schedule to meet the demand and needs of the community; anticipate weekend and evening activities.

FLSA Status: Exempt
Town Non-Union 
Standard Work Week: 36.25 
Job Code: 6415 
Risk Code: 9410 
 Town of Andover Classification Review 
 Revised February, 2025

Salary : $75,000 - $85,000