The Mental Health Coordinator will oversee and coordinate mental health services and programs within the Watauga Police Department. This position involves direct interaction with individuals in need, administrative responsibilities, and collaboration with law enforcement officers and external healthcare providers. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in mental health services, excellent organizational skills, and a passion for public service.

• Develop and implement mental health programs and initiatives tailored to the needs of the community and police department.
• Provide direct support and counseling to individuals, including victims, witnesses, and department staff, both individually and in group settings.
• Collaborate with law enforcement officers, social workers, and other professionals to ensure comprehensive care.
• Conduct mental health assessments and develop individualized care plans.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records and case files.
• Organize and facilitate training workshops for police officers on mental health awareness and crisis intervention.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, making adjustments as necessary.
• Stay current with best practices and emerging trends in mental health care.
• Assist in developing and maintaining program policies and procedures in line with departmental goals.
• Ability to regularly attend work and arrive punctually for designated work schedule.

Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.

Scope of Supervision 
Works under general supervision of Police Sergeant with minimal supervision. The employee must exercise considerable independent judgment; however, unusual or difficult technical and enforcement problems are reviewed with the Police Sergeant. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Licensed Mental Health Professional (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT) preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in mental health services or a related field, with experience in a law enforcement setting being a plus.
• Strong understanding of mental health issues, crisis intervention, and treatment modalities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Compassionate and empathetic approach to client care.

Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to sit while driving and performing administrative work; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is also required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to operate assigned equipment and vehicle and to adhere to all safety guidelines. Possibility of exposure to irate citizens. Possibility of exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, materials and inclement weather while in the field.

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Working knowledge of using computers to prepare records, reports, and input case file data.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, or similar software, with the ability to quickly learn new software.
• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, planning and prioritizing.
• Ability to work weekends, evenings and overtime, as needed.
• Ability to read, write, understand and follow oral and written instructions in English.
• Ability to show good judgment, and have good customer service skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, supervisors, and employees.