Clinical Law Enforcement Co-Responder(LISW/LPCC)

ZEPF CENTER•Toledo, OH

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

Zepf Center has been serving the Lucas County community for over 50 years. We are the leading provider of behavioral health and substance use disorder services in Northwest Ohio. Services include adult and child psychiatric, substance abuse, case management, residential, Crisis Care, and therapy programs, as well as career development and wellness services. Zepf Center also offers primary care medical services to our patients to contribute to their continuum of care. Zepf Center is a trauma-informed agency and environment for both patients and staff. This position is responsible for providing in-field behavioral health assessment, crisis intervention, de-escalation, resource linkage, and care coordination alongside law enforcement officers within the community. The Clinical Law Enforcement Co-Responder will spend the duration of scheduled shifts partnered directly with police officers responding to calls for service, including mental health crises, substance use concerns, welfare checks, suicidal ideation, homelessness, interpersonal conflict, and other community-based incidents requiring clinical support. The clinician will assess individuals in the field to determine appropriate level of care, facilitate diversion from unnecessary hospitalization or incarceration when clinically appropriate, and connect individuals and families to community resources and treatment services. This position serves as a commissioned Health Officer and will work collaboratively with law enforcement, hospitals, crisis providers, shelters, and community partners to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. The primary office location for this position will be housed within a police department facility. This position requires flexibility, independent clinical judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to safely operate in unpredictable and high-risk environments. The employee will be required to complete all law enforcement partnership onboarding requirements, including police background investigations, safety trainings, and a clinician academy focused on officer safety, scene awareness, and field response techniques. The employee will be required to wear department-approved personal protective equipment, including a bullet-resistant vest, while operating in the field.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related behavioral health field required.
Independent licensure required: LISW or LPCC.
Must be eligible to serve as a Health Officer.
Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record required.
Must pass police department background investigation and agency background check.
Must pass pre-employment drug screening.
Ability to complete required clinician academy and ongoing law enforcement partnership trainings.
Ability and willingness to wear a bullet-resistant vest and other required safety equipment while in the field.

Nice To Haves

Crisis intervention and behavioral health assessment experience preferred.
Experience working in community mental health, crisis services, emergency services, or co-responder models preferred.

Responsibilities

Responds in the field alongside law enforcement officers to behavioral health and community service calls.
Conducts crisis assessments and determines appropriate level of care for individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use crises.
Provides de-escalation, crisis intervention, emotional support, and stabilization services in community settings.
Functions as a Health Officer in accordance with applicable local and state regulations.
Assists individuals and families with navigation of behavioral health, medical, housing, financial, legal, and social service systems.
Coordinates referrals and linkage to community resources, outpatient services, crisis services, detoxification services, inpatient treatment, shelters, and other supportive programming.
Collaborates with law enforcement officers to support safe and clinically appropriate outcomes during calls for service.
Provides consultation and behavioral health education to law enforcement personnel as appropriate.
Completes clinical documentation and required reports within established timeframes and standards.
Maintains confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA, agency policy, and applicable laws and regulations.
Participates in multidisciplinary meetings, trainings, case consultations, and community collaborations.
Maintains professional boundaries and adheres to ACA, NASW, and/or applicable professional code of ethics.
Maintains required licensure, certifications, and mandatory trainings.
Participates in ongoing safety, tactical awareness, and crisis response trainings.
Demonstrates ability to remain calm and make sound clinical decisions in high-stress, rapidly evolving situations.
Performs other duties as assigned.