Crisis Co-Responder

Elizabeth Layton Center•Ottawa, KS

About The Position

The Elizabeth Layton Center is seeking a Crisis Co-Responder to work alongside the Ottawa Police Department to engage and provide services for those in need of behavioral health services . Who we are: Elizabeth Layton Center is a growing community mental health center with locations in Franklin and Miami Counties, Kansas. Our mission is simple: to provide comprehensive and integrated behavioral health services for the communities we serve. We are honored to be designated a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), a model of care focused on accessible and integrated behavioral health services. Our vision is to be recognized as the provider of choice for coordinated physical and behavioral health services. ELC specializes in working with underserved populations, especially Medicaid and Medicare eligible clients, to meet the growing needs unique to their situation and life experiences. What we offer: Competitive compensation A comprehensive benefits package Generous paid time off Wellness resources to support your well-being A collaborative, supportive team environment Ongoing opportunities for professional growth A healthy work-life balance SUMMARY The Crisis Co-Responder works alongside law enforcement officers to engage community members in need of behavioral health services. Key functions include preliminary triage of crisis needs, immediate crisis intervention and de-escalation, and referral and linkage to appropriate community services to reduce the need for more restrictive levels of treatment and avoid unnecessary incarceration. Paired with law enforcement officers at the Ottawa Police Department (OPD) as part of the Community Policing Unit, this position responds to individuals experiencing mental health crises, substance use, homelessness, trauma and other behavioral health issues within the community. The Co-Responder also serves as a liaison with community agencies and provides training for department personnel and community partners as needed. This position works under the supervision of the OPD Community Policing Unit Sergeant and will report directly to ELC’s Clinical Director.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field, required.
Valid Kansas driver’s license along with a clean driving record.
Must meet Law Enforcement background check requirements.
Post offer requires polygraph and drug screening.
Effective problem-solving skills
Strong initiative and reliability
Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and work volumes
Ability to establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships
Knowledge of local, state and private clinical and social welfare resources.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions accurately.
Ability to multi-task effectively
Ability to work well with individuals of all ages and backgrounds
Ability to operate personal computer and related software applications and other related office equipment
Sound reasoning and judgment
Ability to have repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement and manual dexterity
Must have clarity of vision, three-dimensional vision, and precise hand-eye coordination
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
Ability to work in the field in inclement outdoor weather including extreme temperatures and in potentially hazardous conditions as crisis situations arise
Ability to safely perform major job responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations

Nice To Haves

Three years’ minimum social service experience is preferred.
Prior experience working in corrections or with law enforcement is preferred.

Responsibilities

Work with law enforcement officers and social service agencies to coordinate solutions for individuals with mental health or substance use concerns, including individuals experiencing homelessness and survivors of trauma
Provide mental health and substance use service support to individuals in crisis or to community agencies with individuals in crisis. Services may include initial triage, behavioral health screening, case management, care coordination and mobile crisis response
Accompany officers on residence checks and to death scenes that may be the result of criminal or non-criminal circumstances, and/or provide death notifications to families or other survivors
Help train law enforcement officers and community agencies regarding the Co-Responder Program
Identify behavioral health and social determinant trends individuals face that impact the community and present recommendations on how to solve problems and alleviate the impact
Follow up with crisis contacts at regular intervals to attempt to meet individuals’ needs proactively and engage them in recommended treatment services
Participate in improving health outcomes and better utilize resources by diverting at-risk community members from future crisis, the criminal justice system and emergency rooms and towards behavioral health treatment
Collaborate with client, family, law enforcement, ELC and community agencies around crisis diversion planning
Maintain timely and quality documentation of service provision and work activities for both OPD and ELC, including contact records used for analysis
Improve community understanding of behavioral health needs and improved response through data collection and evaluation
Communicate effectively and professionally with stakeholders
Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function of the position
Must have the ability to work flexible hours and overtime when necessary
Complete all required trainings as assigned
Comply with ELC and OPD policies and procedures
Comply with all City ordinances and policies, as well as federal state laws and ordinances
Conduct other duties as assigned by supervisor