Mental Health Co-Responder Clinician - Substance Use Disorder

City of Lakewood • Lakewood, CO

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the SUD Co-Responder partners with law enforcement to respond to behavioral health calls, with a focus on individuals experiencing substance use challenges. This role provides on-scene crisis intervention, de-escalation, and clinical assessment, with the goal of stabilizing individuals and connecting them to appropriate treatment and community resources. Co-Responders work to divert individuals from the criminal justice system and unnecessary emergency department use by recommending appropriate levels of care. They provide short-term case management following crises, supporting individuals and their networks in accessing ongoing services and preventative supports. Program Goals: Promote mental health-based responses over criminal justice involvement Increase safety and stabilization for individuals in crisis Reduce overuse of emergency services for behavioral health and substance-related calls Improve access to community resources and treatment, including for opioid and other substance use disorders Co-responders are responsible for resource navigation and preparing legal documentation for the transfer of individuals to appropriate levels of care such as mental health holds (M1), court-ordered mental health evaluations and court-ordered emergency commitments (EC). This position will be a four 10-hour FTE schedule.

Requirements

• Ability to maintain positive, ethical, and professional working relationships with community, government agencies, and other professionals.
• Ability to accomplish administrative tasks autonomously, work closely with the team and supervisor, with frequent interruptions during periods of high activity and high stress under demanding conditions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of modern principles, evidence-informed practices and procedures with respect to behavioral crisis situations in a law enforcement setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a police department and alongside community-based professional staff.
• Ability to address difficult issues in a constructive manner with team or community members.
• Seeks out and engages in professional development to enhance skills and support career growth.
• Values diversity; demonstrates an awareness of differences; demonstrates sensitivity and adapts behaviors and communication to accommodate these differences.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain timely accurate records and data collection.
• Ability to successfully pass a polygraph and psychological examination, reference checks, background investigation and drug test.
• Ability to operate a department-issued personal computer.
• Familiarity with current computer software applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Computer Aided Dispatch/Records Management Systems and Health Care Management Systems.
• Master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology or related field from an accredited university or college.
• Minimum 3 years working in a clinical, co-response or related crisis service position, such as but not limited to hospitals, crisis center, withdrawal management, etc.
• Working and collaborating with law enforcement officials professionally.
• Working with community behavioral health treatment systems and supportive services.
• Case management with strong skills in problem-solving and strength-based, trauma-informed work.
• A valid driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Must successfully complete and maintain required state or departmental physical standards and certifications.

Nice To Haves

• Licensure as a mental health professional in the State of Colorado preferred; candidates working toward licensure will also be considered.
• For opiate/substance use disorder (SUD) role: Fully Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) preferred
• Will also consider applicants actively working toward LAC licensure
• If licensed, in good standing with Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)
• Professional working knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Knowledge and experience in helping individuals or families navigating serious persistent mental illness (SPMI).
• Multidisciplinary teams and coordination of care regarding individuals and their families.
• Familiarity with case management and documentation of case notes.
• Familiarity with local resources
• Licensure in good standing with the State of Colorado as a psychologist.
• LAC preferred.

Responsibilities

• Respond to behavioral health calls involving substance use alongside Lakewood Police Department Agents providing crisis intervention, assessment, evaluations, problem identification, and referrals to appropriate levels of care.
• Work independently while collaborating with team members and supervisors in high stress and active environments.
• Demonstrate knowledge of behavioral crisis situations in a law enforcement setting.
• Demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively within a police department and alongside community-based professional staff.
• Responsible for keeping and vetting a network of resources and referral sources to meet the needs of the client population.
• Ability to multi-task and effectively prioritize situations.
• Assist and/or execute appropriate mental health holds (licensed clinicians).
• Provide care coordination and follow-up and support smooth transitions from community agencies.
• Provide short-term case management with high-utilizing clients to identify problems, look for alternative care options and help problem-solve alongside clients.
• Maintain accurate and timely case management records.
• Participate in team meetings, in-service training, and clinical supervision as required.
• Come prepared to supervision with cases to staff and provide clinical input on other team members’ cases in a strength-based manner.
• Participate in proactive, preventative outreach efforts to individuals struggling with behavioral health concerns.
• Provide departmental training on behavioral health response strategies and best practices.
• Represent the program at community partner meetings and community events to provide education on Co-Responder services.
• Safely operate department motor vehicles during shift.
• Coordinate with jails, hospitals, and other community partners to ensure continuity of care.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The City of Lakewood is a drug-free workplace that provides employment opportunities in compliance with all pertinent federal, state, and local laws.
• All Lakewood employees are expected to work and complete all tasks in a safe manner consistent with training, standard operating procedures, City or Department policies, and common sense.
• Working in a safe manner includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and complying with all City and/or Department safety rules.
• Horseplay on-the-job is strictly forbidden.
• The failure to work in a safe manner, use PPE, follow standard operating procedure, or comply with a safety rule will result adverse employment consequences ranging from verbal discipline to termination from employment, including any applicable reduction in benefits under the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act.
• Employees are also expected to encourage safe work practices by all co-employees, and to report any unsafe work practices immediately to a supervisor.
• The City of Lakewood celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of our workforce. Accordingly, the city is committed to creating, nurturing and sustaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our community and employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level