Mental Health Co-Responder

City of Chattanooga • Chattanooga, TN

12d • $60,088 - $65,717 • Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health Co-Responder works in the City of Chattanooga Police Department’s Crisis Co-Response Unit, partnering with police officers to respond to individuals of all ages experiencing mental health-related or substance-induced crises dispatched through emergency services. The role balances immediate crisis intervention with proactive and auxiliary engagement and support for people experiencing homelessness. Work includes crisis intervention and assessment, connecting people to community resources, advocacy, treatment facilitation, outreach, education, training, data collection, and short-term follow-up within an interdisciplinary team. The position works under the supervision of the Co-Responder Manager.

This is an exempt, safety-sensitive position based at the Police Service Center on Amnicola Highway. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., although hours may vary by assignment or project. The employee must be available for a 10-hour first or second shift and some weekends, with flexibility as those demands change. The role requires working alongside law enforcement, riding in a patrol car for extended periods, wearing a tight-fitting ballistic vest while on duty, maintaining situational awareness, and working in varied terrain and severe weather. It is considered essential personnel and may require response during inclement weather.

Requirements

• Master’s-level degree in a clinical field such as social work, counseling, or psychology from an accredited four-year college or university, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Currently hold a professional license (LMSW, LCSW, LPC, or LMFT), or be on track to obtain one within six months of employment.
• Knowledge of and adherence to professional codes of ethics.
• Knowledge of Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-6-104; the criminal justice system and investigative processes; Police Department structure, functions, mission, rules, and regulations; and the assigned unit’s role.
• Knowledge of mental health diagnoses identified in the DSM-V-TR and experience working with people exhibiting related symptoms, including substance use, hallucinations, delusions, personality disorders, post-traumatic symptoms, and intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing involuntary assessment and treatment, including 6401, 6404s, or Certificate of Need processes.
• Knowledge of crisis assessment and assessment tools such as CSSR-S; intervention and response, including risk of harm to self or others; verbal de-escalation; trauma-informed practices; and community resources and referral processes.
• Skill in computer and related software applications, computer operations, oral and written communication, public speaking, multitasking, and interpreting, applying, and communicating applicable laws, ordinances, codes, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, discretion, and resourcefulness; identify alternative solutions; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to travel occasionally to local and out-of-state conferences, trainings, and presentations.
• Ability to meet the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds; wear a tight-fitting ballistic vest while on duty; remain in a patrol car for extended periods; respond quickly to avoid danger, including crouching or kneeling; remain stationary 50% of the time; traverse uneven terrain and climb stairs if needed; and work in severe weather, including extreme heat or cold.
• Must complete required pre-employment screening, including background check, polygraph, drug screening, fingerprinting, lift test, TB screening, physical screening, DOT Clearinghouse, HepB titer, and CJIS check.

Nice To Haves

• Mandatory Pre-Screening Agent designation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Co-respond with patrol officers city-wide to mental health and substance-induced crises.
• Balance immediate crisis response with ongoing engagement and support for people experiencing homelessness.
• Use evidence-based de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques at the scene.
• Conduct crisis, safety, and clinical assessments to determine the appropriate level of care.
• Proactively engage with people experiencing homelessness, build relationships, assess needs, and visit encampments, shelters, and other gathering places.
• Initiate voluntary and involuntary inpatient treatment referrals when appropriate.
• Develop safety plans and provide outpatient referrals and resources to clients and their loved ones when appropriate.
• Provide short-term follow-up, support, information, education, services, and resource connections to clients and their loved ones.
• Explain mental health diagnoses, the mental health system, and treatment access to clients and their loved ones.
• Build and maintain effective working partnerships with law enforcement personnel.
• Attend departmental meetings, briefings, training, and collaborative meetings with law enforcement and community systems.
• Attend scheduled supervision with the Co-Responder Manager.
• Meet the Crisis Co-Response Unit’s documentation and charting requirements.
• Maintain inclusive and effective working relationships with diverse clients, coworkers, service providers, city employees, community partners, agencies, and the public.
• Educate the public and law enforcement personnel about mental health and crisis intervention through presentations, training, and other learning opportunities.
• Complete crisis standards training as required by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse and other applicable regulating agencies.
• Meet regular attendance requirements and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and robust pay scales.
• Generous paid time off.
• Flexible scheduling where possible.
• Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs for employees and their families.
• Access to a centralized health clinic and pharmacy for City employees.
• Professional development and upward mobility opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time