Mental Health Co-Responder

City of Chattanooga•Chattanooga, TN

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health Co-Responder works in the Chattanooga Police Department’s Crisis Co-Response Unit, partnering with police officers to respond to individuals of all ages experiencing mental health or substance-induced crises. The role combines immediate crisis intervention with proactive engagement and auxiliary support for people experiencing homelessness. Work includes assessment, de-escalation, referrals, advocacy, treatment facilitation, community outreach and education, training, documentation, data collection, and short-term follow-up as part of an interdisciplinary team. The position works under the supervision of the Co-Responder Manager. The position is based at the Police Service Center on Amnicola Highway. The posted schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours may vary with assignments or projects. The role may require a 10-hour first or second shift, some weekends, schedule flexibility, and response during inclement weather. It is an exempt, safety-sensitive, essential-personnel position. The City of Chattanooga describes its workforce as approximately 2,600 employees and highlights competitive compensation, paid time off, flexible scheduling where possible, health benefits, wellness programs, a centralized health clinic and pharmacy, and professional development and advancement opportunities. The salary range is $60,088–$65,717 annually.

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 education and experience.
Currently hold a professional license (LMSW, LCSW, LPC, or LMFT), or be on track to obtain one within six months of employment.
Adhere to professional codes of ethics.
Knowledge of Tennessee Code Annotated § 33-6-104; the criminal justice system and investigative processes; and the Police Department’s structure, function, mission, rules, and regulations.
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 processes, including 6401, 6404s, or Certificate of Need.
Knowledge of crisis assessment tools, including CSSR-S; intervention and response to 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, interpreting and communicating applicable laws and regulations, public speaking, independent judgment, problem-solving, relationship-building, oral and written communication, multitasking, and computer operations.
Ability to travel occasionally to local and out-of-state conferences, trainings, and presentations.
Ability to work a 10-hour first or second shift and some weekends, and to adapt as scheduling demands change.
Ability to wear a tight-fitting ballistic vest while on duty, ride in a patrol car for extended periods, respond quickly to avoid danger, crouch or kneel, remain stationary for 50% of the time, traverse uneven terrain, climb stairs if needed, and work in severe weather.
Ability to lift up to 10 pounds.
Completion of required pre-employment screening, including background check, polygraph, drug screening, fingerprinting, and other listed screenings.

Nice To Haves

Mandatory Pre-Screening Agent designation is preferred.

Responsibilities

Co-respond city-wide with patrol officers to mental health and substance-induced crises.
Balance immediate crisis response with ongoing engagement and support for people experiencing homelessness, including regular visits to encampments, shelters, and other gathering areas.
Use evidence-based de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques at the scene.
Conduct crisis, safety, and clinical assessments to determine appropriate levels of care.
Initiate voluntary or involuntary inpatient treatment referrals when appropriate.
Develop safety plans and provide outpatient referrals and resources to clients and their loved ones.
Provide short-term follow-up support, information, education, services, and resource connections to clients and their loved ones.
Educate clients and their loved ones about mental health diagnoses, the mental health system, and how to access treatment.
Build and maintain effective partnerships with law enforcement personnel.
Attend assigned departmental meetings, briefings, training, and collaborative meetings with law enforcement and community systems.
Attend scheduled supervision with the Co-Responder Manager.
Follow Crisis Co-Response Unit 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 on mental health and crisis intervention through presentations, courses, and other learning opportunities.
Complete crisis standards training as required by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse and other applicable agencies.
Meet attendance requirements and perform other assigned duties.