Relief Clinician - Ind Contractor

ARVADA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT•Arvada, CO

5d•$45 - $45

About The Position

Relief Behavioral Health Clinician – Contract (As Needed) Arvada Fire is seeking qualified independent contractors to serve as Relief Behavioral Health Clinicians, providing backfill support for our full‑time Community Support Team Clinician. This role will support a small team and is designed to provide coverage on an as‑needed basis following completion of orientation. Orientation: Selected contractors must complete an initial orientation, expected to take approximately 20–40 hours, prior to providing services. Work Schedule & Hours: This is not a benefited or regularly scheduled position. Shifts will be offered on an as‑needed basis, with opportunities shared among the relief clinician team for up to approximately 300 total hours, divided among contractors based on availability and operational need. Application Process – Important Information: Applicants who find this position through Indeed may need to complete additional steps to finalize their application. Arvada Fire uses an applicant tracking system (ATS) that includes required screening questions and an electronic signature, which must be completed for your application to be considered. Because hyperlinks may not transfer correctly from Indeed postings, applicants should apply directly by visiting: ArvadaFireCO.gov → Join Our Team → Job Opportunities Interviews: Interviews for qualified contractors will be held in‑person on April 30. The Community Support Team Relief Clinician Contractor will provide specialized behavioral health expertise and support services to assist the District’s Community Support Program. Services are provided in a consultative and response-support capacity, utilizing independent professional judgment consistent with applicable clinical licensure and standards. The contractor works closely with the Community Support Team Paramedic or EMT and reports directly to the Division Chief of CRR. The Contractor operates as an independent entity, maintaining control over the manner and means of performing services, consistent with applicable laws and professional standards. The Community Support Team Relief Clinician will function as the mental health expert to support the Community Support Team unit and will attend to patients encountered during a behavioral health response. This position works with and provides support to the Community Support Paramedic or EMT assigned to the Community Support Team and transfers clients and/or patients when appropriate, while safely operating district vehicles in non-emergency modes. The Community Support Team Relief Clinician will respond to low-risk mental/behavioral health 911 calls with the Community Support Paramedic/EMT and provide in-the-moment support and de-escalation and connect community members to the appropriate services/resources. The Community Support Team may also be requested to respond alongside Arvada Fire operational crews and/or Law Enforcement. The Community Support Relief Clinician and Paramedic or EMT will accept referrals from Arvada Fire operational crews to provide wrap-around services, including but not limited to short-term case management, patient advocacy, counseling, crisis support, and resources/referrals as needed. Scope of Work: The contractor may provide the following services, as requested and mutually agreed upon. The Contractor agrees to comply with applicable laws, safety standards, and mutually agreed operational protocols necessary for coordination. Provide on-scene behavioral health consultation, crisis intervention, and de-escalation support. Conduct independent behavioral health assessments and provide recommendations regarding care, including evaluation of mental health holds where appropriate under state law. Facilitate coordination with external mental health providers and community resources to support continuity of care. Assist in connecting individuals to appropriate services, including short-term case coordination as needed. Collaborate with District personnel (e.g., Community Support Paramedics, EMS, fire personnel, and law enforcement) to provide subject matter expertise in behavioral health response. Provide guidance to support decision-making regarding appropriate resource utilization based on patient presentation and regulatory considerations. Maintain independent clinical documentation in accordance with licensure requirements and applicable laws. Ensure all services provided are compliant with federal, state, and professional licensing standards. Apply principles of trauma-informed care and evidence-based behavioral health practices. Exercise independent clinical judgment in all interactions and service delivery. Maintain professional liability coverage as required for independent practice. Maintain professional and effective working relationships with District personnel, partner agencies, and community members. Communicate clearly and professionally in both written and verbal formats. Provide services in a manner that supports community safety and well-being.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related Human Services Degree
Possess and maintain a valid unrestricted State of Colorado driver’s license.
Possess and maintain clinical licensure in the state of Colorado (LPC/LCSW) or equivalent.
Minimum of two years of experience working in the mental health field.
Maintain all required licensure, certifications, and continuing education independently.
Knowledge of purpose and use of various techniques for de-escalation, situational awareness, and scene safety.
Must be able to safely operate district provided passenger vehicle, pickup or utility vehicle.
Maintain familiarity with grid maps and related streets and roads within the district’s service area.
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, routine correspondence, and memos, and ability to write basic reports and correspondence.
Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to the public and other members of the organization.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at a level adequate to perform the duties of the position.
Must be able to wear all assigned personal protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in mental health crisis response/crisis work preferred.
Multilingual capabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide on-scene behavioral health consultation, crisis intervention, and de-escalation support.
Conduct independent behavioral health assessments and provide recommendations regarding care, including evaluation of mental health holds where appropriate under state law.
Facilitate coordination with external mental health providers and community resources to support continuity of care.
Assist in connecting individuals to appropriate services, including short-term case coordination as needed.
Collaborate with District personnel (e.g., Community Support Paramedics, EMS, fire personnel, and law enforcement) to provide subject matter expertise in behavioral health response.
Provide guidance to support decision-making regarding appropriate resource utilization based on patient presentation and regulatory considerations.
Maintain independent clinical documentation in accordance with licensure requirements and applicable laws.
Ensure all services provided are compliant with federal, state, and professional licensing standards.
Apply principles of trauma-informed care and evidence-based behavioral health practices.
Exercise independent clinical judgment in all interactions and service delivery.
Maintain professional liability coverage as required for independent practice.
Maintain professional and effective working relationships with District personnel, partner agencies, and community members.
Communicate clearly and professionally in both written and verbal formats.
Provide services in a manner that supports community safety and well-being.