STAR Clinical Responder – Department of Public Health and Environment

City and County of Denver • Denver, CO

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The STAR Clinical Responder position is part of the Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) program within Denver's Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE). This program dispatches a Behavioral Health Clinician and a Paramedic or EMT to individuals experiencing crises related to mental health, substance use, homelessness, poverty, and other non-violent situations that do not require Police, EMS, or Fire. The STAR program aims to reduce unnecessary law enforcement involvement, emergency department visits, and involvement with the criminal justice system, while increasing access to specialized, person and community-centered services and promoting health equity. This is a field-based position requiring work at various outdoor locations around the City and County of Denver, with non-traditional hours, including availability on holidays and weekends. The position is limited with an expected end date of December 31, 2028, with potential for extension.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Counseling, Counseling, or a closely related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in crisis intervention, suicide and risk assessment, verbal de-escalation, and differential diagnosis working with individuals experiencing severe and persistent mental illness, substance use, and other at-risk populations or two (2) years experience in a co-response related position.
• Possession of a Licensed Profession Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) under the provisions of the Colorado Revised Statutes for the State Board of Licensed Professional Counselor or Social Worker Examiners OR Possession of a clinical license issued by the Colorado State Board of Marriage and Family Therapist Examiners such as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Equivalent licensure issued in another state may be accepted in lieu of this requirement, provided that the applicant obtains Colorado licensure prior to the start date.
• Must obtain Basic life CPR and First Aid certification within the probationary period.
• Must pass an initial pre-security clearance screening and maintain CBI (Colorado Bureau of Investigation) Security and Privacy certification as a condition of employment.
• Requires a valid Driver's License at the time of application.
• Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, first responder partner, community organizations, coworkers and other first responder agencies (PD, EMS, Fire).

Nice To Haves

• Experience working as clinical responder in a civilian response capacity
• Experience working with a variety of populations in crisis settings such as severe/persistent mental illness, traumatic brain injury, dementia, trauma-responsive care, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders
• Knowledge of the legal and ethical frameworks for area of licensure, as well as understanding of criteria for mental health care and treatment in Colorado statute (Title 27, Article 65, C.R.S.)
• Someone who thrives in the constant change and complexity of crisis response and emergency services and able to remain calm under fast pace, stressful circumstances
• Enjoyment from working outside of the typical office space

Responsibilities

• Respond to appropriate calls for service with EMS partner and provide on-scene behavioral health evaluations/problem identification, crisis interventions, crisis treatment/care plans and make appropriate referrals.
• Assess a person’s risk of harm to self or others, build safety plans with impacted community members, and arrange needed resources to connect community member with appropriate level of care.
• Execute appropriate emergency mental health holds, when appropriate and necessary.
• Collaborate with other first responder agencies, community members, and community organizations to provide person-centered crisis intervention, assessment, and creation of safety plans.
• Identify support systems and barriers to community member wellness, mitigate community member risk factors for behavioral health needs, and refers community members to subsequent resources and treatment for mental health and/or substance use issues.
• Collaborate with other program partners, case management staff, community organizations, city programs, and other service providers to support community members needs.
• Participate in necessary trainings, in-service trainings, clinical supervision and other team or department meets as determined by leadership.
• Maintain timely and accurate clinical records and documentation in compliance with state, federal, and program standards.
• Actively participate on an emergency preparedness and response team to support DDPHE’s responsibilities outlined in the City’s Emergency Operations Plan, which may require being ‘on-call’ from time to time to help respond to emergencies.
• Operate outside, in potential inclement weather conditions including extreme heat or cold.
• Operate a city vehicle.
• Lift equipment and samples weighing up to 30 lbs.

Benefits

• A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
• 457B Retirement Plan
• 140 hours of PTO earned within first year
• 12 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday, 1 Wellness Day and 1 volunteer day per year
• Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date

What This Job Offers

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