SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:
The CALEP (Counselor and Law Enforcement Partnership) therapist is a collaborative initiative between CAI (Citizen Advocates, Inc), Franklin County, and the SLPD (Saranac Lake Police Department). It is well understood that a majority of calls our local officers are dispatched to involve those suffering in a mental health or substance abuse crisis. These calls need specialized care, where timely and evidence based treatment can begin at the point of first contact. By using de-escalation techniques, solution focused therapy, and safety planning, these calls can be diverted away from our local emergency departments and criminal justice system, to professionals equipped to help them through.
Essential Functions (Job Duties)
1. Respond to calls from SLPD when needing assistance for a possible mental health and/or substance abuse situation. Therapist will meet at location.
2. Conduct a brief risk assessment to determine acuity and needs.
3. Make recommendations to SLPD regarding appropriate level of care based on risk assessment and collaboration with the officer.
4. Facilitate referrals to outpatient care when indicated; within next business day.
5. Facilitate referrals to 9.39 hospitals when indicated
6. Conduct follow up assessments of clients who were dispatched for a mental health and/or substance abuse call the next business day, with ongoing care occurring at the Saranac Lake Clinic.
7. When providing care, therapist must do so understanding and respecting the client's background, ethnicity, and cultural belief system.
8. Attend weekly staff meetings, treatment teams and supervision with clinic staff.
9. Completes mandatory documentation on EHR within timelines established per policy
10. Works closely with SLPD and other community partners. Must have knowledge of other systems (referral sources) and identifying unmet needs of clients (e.g., housing, food, shelter)
11. Ability to collaborate with other local agencies (DSS, Probation, Drug Court, lawyers).
12. Provides assistance for assessments and crisis sessions at the Saranac Lake clinic when not being utilized by SLPD.
13. Comply with Office of Mental Health (OMH), Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), New York State and Federal regulations, laws and ethical guidelines.
14. Conduct debriefing sessions for the SLPD after any traumatic event or when requested.
Competencies
1. Decision Making
2. Collaboration Skills
3. Crisis Management
4. Communication Proficiency
5. Teamwork Orientation
6. Thoroughness
7. Flexibility
8. Emotional Intelligence
9. Confidentiality
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. 40 hours per week.
Workweek schedule: Monday through Friday, with hours being 12pm-8:30pm. There will be an on call period which will be paid out in addition to base salary.
Hours and schedules may vary depending on Company need and workload. Employees will be given as much advance notice as possible when such changes occur.
Travel
There will be expected travel in and around the Village of Saranac Lake, NY. Mileage will be reimbursed.