Community Engagement Specialist-Police

SUMMARY:

The City of Saco Police Department is seeking a Community Engagement Specialist to join our team. The Community Engagement Specialist plays a critical role in promoting community safety, care and well-being by providing support during co-response calls for service, follow up outreach, and short-term case management. Collaborates with partnering agencies including law enforcement, fire and EMS, emergency departments, district attorney’s office, local providers and family supports. This position delivers crisis assessment, intervention, referrals, consultation and diversion from the criminal justice system.

The salary range for this position is $72397-$91395 annually depending on skills and experience

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

General supervision is provided by the Police Administration with considerable independence of action in accordance with applicable laws and job requirements. Work is evaluated by the Deputy Chief through observation, reports, and results achieved.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Respond to appropriate calls for service with law enforcement personnel and provide on-scene behavioral health evaluations, crisis interventions, referrals and follow up support.
• Ability to identify and address substance use disorder, mental health issues, homelessness, and issues related to trauma and domestic violence.
• Collaborates with law enforcement, fire and EMS, crisis services, and community organizations to provide person-centered intervention, assessment, and creation of safety plans – identify support systems, barriers to services, resources, and alternative supportive services.
• Assesses a person’s risk of harm to self or others, builds individualized safety plans with impacted community members, and arranges needed resources to reduce destabilization of the individual, recidivism, and possible arrest and incarceration.
• Collaborate with other first responders, regional law enforcement liaisons, court personnel, state agencies, and external providers to provide services including intervention and diversion.
• Engages in follow-up care necessary for acute and high-risk clients to help build relationships, solidify skill building and advocacy for ongoing services and resources.
• Collaborate with law enforcement , review status updates, follow-up services on active Weapons Restriction Orders.
• Provide outreach and educational support related to Extreme Risk Protection Orders.
• Assess individual needs, identify, and connect service providers and resources to prevent
• Attend and participate in community events and meetings.
• Collaborate with law enforcement in school crisis response training and crisis intervention training creating an environment of collaboration and learning for all.