What are the responsibilities and job description for the Co-Responder position at City of Thornton?
Under general supervision, provides support to law enforcement during behavioral health calls for service. Works to assist law enforcement in deescalating individuals during a behavioral health crisis. Diverts at-risk community members from the criminal justice system by providing stabilization within the community or through other care options.
Master's or doctorate degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or related field from an accredited university or college; one year experience working in a clinical, co-response, or related crisis service position. Experience working or collaborating with law enforcement officials preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Licensing/Certification Requirements:
Current licensure in Colorado as a psychologist. LPC, LAC, LMFT, or LCSW or within 6 months of hire. Certified Addictions Technician (CAT or Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) preferred.
Valid Colorado driver's license with a safe driving record.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of the policies and procedures of the City of Thornton and the department.
Knowledge of the city of Thornton’s housing program goals and objectives.
Knowledge of the functions of other City departments and how they interact with neighborhoods.
Knowledge of substance use disorders and their associated risks and ability to intervene with people using substances.
Skill in effective written and verbal communication.
Skill in understanding and responding to customer needs in a timely and considerate fashion.
Skill in handling sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy.
Skill in coordinating and implementing homelessness programs.
Skill in a variety of computer software programs, including word processing, database management, spreadsheet applications, and e-mail.
Skill in managing multiple demands, maintaining project schedules, meeting deadlines, and keeping the supervisor informed of progress.
Ability to exercise initiative and sound judgment.
Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, other agencies, and the public.
Ability to attend evening and weekend meetings, as necessary.
Ability to assess individuals for the appropriate level of care for mental health and/or substance use disorders.
Ability to learn police-related CAD/RMS computer systems for information review.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, finger, grasp, feel, talk, hear, and make repetitive motions. This position is mostly light work; exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The employee is required to have close visual acuity. The employee is subject to both inside and outside conditions. The employee is subject to atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system of the skin.Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.
Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.
As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.
Responds to in-progress crises within the community; intervenes and deescalates situations with persons who are actively in crisis.
Engages in crisis intervention on the telephone, and in face-to-face settings within the community, in a variety of environments including, but not limited to parks, homes, businesses, fields, emergency rooms, or other places where a person in crisis is located; responses may be indoors or outdoors in both good and bad weather, during the day or at night.
Understands the criteria and procedures for Emergency Mental Health Holds within the State of Colorado; assess a person’s risk of harm to self or others and arranges needed resources or immediate placement if necessary.
Collaborates with other Co-Responders, law enforcement, court personnel, and external providers to provide services to consumers that may include intervention and diversion; maintains close and cooperative relationships with community agencies and other public agencies in carrying out treatment/service plans.
Continuously collaborating with individuals to provide person-centered assessments; devise safety plans, identify support systems, reduce, and mitigate risk factors and point consumers to supportive services, subsequent care, and treatment for mental health and/or substance use issues.
Understands HIPPA regulations as it applies to mental health information and records collection, retention, and release within crisis situations and follow-up.
Possesses the ability to utilize health records management systems specific to co-response; works to complete accurate data collection, input, analysis, and reporting to ensure proper monitoring and application of the program.
Maintains and updates health records within established departmental or program-directed timelines.
Embraces the goals and objectives of the Co-Response team, according to Police Department project plans, policies and procedures, standards, and protocols.
Advocates for the City’s interests in all situations to evoke a positive public image; raises awareness in the target population about the existence of Thornton Police and City programs and how they may be accessed.
Collaborates with team members and City personnel to identify community needs.
Establishes and maintains contact with key stakeholders both within the City and with community partners; innovative while working with the Co-Response team and others to identify potential fields of intervention and works to implement plans and programs to meet those needs.
Maintains clinical competencies within DORA requirements for licensure.
Maintains regular and punctual attendance.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Education/Experience:Master's or doctorate degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or related field from an accredited university or college; one year experience working in a clinical, co-response, or related crisis service position. Experience working or collaborating with law enforcement officials preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Licensing/Certification Requirements:
Current licensure in Colorado as a psychologist. LPC, LAC, LMFT, or LCSW or within 6 months of hire. Certified Addictions Technician (CAT or Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) preferred.
Valid Colorado driver's license with a safe driving record.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of the policies and procedures of the City of Thornton and the department.
Knowledge of the city of Thornton’s housing program goals and objectives.
Knowledge of the functions of other City departments and how they interact with neighborhoods.
Knowledge of substance use disorders and their associated risks and ability to intervene with people using substances.
Skill in effective written and verbal communication.
Skill in understanding and responding to customer needs in a timely and considerate fashion.
Skill in handling sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy.
Skill in coordinating and implementing homelessness programs.
Skill in a variety of computer software programs, including word processing, database management, spreadsheet applications, and e-mail.
Skill in managing multiple demands, maintaining project schedules, meeting deadlines, and keeping the supervisor informed of progress.
Ability to exercise initiative and sound judgment.
Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, other agencies, and the public.
Ability to attend evening and weekend meetings, as necessary.
Ability to assess individuals for the appropriate level of care for mental health and/or substance use disorders.
Ability to learn police-related CAD/RMS computer systems for information review.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, finger, grasp, feel, talk, hear, and make repetitive motions. This position is mostly light work; exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The employee is required to have close visual acuity. The employee is subject to both inside and outside conditions. The employee is subject to atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system of the skin.Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.
Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.
As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.
Salary : $81,337 - $107,364