What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mental Health Response Coordinator position at UCAN?
Position Type: Mental Health Response Coordinator
Department: Behavioral Health Services (BHS)
Location: North and South Lawndale, Chicago
Reports to: Mental Health Response Lead
Position Objective and Summary:
The Mental Health Response Coordinator (MHRC) is a key support role to the MHRL, ensuring that the infrastructure and logistics of UCAN’s mental health response to firearm violence are in place, effective, and community-driven. This role involves facilitating Network operations, training coordination, material development, community outreach, and systematized follow-up care. When not in active crisis response, the MHRC builds readiness through education, partnership coordination, and mental health literacy promotion.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Planning & Network Coordination
- Assist in drafting and refining the Local Response Plan in partnership with the MHRL.
- Coordinate Mental Health Response Network meetings, communications, and logistics.
- Maintain and track PFA and SPR training records for all Network members.
- Help implement wellness strategies for Network and frontline workers.
Community Engagement & Education
- Establish a visible presence at community events to foster trust and preparedness.
- Develop and distribute mental health education materials tailored to specific populations and incidents.
- Lead coordination of Mental Health First Aid and trauma education sessions.
Family Assistance Center (FAC) Support
- Support logistical planning for FAC setup, staffing, and operations.
- Assist with signage, location promotion, and community engagement at FACs.
- Track and document community traffic and needs at the FAC.
Follow-Up & Resource Coordination
- Help track referrals and follow-ups using centralized databases.
- Support psychoeducation and resource dissemination within 72 hours of contact.
- Collaborate with providers to monitor participant access to ongoing care.
Education/ Job Experience/Certifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, public health, or a related field preferred.
- 1 years of experience in behavioral health, social services, community outreach, or education.
- Bilingual (Spanish or Arabic) preferred.
- Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
- Deep community knowledge of North and South Lawndale preferred.
Special Knowledge and Qualifications:
- Strong organizational and administrative skills.
- Compassionate and professional interpersonal approach.
- Clear and responsive communication.
- Cultural humility and trauma awareness.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Event planning and coordination experience a plus.
