What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mental Health Response Lead position at UCAN?
Position Type: Mental Health Response Lead
Department: Behavioral Health Services (BHS)
Reports to: Vice President of Behavioral Health Services (BHS)
Location: North and South Lawndale, Chicago
Position Objective and Summary:
The Mental Health Response Lead (MHRL) is the strategic and operational lead for trauma-informed mental health services following mass shootings in the North and South Lawndale communities. This role is central to developing and implementing UCAN’s response to mass violence, establishing and leading the Mental Health Response Network, and ensuring community members receive timely, culturally responsive mental health support. The MHRL will work in close coordination with the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) Convener(s) and local partners, and will lead proactive education and relationship-building when not actively responding to an incident.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Crisis Response & Coordination
- Lead the development and execution of a local response plan based on DHS/DMH’s Navigation Model.
- Serve as a 24/7 contact for mental health coordination following mass shootings.
- Act as liaison between UCAN, the OFVP Convener, and community stakeholders during crises.
- Track incident details and ensure timely reporting.
Network Development & Management
- Build and lead a Mental Health Response Network composed of victim advocates, clinicians, and community partners.
- Ensure all Network members are trained in Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR).
- Mobilize Network members within 48 hours of a mass shooting and maintain engagement for at least one week post-incident.
- Address secondary trauma among frontline responders through training and wellness strategies.
Family Assistance Center (FAC) Leadership
- Identify, coordinate, and activate FAC sites within 48 hours of a shooting.
- Oversee FAC staffing, logistics, hours of operation, and community communication.
- Create closure plans based on evolving community needs.
Community Engagement & Mental Health Education
- Disseminate culturally tailored resources (digital and print) across multiple platforms.
- Deliver community education events focused on trauma response, resilience, and available services.
- Promote trainings such as Mental Health First Aid and trauma literacy.
Referral & Follow-Up
- Ensure individuals receive follow-up within 72 hours of initial engagement.
- Track referrals and resource distribution using a centralized system.
- Promote long-term healing through sustained contact and service coordination.
Education/Job Experience/Certifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum); Master’s degree preferred in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related field.
- Minimum 1 year of crisis counseling or behavioral health experience.
- Lived experience with gun violence and/or strong ties to North/South Lawndale strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with community-based trauma, public health systems, and urban mental health.
- Ability to work evenings/weekends in response to incidents.
Special Knowledge and Qualifications:
- Crisis intervention & trauma response.
- Community relationship-building.
- Cultural humility & responsiveness.
- Organizational & time management.
- Public speaking and facilitation.
- Excellent written, interpersonal, and team communication skills.
