Emergency Co-Responder - City Of Pittsfield - Pittsfield

Responds to the scene for calls involving behavioral health disturbances.  The Co-Responder performs brief assessments to determine appropriate dispositions for services, arrests, diversion from arrests, diversion from unnecessary emergency department visits, or some combination of criminal justice/behavioral health treatment involvement.  The Co-Responder also facilitates training for police officers to increase competencies in intervening with a behavioral health crisis. 

We are an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to promoting a multicultural work force, excellence in public service, and on-going mutual respect in our working relationships. We strongly encourage people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, bilingualists, and people from other underrepresented groups to apply for our open positions - recognizing and respecting that diverse perspectives and experiences are valuable to our team and essential to our public service. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide rapid crisis intervention and assessment to individuals who have come to the attention the of police, on an as needed basis.
• Provide face to face or telephonic follow-up with persons served when clinically indicated.
• Accompany police officers on patrol as allowed by officer in charge.
• Work in collaboration with police to ensure that persons with behavioral health needs are appropriately diverted from the criminal justice system and referred for appropriate behavioral health services.
• Work in collaboration with the Emergency Service team to divert unnecessary Emergency Department visits.
• Provide and/or coordinate, as needed training to police personnel regarding behavioral health, substance use, trauma spectrum disorders, and other behavioral health topics as identified.
• Compile and submit monthly statistics.
• Act as primary liaison mental health community providers and Law Enforcement.
• Establish and maintain regularly scheduled, and as needed, contact with the Court Clinicians to optimize appropriate dispositions and outcomes.
• Establish and maintain regularly scheduled Community Police Collaborative meetings of all Stakeholders and community providers.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in social work, psychology, or closely related field is required.
• Clinical Licensure preferred but not required. 
• Must have previous outreach based clinical experience, preferably within psychiatric emergency services.
• Minimum of one year experience in a crisis intervention setting or related field placement in crisis intervention setting to gain strong clinical and crisis intervention skills.
• Valid Driver’s License, Class D.
• Experience within the Criminal Justice or Corrections system to develop an ability to remain calm and use sound clinical judgment in crisis situations.
• First Aid, CPR and defibrillator Certification preferred but not required at time of hire.
• Proficient computer skills, including use of various software programs unique to the public health department as well as Microsoft office 365 and virtual meeting programs.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is often performed under varying field conditions including at home visits, calls for emergencies, etc.  May have access to an extensive amount of confidential/personal information about clients and their families. Regular documentation of interactions is required. Incumbent works a 4 on, 2 off schedule, mirroring police officer schedule, at 37.5 hours per week. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hand to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, or balance, to kneel, crouch or crawl. Use of a City-owned vehicle shall be required for responding to calls for emergencies and follow-up field/home visits. Must lift/push/pull up to 10lbs.

HOURS

4 on, 2 off schedule, mirroring police officer schedule, at 37.5 hours per week.

SALARY

Starting rate $29.33 - $31.11 an hour

Annual increase up to 38.26 an hour