Community Responder

Description

JOB SUMMARY: 

In response to referrals from local Police department staff, the Community Outreach & Response Team member provides outreach and assistance to individuals needing services and supports to help them function effectively in the community. The Community Responder links individuals to local resources and medical/ behavioral health care. The Community Responder is guided by strengths-based Recovery principles which support individual autonomy and independence. The Responder functions as part of a multi-agency team and serves as the community face of partnership between the agency and local law enforcement and consistently reflects an image of professionalism, integrity, support, and partnership to further the relationship between both agencies and the community. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Respond to law enforcement officer requests for outreach support by attempting contact with referred parties in person or by phone
• Assess individual needs of referred parties
• Provide linkage and facilitate engagement of individuals with service providers 
• Assist individuals to obtain needed goods, services and benefits 
• Collaborate with other Centennial service providers to engage clients in behavioral health care when appropriate
• Collaborate with law enforcement to facilitate an appropriate response to individuals receiving Outreach & Response services
• Maintain regular communication with Police Department staff as needed to coordinate care
• Provide services in a variety of community settings, including client homes
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical records consistent with Center standards
• Attend required Police Department, Centennial Mental Health Center and community meetings
• Participate in regular supervision sessions
• Complete assigned Police Department and Centennial Mental Health Center training
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous skill development to competently serve individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Requirements

EDUCATION: 

Bachelor’s degree in   psychology, social work, criminology or other human services field required

CHARACTER, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES: 

• Be of high moral character with no unbecoming conduct on or off the job that would bring discredit to the Police Department or Centennial Mental Health, or would compromise the ability to perform essential job functions and responsibilities

      Key character traits that translate into essential job functions:

      o Honesty: Always providing accurate information and upholding ethical standards.

      o Integrity: Acting with consistency between words and actions, being trustworthy.

      o Responsibility: Taking ownership of tasks and following through to completion.

      o Reliability: Consistently being dependable and showing up on time.

      o Respectfulness: Treating colleagues and clients with courtesy and consideration.

      o Adaptability: Being flexible and able to adjust to changing circumstances.

      o Positive attitude: Maintaining a constructive and optimistic outlook

• No felony convictions or any conviction for crimes that would compromise the credibility and public trust of the Police Department or Centennial Mental Health.
• Ability to work well with clients presenting with complex needs 
• Able to identify and nurture strengths and support client rights to make independent decisions
•  Skills to serve culturally diverse populations 
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrates effective time management and the ability to multi-task
• Ability to work as a team member
• Knowledge of basic computer literacy such as e-mail communication and word processing
• Ability to travel within the Center’s service area or to other locations as needed