CIT Co-Responder

Description

Purpose: 

The CIT Co-Responder is embedded within the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Department and will respond with officers/deputies to calls for, from, regarding citizens who appear to have a mental health or substance use concern. The CIT Co- Responder will assist in de-escalation; assess the immediate needs of the individual (suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, psychosis, psychiatric services, housing, food, medications, medical issues etc.) with the goal of crisis stabilization. These clinicians will also assist with linkage to appropriate mental health, substance abuse, social services and/or medical providers as appropriate. Referrals may also be submitted following calls where a behavioral health concern was identified/suspected. Other responsibilities may include participating in facilitation of CIT Training for law enforcement officers, Ride-along's, Shift change updates. This position will be 40 hours per week and will necessitate carrying a Sheriff’s Department provided cell phone, pager, and police radio during work hours.. Successful participation and completion of the 40-hour CIT Officer Training required within six months of hire. The CIT Co- Responder will be responsible for providing services to both adults and youth clients.

The co-responder is an employee of WC, but will have office space and a vehicle provided by the Sheriff’s Department. Assigned duties will occur primarily in the community.

Accountabilities:

• Conducts comprehensive clinical assessments and inpatient psychiatric screens as a part of the diagnostic process, ongoing provision of services, and/or crisis intervention; identifies individual needs and diagnoses substance use and/or mental health disorders; assesses individual risk for suicide and other safety related concerns; determines the need for medication evaluation and referral; interprets and communicates relevant information to individuals, families, and other stakeholders. Works closely with law enforcement and crisis intervention personnel to problem solve complex situations and develop plans for immediate and appropriate interventions.
• Coordinates and facilitates referrals to appropriate services in the community, including but not limited to mental health care and substance use services. Link and refer individuals to other needed resources in the community. Facilitate activation of benefits for all individuals who meet criteria. Work with individuals until clearly linked with community providers who can assume ongoing treatment services. 
• Conducts hospital admission screens and oversees the admission process as needed.
• Strives to develop intervention plans that prevent or reduce admissions to jail and hospital, when other interventions can meet the needs.
• Prepared to quickly respond to calls at all times during a shift. (The CR will park away from scene until the responding deputy/officer secures the scene and signals the CR to enter scene).
• If determined the individual needs to go to an emergency room, law enforcement will provide transportation (if there is no urgent medical need). CR will meet at hospital and remain until disposition is determined by hospital. 
• Follows all safety protocols as determined by the Sheriff’s Department. Understands and follows the guidelines and policies of the Wyandot Center and the Sheriff’s Department. Expected to follow all clinical policies and procedures from Wyandot Center and Sheriff’s Department as applicable to this position, including those related to confidentiality, release of information and record keeping. 
• Expected to demonstrate customer service focus, good communication and professionalism with consumers, co-workers and outside agency personnel in order to provide high quality services and to enhance community relationships. 
• Understands that law enforcement at the scene will always be considered the lead throughout the intervention, and that mental health co-responder is acting in the role of consultant. LEO will consult with CR recommendations and will make final decision on disposition.
• CR will follow all safety protocols determined by Sheriff’s Department. CR will complete any occurrence/incident reports as necessary.
• CR will follow-up with those referred to WC services by reviewing electronic medical record. CR will attempt contact by phone or in person. CR will coordinate additional follow-up with appropriate treatment teams as needed.
• Provide and maintain accurate documentation of one's interventions or attempts for all clients. This includes record keeping in Wyandot Center’s Electronic Health Records and other documents for data tracking. Must complete required documentation legibly, within established timelines, and to accepted standards of practice. All contacts will be documented within Wyandot Center documentation expectations.
• Contributes positively to the development of new programming and demonstrates solution-focused leadership abilities.
• Monitors program data and develops reports to ensure appropriate accountability.
• Develops and maintains effective communication with law enforcement personnel, as well as mental health service providers.
• Coordinates with 24/7 crisis line contractor to assure quality and timeliness of crisis interventions.
• Confers with various Center staff to ensure optimum consumer care and documentation accountability.
• Models and inspires flexibility and creativity in the delivery of clinical services.
• Adheres to and remains compliant with Medicaid, State licensing regulations, grant and other contractual standards.
• Assist in program related activities to include data collection, reports, conferences and relevant trainings.
• Clearance through the Kansas Child Abuse/Neglecct Register, criminal background check and driving record check.
• Must be able to safely perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Must provide proof current Driver’s License (non-suspended and non-expired).

Requirements

Qualifications:

Education: 

• Must be Qualified / Licensed Mental Health Professional, with preference given to clinical licensure. Master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling or other mental health related field. Must have current licensure by the KS Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board such as an LMSW, LMFT, LPC, LMLP LCP, OR LSCSW.

Experience:

• · Must have experience providing crisis intervention services 
• · Must have familiarity with Trauma-Informed systems of care.

Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including both oral and written.
• Relevant experience in mental health emergency services.
• Ability to recognize and be sensitive to cultural and ethnic differences.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with personnel from multiple systems, including law enforcement and mental health service agencies.
• Ability to provide direction for programming and planning purposes.
• Must be able to safely perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Work Conditions and Considerations:  

Based at a central office, light travel is required to other locations, businesses, and community sites to meet organizational needs. Workday regularly includes multiple and/or conflicting demands.