Community Responder at Centennial Mental Health Center Incorporated – Sterling, Colorado

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.

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 staff in facilitating 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 all required training as assigned by Police Department and Centennial Mental Health Center
• Perform other job duties as assigned
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous skill development to competently serve individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

EDUCATION:

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

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• 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