POSITION SUMMARY
The Marcus Alert Co-Responder works in partnership with local law enforcement to provide compassionate and effective mental health crisis intervention for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric distress in the community. This position specializes in crisis intervention and stabilization services, including mobile crisis response to designated community locations and co-response with law enforcement or first responders to homes and other community settings.
The Co-Responder ensures the safety of individuals in crisis, de-escalates situations, and facilitates follow-up care by connecting individuals to appropriate community resources and services. This role requires strong clinical judgment, adaptability to rapidly changing environments, and a collaborative approach to building community partnerships.
This job description is based upon an evaluation of agency requirements at the time this description was written. This job description will change as the position is developed further, or in response to organizational or technological changes.
CORE COMPETENCIES OF POSITION DUTIES
- Provide emergency mental health intervention services during hours of operation for Marcus Alert program.
- Co-respond with law enforcement or other first responders to individuals in behavioral health crisis in the community, their homes, clinics, and emergency facilities.
- Conduct mental health and crisis screening interviews, assess psychological status and relevant medical information to inform appropriate emergency interventions and make recommendations for level of care.
- Provide crisis intervention for individuals at high risk for suicide or homicide; evaluate risk and potential need for hospitalization under supervisory guidance.
- Develop and support implementation of risk management plans.
- Maintain records according to agency policies and procedures; prepare reports.
- Attend and participate in staff meetings, supervision, and professional development activities.
- Initiate follow-up with individuals referred to mental health professionals or released from incarceration, CITAC, or hospitalization to reduce future law enforcement encounters.
- Coordinate and communicate with partner agencies and programs, such as the Fire Department Community Paramedicine Program, and other mental health professionals when necessary.
- Collaborate with law enforcement regarding potential emergency custody orders for involuntary psychological evaluation and support law enforcement in implementing alternatives to incarceration in collaboration with magistrates, courts, Pre-Trial Services, Probation and Parole, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Provide outreach, assessment, linkage to, and coordination with other service providers.
- Respond to program callers and phone inquiries.
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB
5% Performs related duties as required or deemed appropriate to the accomplishment of the responsibilities and functions related to this position or in support of departmental and agency goals.
SUPERVISION
Received: This position reports directly to the Crisis Services Program Manager
Exercised: This position does not supervise.
NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE
This position maintains a 40-hour work week on an assigned crisis services shift; however, the schedule may be adjusted to meet the needs of the agency at the discretion of the supervisor or program director. As an FLSA non-exempt position, the position is subject to overtime earnings according to the laws and regulations of both the Commonwealth of Virginia and United States.
This position is assigned to the following location:
Crisis Services
170 Prosperity Dr
Winchester, Va 22602
Some travel may be required on occasion (up to 10%). A valid Virginia driver’s license or obtaining a Virginia driver’s license within 90 days and an acceptable driving record are required for this position.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
Qualifications
- A combination of mental health work experience or relevant education, and training, which indicates the possession of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform essential job duties.
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in relevant human services field required.
- Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) required.
- One to two years of experience providing clinical services to adults with serious mental illness
- Clinical experience providing crisis intervention preferred
- An eagerness to invest in one’s community through service
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge
Knowledge of adult, adolescent, and geriatric psychology in mental health and substance use areas; crisis intervention techniques and their application to individuals in crisis. Cultural competence in working with diverse populations. Working knowledge of community systems and resources, and inter-agency networking. Working knowledge of voluntary and involuntary admission to mental health inpatient facilities.
Skills
Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to build collaborative relationships; effective problem-solving skills. Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite.
Abilities
Demonstrated ability to intervene in crises appropriately, using critical thinking and decision-making skills; to assist clients in evaluating and accessing available resources and work effectively with community resources; to exercise professional and moral judgment; to work effectively with others as part of a treatment team; to adapt in a complex, fast-paced work environment, and to work independently. Ability to approach individuals in crisis with humility and respect for lived experiences.
Physical Requirements
- May be exposed to clients with infectious diseases.
- Must be able to drive for long periods of time to visit clients in and out of the catchment area as needed.
- Must be able to walk distances, climb and descend stairs, maneuver in and out of agency vehicles.
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift/push/pull up to 25 pounds at times.
- Work performed in community settings, homes, clinics, and emergency facilities.
SALARY: Starting at $55,145
RETIREMENT: NWCSB participates in Virginia Retirement System.
DISCLAIMER: All full-time employees are eligible for a complete benefits package that includes enrollment in Virginia Retirement System. For more information about benefits and a complete list of current job openings, please visit our website, www.nwcsb.com. Positions remain open and advertised until filled.
If you need assistance or an accommodation to apply or interview, contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 540-636-4250, Ext 2155.
Northwestern Community Services Board provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.