Mental Health Co-Responder

Basic Function

The Mental Health Co-Responder is a mental health professional that reports directly to the Chief of Police or designee. The position accompanies law enforcement officers on patrol to assist individuals with mental health, substance use, homelessness, and other social service needs. The duties include considerable public contact and are intended to bridge the gap between law enforcement, emergency medical response, and/or the social service needs of people within this population. The Mental Health Co-Responder will partner with law enforcement and community services to recommend, develop, plan, and initiate needed programs, policies, and procedures that will assist in addressing social service needs, and provide training and guidance to law enforcement officers and staff. This position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime regulations and is a member of the AFSCME Collective Bargaining Unit.

We are looking for a forward thinking, self-motivated person, who is able to work with limited supervision and/or direction. We are looking for someone with a vision of what this program will be. If this is you, then we encourage you to apply!

Check out what our Chief of Police have to say about this position and the City of SeaTac:

Representative Duties

All duties listed below are considered essential functions of the position.

• Accompany law enforcement officers to assist individuals with mental health, substance use, homelessness, and other social service needs. Assist the target population with obtaining resources as needed. E

• Provide outreach, engagement, and support to individuals in need. Make referrals to appropriate service providers, and coordinate service delivery. E

• Provide information, consultation, training, and referral for officers and staff regarding methods for dealing with target population and social services available. E

• Promote best practices in treatment approaches, support systems, and interventions. Advocate needs and liaise between individuals, caregivers, and service providers. Provide systemwide troubleshooting and advocacy. E

• Follow-up with identified individuals and/or emergency medical contacts and social service providers. Consult with other agency professionals on difficult cases. E

Perform other duties as assigned.

E denotes an essential function of the job

To review the full job description and essential functions of the job, please click here.

Required Education and Experience

• Master's degree in social work, counseling psychology, or related field.

Preferred:

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in treatment of mentally ill, homeless, and/or chemically dependent individuals.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in program administration and/or project management relevant to the position.

Licenses and Other Requirements

• Valid Washington State Driver's License required by date of appointment.

• A satisfactory three-year driving abstract record, submitted prior to hire.

• Must pass a Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) compliant background check through the Sheriff's Office, process includes a polygraph examination.

And the possession of and ability to maintain valid licensure in State of Washington of one of the following:

• Licensed Advanced Social Worker

• Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor

The successful candidate must have successful references and pass a criminal background check prior to hire.