JOB Under the general direction of the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Commander, provides mental health related services based on law enforcement contracts and acts as liaison between the police department and various mental health providers, consumers and the community. This is a non-sworn position and does not perform law enforcement functions. This mental health responder will work closely with a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) police officer in a co-responder model.
Provide crisis intervention, case management, resources and community conflict resolution by responding to calls involving people that need assistance due to mental health concerns, community concerns, substance abuse, experiencing homelessness and those that need a resolution outside of the criminal justice path.
The job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Examples of Essential Job Functions
Crisis Response and Field Operations
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Responds to emergency calls or situations involving individuals experiencing mental health crises alongside law enforcement.
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Assesses the mental health status of individuals in crisis and determine immediate needs, including potential risks to themselves or others.
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Provides emotional support and crisis de-escalation techniques to calm individuals in distress.
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Work in tandem with police officers to ensure an appropriate and coordinated response to individuals in crisis.
Case Management and Follow-Up Services
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Conduct ongoing follow-up and case tracking for individuals after initial crisis response to ensure continuity of care and successful connection to services.
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Connect individuals to appropriate mental health services, including psychiatric evaluations, inpatient care, outpatient therapy, or substance abuse treatment.
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Collaborate with clients and service providers to support individualized service or care plans.
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Coordinate outreach and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
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Aid victims of domestic violence and track follow-up procedures.
Coordination and Community Liaison
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Act as a liaison with the mental health task force and other mental health resources.
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Collaborate with local mental health professionals, hospitals, and social service agencies to facilitate timely care.
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Coordinate with courts, hospitals, and regional partners to support a system-wide response.
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Serve as part of the liaison team for Clive Behavioral Health (CBH) and review policies and procedures where missions overlap.
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Develops and maintains a comprehensive community resource guide of mental health, social service, and support providers.
Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting
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Maintain accurate, confidential, and timely records of interventions, and referrals.
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Tracks, analyzes, and reports program data, outcomes, and trends to support decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.
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Maintains data as prescribed by the department, prepares a monthly reports to the chief, and develops tracking programs.
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Perform duties involving the administration of confidential data and information.
Training, Education, and Program Improvement
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Provides training and education to police officers, City staff, and community partners regarding mental health response and the co-responder program.
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Participates in continuous improvement efforts of the co-responder model, including program evaluation and implementation enhancements.
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Assists in the development and coordination of training related to mental health services.
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Stay current with mental health crisis intervention techniques, best practices, and legal or policy changes.
General Responsibilities
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Attend court proceedings as needed based on mental health protocols and legal requirements.
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Assure that the City’s mission, goals, and objectives are supported.
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Performs other related duties as assigned.
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This position supports diversion from the criminal justice system and promotes community-based solutions to behavioral health needs when feasible.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Required Characteristics of the Job
Sitting, Kneeling, Reaching, Finger Dexterity, Talking, Hearing, Repetitive Motions.
Physical Characteristics of the Job
Light work exerting up to twenty (20) pounds of force occasionally and/or up to ten (10) pounds of force frequently. Required walking or standing in an office environment or in a patrol car for extended periods of time. Pushing and/or pulling of arm and leg control frequently.
Environmental Conditions
This work is primarily conducted in an office environment or in a police patrol vehicle. The job required sitting for extended periods of time and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations and significant workplace pressure and at times, irregular work hours. All weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain, ice, snow, wind, dust, dirt, biohazard fluids and other hazards may be present daily.
EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS USED
Computer hardware and software, computer network, general office equipment, calculator, Code of Iowa, City of Clive Ordinances, telephone, mobile devices, fax machine, photo copier, car or light pickup, Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), Naloxone (Narcan) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
The City of Clive retains the authority to change job duties included in this job description at any time. The list of duties is not exhaustive, and various requirements are subject to possible modification as a reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual.
