DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This is an important mental health position responsible for providing mental health expertise to address complex social issues encountered during police interventions. This role involves working closely with officers, to de-escalate situations, provide crisis intervention, and connect individuals to appropriate social services. The incumbent plays a crucial role in enhancing community safety and well-being. Work is performed under the Supervision of the Commissioner of Social Services and Mental Health and the Director of Mental Health. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:  (Illustrative only)

• Accompany a Sheriff's Office Deputy on patrol for rapid response to calls for service;
• Work in collaboration with the Sheriff's Office to ensure that individuals with behavioral health needs are appropriately diverted from the criminal justice system and referred for appropriate behavioral health services;
• Provide rapid crisis intervention and assessment to individuals who have come to the attention of the police or mental health department;
• Compile and submit monthly reports/statistics as identified;
• Attend all scheduled meetings with MH/DSS, Police and other agencies as required;
• Attend identified trainings;
• Provide any appropriate community outreach as needed;
• Attend scheduled meetings of all stakeholders and community providers;
• Serve as primary liaison to law enforcement;
• Provide behavioral health assessments to individuals and families in crisis who encounter the police;
• Provide initial crisis intervention services to individuals in need, along with crisis case management as follow up from initial intervention, when appropriate;
• Provide leadership in development of co-response model and represent the program in a prepared and professional manner at community events, tasks forces, and public
• speaking engagements;
• Provide information and referral services to individuals and families;
• Maintain necessary documentation, data entry, and records in accordance with program requirements;
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned to an incumbent of this title. Work activities that do not appear above are not excluded as appropriate work assignments, as long as they can be reasonably understood to be within the logical limits of the job.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of NYS laws relevant to individuals experiencing mental health crises; Thorough knowledge of trauma informed responses to mental health crisis; Thorough knowledge of assessment and intervention skills Thorough knowledge of professional principles and code of ethics; Good knowledge of mental health issues, substance abuse, domestic violence, and community resources; Good knowledge of trauma informed responses to mental health crisis; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to perform risk assessment and evaluation; ability to remain calm in high-stress situations; ability to maintain confidentiality; ability to work effectively with diverse populations; excellent assessment and intervention skills, strong interpersonal skills; Empathy; patience; good judgment; tact

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

One (1) year of experience working with law enforcement personnel* and:

1. Master’s Degree or higher in psychology, human development, social work, mental health, or closely related field and three (3) years’ experience in crisis intervention, forensic mental health, jail diversion, case management, or homeless outreach; OR
2. Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, human development, social work, mental health, or closely related field and five (5) years’ experience in crisis intervention, forensic mental health, jail diversion, case management, or homeless outreach; or
3. Associate’s degreein psychology, human development, social work, mental health, or closely related field and seven (7) years’ experience in crisis intervention, forensic mental health, jail diversion, case management, or homeless outreach

*LAW ENFORCEMENT NOTE: This experience may be separate from or the same as the specific required work experience in crisis intervention, forensic mental health, jail diversion, case management, or homeless outreach.

EDUCATION NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Possession of a valid, unrestricted, appropriate level driver’s license, and acceptable driving record are required at time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
2. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to respond to emergency situations.

11/23; 10/24

Competitive