Barnstable Police Department Co-Response Clinician

Embedded in the Barnstable Police Department, the Co-Response Clinician will work alongside police officers and provide crisis response to individuals in need. Co-response clinicians offer on-scene de-escalation, support, assessment of mental status and social functioning, and determine the level of risk to self and others.

• →Works collaboratively to assist and support law enforcement on calls involving individuals in a mental health/substance use-related crisis
• →Participate in regular ride-alongs with partner police department
• →Coordinates and facilitates monthly Co-Response Program Operations Meetings
• →Works closely with community members who are in crisis, identifying signs of mental health conditions, emotional dysregulation, and substance use
• →Performs risk assessments and crisis intervention and employs de-escalation techniques
• →Provides community-based care through effective and efficient in-person responses, telephone support, and referrals
• →Thoroughly documents all clinician interventions and follow-up care needed
• →Provides informal and formal training to law enforcement and dispatchers
• →Collects and enters data on interventions performed in the DMH database and clinical notes program
• →Engages with training and professional development to enhance clinical, law enforcement, and justice system knowledge

• Understanding of grief and trauma
• Excellent client assessment and intervention skills
• Proactive, creative, ethical, and enthusiastic approach and strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent de-escalation skills
• Ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team
• Responsive with follow through on individual tasks
• Ability to learn how to complete a rapid risk assessment
• Demonstrates understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations
• Ability to establish rapport with consumers, family members, law enforcement and service providers

• Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or related field.
• Two years’ experience in crisis work
• Experience collaborating with law enforcement (preferred)
• Knowledge of trauma-informed responses to mental health crises
• Knowledge of MA laws relevant to police-response to individuals in crisis
• Demonstrated knowledge of varying social and behavioral health services and the nature of the treatment, rehabilitation, and support they offer
• Must adhere to principles and codes of ethics