Community Support Specialist/Police Liaison - Crisis Services - Royalton

Health Care And Rehabilitation Services - Hartford, VT

Full-time

Hartford, VT

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Police Liaison works embedded in area municipal police departments responding to mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, or other social service-related calls with law enforcement, to provide immediate support and resource connection. The Police Liaison adds to HCRS policy and complies with federal, state, and local regulations while supporting program philosophy. This role is crucial in ensuring that individuals in crisis receive the necessary support and are connected to appropriate resources. Police Liaisons provide an array of supports to individuals, including assisting with various challenges such as financial, medical, legal, transportation, food, and employment issues. They help individuals connect with community agencies and care providers, working closely with law enforcement to ensure that people are connected to the proper system of care. The role involves responding to both emergency and non-emergency calls, providing assistance to law enforcement, and offering individual and family support to community members who are in crisis or have experienced trauma. The workload for a Police Liaison will vary according to the needs of HCRS programs, the police department, and supervisor discretion. Police Liaisons are expected to demonstrate a strong belief in individuals' self-determination and respect for all people, maintaining a positive attitude and the ability to work well with individuals receiving services, other providers, law enforcement, and staff members. They model appropriate behaviors in a strengths-based approach and pursue professional growth to improve their knowledge and better support individuals' mental health, developmental disabilities, civil liberties, and legal issues. The ability to stay calm in stressful situations and maintain a sense of humor is essential for success in this role.

Responsibilities

• Respond to mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and other social service-related calls with law enforcement.
• Assist individuals with various challenges including financial, medical, legal, transportation, food, and employment issues.
• Connect individuals with community agencies and care providers.
• Provide emergency support to community members in crisis or trauma situations involving law enforcement.
• Work embedded in local police departments, responding to emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Support law enforcement by providing individual and family support to ensure proper care connections.
• Maintain compliance with HCRS policy and federal, state, and local regulations.

Requirements

• Associate's degree plus one to two years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of family systems, mental illness or developmental disabilities, behavior management, substance abuse, and confidentiality procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to listen effectively.
• Demonstrate respect and a caring attitude towards all individuals.
• A valid driver's license and reliable car is required.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university with professional experience in human services.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of law enforcement culture.

Benefits

• 3 weeks (pro-rated) paid vacation to start
• Excellent health, dental, and vision coverage
• 9 paid holidays
• 1 week of personal time