Community Support Specialist/Police Liaison - Crisis Services - Westminster

Health Care And Rehabilitation Services - Brattleboro, VT

Full-time

Brattleboro, 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 local police departments to respond to both emergency and non-emergency calls. In this capacity, Police Liaisons offer individual and family support to ensure that people are linked to the proper system of care. They also provide emergency support to community members who are in crisis or have experienced trauma involving law enforcement. The workload of a Police Liaison will vary according to the needs of HCRS programs, the police department, and the discretion of the supervisor. This position requires a strong belief in individuals' self-determination and respect for all people, along with the ability to maintain a positive attitude and work effectively with individuals receiving services, other providers, law enforcement, and staff members. Police Liaisons are expected to pursue professional growth and development to enhance their knowledge and better support individuals with mental health issues, developmental disabilities, civil liberties, and legal matters. They must also be able to remain calm in stressful situations and maintain a sense of humor.

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 to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Support law enforcement by providing individual and family support to ensure proper care connections.

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 and 1 week of personal time.