Community Support Specialist/Police Liaison - Emergency Services Division - Hartford

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. This role is crucial in ensuring that individuals in crisis receive the necessary assistance and are connected to appropriate community resources. The Police Liaison adheres to HCRS policy and complies with federal, state, and local regulations while supporting the program's philosophy. Police Liaisons provide a wide array of supports to individuals facing various challenges, including financial, medical, legal, transportation, food, and employment issues. They assist individuals in connecting with community agencies and care providers, working closely with local police departments to respond to both emergency and non-emergency calls. In this capacity, they offer individual and family support to ensure that people are linked to the proper system of care. The role also involves providing emergency support to community members who are in crisis or have experienced trauma, particularly in situations involving law enforcement. The workload of a Police Liaison can vary based on 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 a respect for all people, along with a positive attitude and the ability to work effectively with individuals receiving services, other providers, law enforcement, and staff members. Police Liaisons are expected to model appropriate behaviors and pursue professional growth to enhance their knowledge and better support individuals with mental health issues, developmental disabilities, civil liberties, and legal matters. They must also maintain composure in stressful situations and possess a sense of humor to navigate the challenges of the 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 individual and family support to ensure proper system of care linkage.
• Offer 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.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HCRS policies and 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, and substance use.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with effective listening abilities.
• Demonstrate respect and a caring attitude towards all individuals.
• Valid driver's license and reliable car 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.