Jail Diversion Clinician

Beth Israel Lahey Health - Salem, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Salem, MA

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Jail Diversion Program is a collaborative partnership between police officers and behavioral health professionals. We are seeking a Clinician who will be embedded within the police department. This role will focus on creating alternatives to arrest and jail detention for individuals who come in contact with the police and could benefit from mental health and substance use treatment. Clinicians will conduct brief assessments to determine appropriate dispositions for services which may include: arrests, diversion from arrest, or a combination of criminal justice/behavioral health treatment involvement. Clinicians will also provide mental health training for police officers to support them in mental and behavioral health crises. The ideal candidate is flexible, organized and a team player.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention and assessment to individuals who have come to the attention of the police.
• Work in collaboration with police to ensure that persons with behavioral health needs are appropriately diverted from the criminal justice system, and referred for appropriate behavioral health services.
• Provide face to face or telephonic follow-up with persons served when clinically indicated.
• Establish and maintain regularly scheduled and as needed contact with the Court Clinicians and Probation officers to optimize appropriate dispositions and outcomes.
• Provide and/or coordinate training to police personnel regarding mental illness, substance use, trauma spectrum disorders, and other behavioral health topics as identified as needed.
• Compile and submit monthly statistics in accordance with DMH reporting requirements.
• Increase community awareness regarding jail diversion initiatives and participate as a member of the Police Community Collaboration forum.
• Attend all regularly scheduled meetings with DMH, police, and agency as required.
• Act as primary liaison between community providers including the our Emergency Services Program and Police Department.
• Act as primary Behavioral Health liaison for the On Point Program for court involved youth.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling or a related field with experience and training in forensic mental health or criminal justice.
• Valid driver's license, good driving record, and reliable vehicle with an ability to meet persons served in a variety of community settings.