Co-Responding Counselor

Position Summary

The role of a Co-Responding Counselor in partnership with Norristown Police Department is a vital step in addressing a broad range of crises within the community. By integrating skilled professionals into police response teams, this approach offers several benefits, including providing compassionate, proactive support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, domestic violence, substance abuse issues, or other crises. This partnership ensures that law enforcement is equipped with the expertise necessary to manage these situations effectively while connecting individuals and families with the resources they need to achieve stability.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide Crisis Intervention: Respond alongside law enforcement (or follow up after the scene has been deemed safe) to calls involving mental health crises, domestic violence, substance abuse, and other non-criminal matters. Use de-escalation and assessment skills to manage crisis situations, reduce risk, and stabilize individuals in distress.
• Conduct On-Site Assessments: Perform evaluations in the field to determine individuals' needs—whether mental health, safety, or substance abuse-related—and recommend appropriate interventions, including referrals to services, hospitalization, or other supports.
• Facilitate Connections to Community Resources: Act as a bridge between law enforcement and local agencies, connecting individuals and families to long-term support, community-based resources and social services to promote stability and reduce repeat encounters with law enforcement.
• Case Management and Follow-Up: Provide ongoing case management as needed to ensure individuals and families successfully engage with referred resources, addressing any barriers to accessing services.
• Collaborate with Law Enforcement and Community Partners: Work closely with officers, social service agencies, and community organizations to develop and implement strategies for addressing complex crises.
• Document and Evaluate Interventions: Maintain clear and accurate records of all interactions, assessments, and follow-up activities to support continuity of care and inform program evaluation efforts.

Skills & Knowledge

Leadership and soft skills: Excellent communication and relationship building skills; Ability to work effectively on a multi-treatment team.

Technical skills: Proficient in crisis intervention strategies; Knowledge of and ability to access community resources.

Education & Experience

• Education: Master's degree preferred, preferably in counseling or social work
• Crisis Intervention Experience recommended
• Requirement to obtain and maintain CJIS clearance

Work Environment

Community settings

Work Hours

This is a full-time position.

Travel

Travel to the various homes, and community settings within the city of Buffalo, NY. Use of a reliable car is necessary for travel to service sites.