Patrol Officers – Mental Health Co-Responder Position Available In Wilson, Tennessee

Patrol Officers – Mental Health Co-Responder 3.7 3.7 out of 5 stars 1017 Sparta Pke, Lebanon, TN 37087 Thank you for your interest in employment with the City of Lebanon. Applicants must use their own personal email address when applying. If you are using someone else’s email address, your application will be rejected. A completed application is required for your application to be considered and reviewed by the hiring manager. Do not leave blanks and do not skip the application questionnaire.

MENTAL HEALTH CO-RESPONDER

The Co-Responder will work with the Department providing community-based interventions and assessments of individuals who come in contact with law enforcement for a behavioral health-related call.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Co-Responder will assist law enforcement in responding to individuals in the community having a mental health crisis to provide de-escalation, assessment, resources and linkage to services. The Co-Responder and law enforcement will work collaboratively to provide better outcomes and services to those in need. The combined expertise of the responder and law enforcement will allow for increased safety and on-scene evaluation to help individuals obtain the most appropriate level of care while avoiding unnecessary emergency department admissions and offering an alternative to incarceration for crimes related to their mental illness. Co-Responder will adhere to all Policies and Procedures of both the Lebanon Police Department and the City of Lebanon, as well as prevailing or current confidentiality laws when interacting with law enforcement with respect to a psychiatric emergency ensuring the safety of the person in crisis and/or the public. Co Responder will provide information without written consent from the client, subject to the requirements and restrictions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (hereinafter “HIPAA”) and all other applicable laws and Lebanon PD policies in the following situations: In an emergency where there is a threat of immediate harm to self or others, Co -Responder will exchange information with officers, other service providers, family members, or other collateral individuals of the consumer who have a need to know. Co- Responder will follow all laws related to the reporting of child, dependent, elderly adult abuse and/or domestic violence abuse. Co-Responder will respond via a virtual platform or in their personal vehicle or with a designated officer. Co-Responder will not respond for in-person consultation to any situation that may pose a danger or potential danger to consumer, staff, or others without first requesting Lebanon PD involvement. The assessment of danger or potential danger will be at the discretion of Co Responder. Co-Responder will discuss the situation with officers on scene and determine the nature of the crisis. Co-Responder will not remain in any location deemed unsafe by law enforcement. During an in-person response, Co-Responder will evaluate the situation and arrange for the most appropriate disposition. Unless an individual is deemed to meet criteria under TCA 33-6-404, the services that can be rendered are voluntary; this includes Pre-Arrest Diversion, Crisis Stabilization Unit, Respite, Observation, Outpatient, and Substance Use Treatment and Recovery (SUTR) services. If the person in crisis needs to be transported and is not in need of secure transportation per clinician evaluation, Co-Responder will attempt to arrange transportation to the appropriate psychiatric facility by any other means available. If an emergency petition is required in accordance with TCA 33-3-404, Co- Responder may request Lebanon PD provide transportation to a local emergency room or psychiatric facility. Co-Responder will make themselves available to Lebanon PD for in-service trainings on mental health-related topics as requested. Law enforcement utilizes body cameras and other recording devices which will not be turned off and will record all interactions, which may include interactions involving Co-Responder consultations and assessments. Lebanon PD acknowledges the importance of protecting the integrity and security of body camera footage, particularly interactions that involve discussions of private health information, and commits to implementing measures to safeguard the confidentiality and privacy of such sensitive data in accordance with applicable privacy laws and regulations. Co- Responder is responsible for completing any training required for maintain certifications. Co- Responder must acquire and maintain any clinical supervision required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to speak distinctly. Ability to deal effectively with the public under trying or stressful conditions. Ability to acquire and relay information accurately. Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies and to determine the proper course of action. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the public and other employees.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Hearing is required to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or make fine distinctions in sound. You must have normal ability to understand speech in noisy areas, understand whispered speech, and be able to localize sounds. Visual acuity is required for night vision, peripheral vision, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work and observing general surroundings and activities. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Conditions present high stress situations. May be required to work overtime as needed and with limited advance notice. May be required to extend work schedule during emergency situations. This is a safety and security sensitive position.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

It shall be the responsibility of the City of Lebanon Police Department to assess the type(s) of reasonable accommodations which may be necessary to allow the individual to perform the essential functions of a Mental Health Co-Responder and to provide such necessary reasonable accommodations to a qualified individual with a disability, provided that nothing herein shall be construed to require the provision of reasonable accommodations if doing so will impose an undue hardship on the employing agency or a direct threat to the safety of himself/herself or others.