Caring. Hope. Giving back. Our mission at the Bert Nash Center as the Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) of Douglas County is to advance the health of the community through comprehensive behavioral health services responsive to evolving needs and changing environments. We accomplish this by believing in our team. Each person that works for the Bert Nash Center contributes directly to the success of our clients, organization, and community. Our values of compassion, integrity, equity and hope reflect in everything we do.

Salary is commensurate with experience within a range of $60,000 - $70,000. This position is full-time, exempt and eligible for our benefits. Bert Nash offers excellent benefits which include medical, dental, vision, KPERS retirement, life insurance, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing free counseling and resources, and generous PTO.

A.  Responsibilities and Duties:  The Co-Responder MRT will work with the city police department in providing community based interventions and assessments of individuals who come in contact with law enforcement for a behavioral health related call.  The Co-Responder will provide interventions at various locations in the community including on the scene with a law enforcement officer once safety has been determined Specific duties include:

1. Conducts comprehensive clinical assessments and inpatient psychiatric screens as a part of the diagnostic process, ongoing provision of services, and/or crisis intervention; identifies individual needs and diagnoses substance use and/or mental health disorders; assesses individual risk for suicide and other safety related concerns; determines the need for medication evaluation and referral; interprets and communicates relevant information to individuals, families, and other stakeholders.
2. Develops complex treatment and intervention plans to address the clinical needs of individuals in single or multiple areas of focus; collaborates with other community agencies to address immediate individual needs; encourages the establishment and maintenance of support systems; collaborates with other providers in the development, implementation, and review of plans.
3. Attends individual and/or group meetings and provides services in a community based setting; facilitates skill development; responds to emergency or crisis related requests from individuals and/or agencies; arranges for appropriate care and services.
4. Completes and submits clinical documentation regarding services provided.
5. Facilitates trainings with respective Police Departments regarding role and mental health related topics; participate in presentations in the community regarding the Co-responder program.
6. Assist in program related activities to include data collection, reports, conferences and relevant trainings.

B.  Accountability:  The Co-Responder Specialist will be directly accountable to the Access Center Team Leader or his/her designee.  The Access Center Team Leader or his/her designee will, no less than annually, complete an evaluation in compliance with personnel policies.

C.  Qualifications: 

1.  graduation from an accredited four year college or university plus a master's degree from an accredited school of social work, psychology or nursing;

2.  Familiarity with law enforcement culture and demonstrated effective interface with Law Enforcement personnel

3.  a minimum of two years experience in a mental health outpatient setting (or similar setting) providing screening, psychiatric evaluation, crisis/emergency services and diagnoses

4.  a commitment to a community-based mental health services delivery model;

5.  Licensure from the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board in Kansas;

6.  excellent diagnostic, crisis intervention and brief psychotherapy skills;

7.  prior computer experience and basic computer fluency;

8.  reliable transportation and a valid, unrestricted driver's license

9.  must be able to achieve within one's first 6 months of employment a working competency in the management and use of the Center's electronic medical record software as demonstrated by timely and accurate documentation of the clinical record;

10.  an ability to work independently and in cooperation with others;

11.  strong oral and written communication skills plus strong organizational skills;

12.  strong interpersonal skills in working with diverse publics;

13.  flexibility in assigned working hours;

14.  an energetic and positive approach to the rapidly evolving changes and challenges of a complex work place.

15.  Must complete the Kansas Criminal Justice Information Systems (KCJIS) training and will be required to pass a background check conducted by the police department.

Bert Nash Center requires proof of Covid-19 immunization prior to starting any position. Covid-19 vaccine series must be completed or in process to be cleared for new hire orientation.