Mental Health Co-Responder (Licensed Crisis Clinician)

Johnson County has implemented a skill-based pay plan of up to $4200 annually for staff who have obtained licensure by the BSRB at the Clinical Level.

Johnson County Mental Health is looking for qualified candidates who are interested in working alongside law enforcement to fill the position of Co-Responder Clinician (Licensed Crisis Clinician) for the Overland Park Police Department.  These positions will work as a member of JCMHC’s Emergency Services Division but will office within the assigned police department. We offer various flexible shifts including five 8-hour shifts or four 10-hour shifts with a working lunch.  The schedule may include meetings and trainings outside of normal work hours, so flexibility is necessary.

The Mental Health Co-Responder (Licensed Crisis Clinician) positions are perfect for clinicians who like working in fast paced environments, resolving crises, and improving the intersection between law enforcement and mental health. The goals of the program include decreasing unnecessary trips to the emergency rooms, avoiding preventable arrests and reducing repeat mental health calls for the police department by connecting people to the appropriate resources. The co-responder will respond to behavioral health 911 calls alongside their respective police department, provide interventions at various locations in the community, and provide outreach by phone or in person to determine if the crisis is resolved and if additional services or resources are needed. All in person interventions will be accompanied by a law enforcement officer. 

Schedule: Sunday-Wednesday 8am-6pm.

This position is currently a salary position, but is moving to an hourly position on January 19, 2025 with the opportunity for shift differential on evenings (after 7 pm) and weekends. This position is eligible for a shift differential specific to weekday overnight hours($2.00/hr), weekend hours ($4.00/hr), and weekend overnight hours ($6.00/hr).

First review of applications will be December 9th. 

Responds in person to 911 behavioral health calls alongside law enforcement to conduct an assessment to recommend appropriate level of care, including assessing individual risk for suicide and other safety related concerns, and determining the need for resource referrals. 

• Completes in person or phone outreach to support individual's post-crisis with connecting to necessary services; this could also be after other 911 calls, like domestic violence, fatalities or traumatic experiences.
• May complete State Hospital Screenings for involuntary commitments to assist with keeping individuals safe and getting critical services. 
• Reviews police reports and determines appropriate next steps, including follow up needs after the initial call to ensure the crisis has resolved and/or if additional resources are needed. Follow up is conducted by phone or an in-person outreach alongside a law enforcement officer.
• Collaborates with JCMHC teams and other community agencies to advocate and partner for individuals’ needs.
• Submits clinical documentation regarding services provided and makes necessary referrals to internal and external resources. 
• Facilitates trainings for police department regarding co-responder role and mental health related topics; participate in presentations in the community regarding the co-responder program. 

Minimum Job Requirements:

Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or other Human Services field and Kansas Behavioral Sciences licensure* at the master’s level in the area of focus are required.  May require a KS/MO driver’s license, depending on department or agency.

*Applicants who meet Kansas licensure requirements may be considered if Kansas licensure is obtained by time of an employment offer and licensure is pending confirmation at the time of employment application. Candidates must be able to meet REJIS/KCJIS requirements (for law enforcement positions) and will be required to successfully complete a background investigation, including post-offer polygraph and drug screen, as a condition of employment.

Preferred Job Requirements:

Kansas Behavioral Sciences license at the clinical level and one year of experience in the area of focus is preferred.

Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:

All County employees may be called upon to assist other departments in a declared emergency situation.