Mental Health Co-Responder

A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you’re searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!

Johnson County has implemented a skill-based pay plan of up to $4,200 annually for staff who have obtained licensure by the BSRB at the Clinical Level.

Johnson County Mental Health Center (JCMHC) is seeking a qualified candidate to join our team as a Mental Health Co-Responder (Licensed Crisis Clinician) assigned to the Leawood and Prairie Village Police Departments. This position is part of JCMHC’s Emergency Services Division and is co-located at the partnering police departments, alternating between the two locations. The Co-Responder role is ideal for clinicians who thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy resolving crises in the field, and want to strengthen the collaboration between law enforcement and behavioral health. The program’s goals include reducing unnecessary emergency room visits, preventing avoidable arrests, and decreasing repeat behavioral health calls to police by connecting individuals to appropriate services. The Co-Responder will respond in real-time to behavioral health-related 911 calls alongside law enforcement, provide crisis intervention in various community settings, and conduct follow-up outreach to ensure stabilization and connection to care. All in-person contacts are completed with a law enforcement officer. A county vehicle and cell phone are provided for this role.

Open Position – Leawood/Prairie Village Police Departments

• Schedule Options: Choose between Sunday–Thursday or Tuesday–Saturday
• This position provides evening coverage, with flexibility in hours. Applicants may choose from the following shifts:
  • 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• Schedule may include meetings and trainings outside of normal work hours, so flexibility is necessary.
• 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.).

This position will remain open until filled.

Job Description

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. 

Job Requirements

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.