Co-Response Clinician (Per Diem) - Fitchburg PD Jail Diversion

Job Description:

Open Sky is collaborating with local police departments in an exciting program that will support individuals in the community who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The Co-Response Program is housed at the Fitchburg Police Department and will work with Police Officers as well as the Community Outreach Program to co-respond to calls for services for those experiencing a crisis. 

The Clinician will work in conjunction with the local police department in a ride-along function to provide psychiatric and substance use evaluations to community members in need.  The co-response clinician will also connect community members with local providers and make referrals to appropriate supports including but not limited to behavioral health providers, emergency services, outreach programs, primary care, and more.  

This is a per diem position and is based out of the Fitchburg Police Department. 

Other Key Responsibilities:

• Assist individuals and families experiencing behavioral health or crisis-related concerns by providing supportive engagement, identifying immediate needs, and connecting them with appropriate community resources and services following police contact.

• Apply the strategies of the Crisis Intervention model to help persons with mental disorders and/or addictions access medical treatment rather than place them in the criminal justice system due to illness related behaviors.

• Participate in cross training with law enforcement. Teach, coach, and role model the clinical approach to crisis work in accordance with Open Sky values.

• Represent the program in a prepared and professional manner at community events, task forces, public speaking engagements, and stakeholder’s meetings. Conduct proactive outreach to identify people in the community who may need support services and provide information and referrals.

• Maintain connections with law enforcement and community agencies by providing documented case consultation, program development and problem resolution.

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Behavioral Health, Mental Health, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field required. This is a non-clinical behavioral health position; therefore, professional clinical licensure (e.g., LICSW, LCSW, LMHC, LADAC I) is not required. Candidates with experience in crisis intervention, behavioral health, social work, community-based services, and/or criminal justice are strongly preferred. A minimum of 2 years of experience in crisis intervention and 3 years of experience in the social work, mental health, behavioral health, and/or criminal justice field is required.

• Must have experience working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, and experience in a training capacity.

• Experience and comfort working independently required. Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.

Pay Range:

$37.50-$37.50

About Us:

At Open Sky Community Services, we open our doors, hearts, and minds to the belief that every individual, regardless of perceived limitations, deserves the chance to live a productive and fulfilling life.

Open Sky is on an anti-racist journey, committed to learning, living, and breathing inclusion, opportunity, diversity, racial equity, and justice for ALL.

At Open Sky, you’ll join over 1,300 compassionate and highly trained professionals who put innovative, evidence-based practices to work in ways that positively impact our communities across Central Massachusetts and beyond.

As a trauma-informed organization, Open Sky strives for transparency and sensitivity to the experiences of those we interact with. Self-care is encouraged, and we are committed to providing a positive work culture that is focused on continuous learning and the value of diverse perspectives.

Open Sky is proud to be an industry leader in pay and benefits. Open the Door to Possibility and begin your career with Open Sky today!

Benefits of Working for Open Sky Include:

• Excellent Supervision (Individual and Group), Professional Development, and Training Opportunities
• Generous paid time off plan – you start with 29 days (almost 6 weeks!) in your first year, including 12 paid holidays. Increases to 32 days in your 2nd year, and the current maximum is 43 days (OVER 8 WEEKS!)
• We pay for your higher education!  Ask about our Tuition Reimbursement Program, and reimbursement for a variety of Human Services certifications.
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance with Prescription Plan
• 403b Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Life Insurance (100% Employer-Paid)
• Eligible employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• And more! 

Open Sky celebrates diversity and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with federal and state employment opportunity laws, qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, gender, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran, or disabled Veteran status.