ACS-Behavioral Health Responder Tier 1

Community Safety Department; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Safety Department seeks compassionate professionals to respond to crisis scenarios in the Albuquerque area. You will assess needs, provide short-term interventions, and coordinate referrals to align with community resources.

This is a safety-sensitive role requiring calm, respectful engagement with individuals in crisis and collaboration with partners. Responsibilities include safety planning, written reporting, and on-site duties in field settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Two years' experience in social services, behavioral health, human services, public health, emergency management, criminal justice, public safety, or health-related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Respond in person or by phone to requests for assistance with individuals in crisis when police or EMT response is not required.
• Assess safety and determine services needed, referring clients while considering their preferences.
• Provide short-term, solution-focused intervention.
• Develop or participate in safety/crisis management plans to ensure personal and public safety.
• Coordinate with City staff and service providers to connect the community with a continuum of care.

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college

Job description

Respond in person or by phone to requests for assistance with individuals experiencing issues with mental and behavioral health, inebriation, homelessness, addiction, chronic mental illness as well as other issues that do not require police or EMT response.

This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

Work under potentially abusive, hazardous or emergency conditions

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential functions may include but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

1. Respond in person or by phone to 911 requests for assistance with individuals experiencing issues with mental and behavioral health, inebriation, homelessness, addiction, chronic mental illness as well as other issues that do not require police or EMT response.
2. Assess safety, determine services needed, and make appropriate referrals, giving consideration to client preferences.
3. Provide short term, solution focused intervention.
4. Develop or participate in the development of safety plans or crisis management plans to assist individuals in maintaining personal safety and the safety of those around them.
5. Provide case management assessment and follow-up.
6. Coordinate with City staff and service providers to help connect the community with a continuum of care.
7. Attend community meetings as assigned.
8. Stay up-to-date with new trends, culturally relevant models and innovations within the assigned area of responsibility.
9. Dissemination of information about city resources and assistance.
10. Respond to requests for assistance from individuals, schools and social service agencies; refer and occasionally provide transportation to local treatment providers and other appropriate locations.
11. Provide supportive guidance to other department staff members and communicate effectively with all those encountered in the course of work.
12. Demonstrate culturally sensitive care to individuals and families and preserves strict confidentially of information.
13. Prepare written reports, maintain client records and statistical data.
14. Operate city vehicles and radio equipment when responding to on-scene situations.
15. Evaluate a wide range of crisis issues and supply appropriate information and referral services and employ appropriate intervention techniquesto resolve/mitigatecrisissituations.
16. Provide crisis support and connection to sexual assault services forvictims of sexual assault, molestation and other related crimes.
17. Ensure department visibility with key stakeholders in community.
18. Promote the department within the community through participation in meetings with community partners, health fairs and community events.
19. Educate community about department’s role.
20. May respond to emergency situations in an on-call capacity.
21. Communicate clearly and effectively with individuals in crises situations, community groups and general public.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform related duties and other assignments as needed.
2. Successful completion of annual trainings (mental health first aid, CEU, and CPR first aid).

Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college; and

Two (2) years' experience in social services, behavioral health, human services, public health, emergency management, criminal justice, public safety, or health related field.

Possession of any of the following licenses or certifications preferred: Licensed Bachelor of Social Work (LBSW), Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC), Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW) or Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.

Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire.

Successful completion of a security background check conducted by the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)

Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required.

Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

Environmental

This position will primarily be assigned to the field, with occasional office reporting.

Physical

May require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, and climbing for extended periods of time. Must be able to operate while wearing PPE, such as Body Armor, gloves, mask and protective outer clothing.