Co-Responder Clinician

Meridian Healthcare; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay & incentives

Generous PTO for vacation, sick time,

Comprehensive health plans (medical, d

Dental, vision, life insurance

Long-term disability

403(b) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Wellness incentives

Pet insurance

Job summary

Meridian Healthcare in Gainesville, FL is seeking a Co-Responder Clinician to partner with local law enforcement to provide behavioral health support and crisis intervention. This role blends clinical expertise with community outreach to assist individuals in crisis and connect them with needed services.

Licensure is preferred or/licensure in progress; the position supports collaboration with police and counties to improve outcomes, reduce incarceration, and promote recovery.

Qualifications

• Must hold or be pursuing a master's in a behavioral health field.
• Experience with crisis, SMI, or substance use preferred.
• Strong assessment and de-escalation skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and interventions for mental health and substance use crises.
• Provide crisis stabilization, outreach, engagement, and referral services.
• Coordinate with law enforcement to identify appropriate behavioral health interventions and community-based solutions.
• Maintain accurate documentation and data collection per standards.
• Assist in reducing recidivism and improving access to behavioral healthcare.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Assessment

Relationship-building

Collaboration with law enforcement

De-escalation

Education

Master's degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or related behavioral health field

Job description

Gainesville

• Sign-On Bonus: $3,000 - $5,000 after 30 days of employment for select programs
• Free Qualified Supervision toward LMHC, LCSW, or LMFT licensure

Compensation & Bonuses

• Unlicensed: $60,000 annually
• Licensed: $72,000 annually
• Sign-On Bonus: $3,000 - $5,000 after 30 days of employment for select programs
• Free Qualified Supervision toward LMHC, LCSW, or LMFT licensure

Why Choose Meridian?

For over 50 years, Meridian Healthcare has been a trusted provider of compassionate care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. With service centers across 13 counties in North Central Florida, we are committed to transforming lives and communities from the inside out.

We live by our core values: Hope, Empathy, Accountability, Resilience, and Teamwork (H.E.A.R.T.). If these resonate with you, we invite you to become part of our dedicated and mission-driven team.

About The Role

As a Co-Responder Clinician, you'll partner with the Gainesville Police Department or the Alachua County Sheriff's Department to provide behavioral health support and crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.

This unique role combines clinical expertise with community outreach, helping divert individuals from unnecessary incarceration and connecting them to the treatment and support services they need. You'll work collaboratively with law enforcement, community providers, and individuals in crisis to improve outcomes, enhance public safety, and promote recovery.

Whether you're a licensed clinician or working toward licensure, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable experience in crisis response and community behavioral health.

What You Will Do

• Conduct assessments and interventions for individuals experiencing mental health and substance use crises.
• Provide crisis stabilization, outreach, engagement, and referral services.
• Work alongside law enforcement to identify appropriate behavioral health interventions and community-based solutions.
• Utilize motivational interviewing and recovery-oriented practices to engage individuals in treatment.
• Coordinate transitions to appropriate levels of care and community resources.
• Support individuals with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions.
• Provide intensive case management, advocacy, and service coordination.
• Maintain accurate documentation and data collection in compliance with contractual, licensing, and accreditation standards.
• Assist in reducing recidivism and improving access to behavioral healthcare services.

What We're Looking For

• Master's degree in psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a related behavioral health field.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing crisis, serious mental illness, substance use disorders, or co-occurring disorders preferred.
• Strong assessment, de-escalation, crisis intervention, and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed practices preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively with law enforcement and community partners.

Driver Requirements

• Valid Florida Driver's License required.
• Must meet Meridian's insurance and driving eligibility standards.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• No more than three moving violations and/or accidents within the past three years and no major violations within the past five years.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Competitive Pay & Incentives
• Work-Life Balance: Generous PTO for vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple health plans, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• Retirement Planning: 403(b) with up to 8% company match after 7 years
• Growth & Development: Tuition reimbursement, career advancement pathways, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• Wellness & Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness incentives, and mental health resources
• Inclusive Culture: Supportive, team-oriented environment with employee events and recognition
• Additional Perks: Cell phone discounts, travel reimbursement, LegalShield, pet insurance, and more

Make a Difference

Help bring hope and healing to the communities we serve.

For information on Florida's Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse and screening requirements, visit https://info.flclearinghouse.com.

Meridian is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.