Behavioral Services Co-Responder

Summary

The Co-Responder will spend the majority of their shift accompanying UFPD Law Enforcement Officers in calls regarding a person who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. The Co-Responder will provide on-site response and intervention to members of the UF campus community. The Co-Responder will utilize a variety of skills involving clinical assessment, crisis intervention and de-escalation, lethality assessment, safety planning, and consultation and referral. This position is designated as an Essential Employee.  Essential employees provide vital support to the University of Florida and are subject to recall to work when deemed necessary by the Chief of Police or designee. Recall to work typically happens due to an emergency, disaster or special event that may coincide with the official suspension of classes and/or closing of offices.

Examples of Work

Job functions are specific duties that would be included in the essential functions of the job description.  These functions are not all-inclusive nor do they cover the full extent of the duties performed.

• Crisis Intervention: empathic listening and validation, de-escalation, assessment of suicide/homicide danger, safety planning, efficient intervention, consultation, with consideration of other risk factors such as substance use, self-care, social support, and mental status. Crisis counseling also involves interventions such as psychiatric hospitalization and post-intervention components including follow up with individuals of concern, other impacted individuals, and campus partners as appropriate.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Attend weekly meetings, maintain awareness of other university departments, community health providers, services, hospitals, and other resources. Engage in training of law enforcement officers or other department personnel in areas related to mental health as needed.
• Attends training classes as directed.
• Miscellaneous duties.

Education and Experience

Masters in counseling, psychology, social work or other related field from accredited program

Licensed or licensed eligible in the state of Florida including registered intern with the state of Florida under the supervision of a licensed Qualified Supervisor

Experience with crisis intervention and suicide prevention

Knowledge of HIPAA compliance, current statutes, rules and regulations relative to confidentiality

Licensure and Certification

N/A

Supervision

This position does not typically include supervisory responsibility.

To see common career pathways for each position at the University of Florida please visit the Career Paths section of the UFHR website.