Case Worker - Dearborn Police Co-Responder Unit

Job Title: Case Worker - Dearborn Police Co-Responder Unit

Job Status: Full-time

Job Summary: Under general supervision the Case Worker Dearborn Police Co-Responder partners with both the Co-Responder Therapist and Dearborn Police Officers to deliver in-field case management, crisis intervention, system navigation, and follow-up support for community members facing behavioral health, substance use, or social-service crises. This role emphasizes engagement, assessment, safety coordination, connection to services, advocacy, and ongoing support—rather than clinical diagnosis or treatment. The position assists individuals and families by conducting needs assessments, identifying required services, linking clients to appropriate resources, coordinating care, and ensuring continued assistance after the immediate crisis has passed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Respond to mental health or social-service-related 911 calls with the Co-Responder Therapist and law enforcement
• Assist with on-scene engagement, safety coordination, de-escalation support, rapport building, and needs identification
• Conduct non-clinical assessments, gather presenting information and support the clinical team in determining immediate service needs
• Provide crisis intervention within scope, including stabilization support, safety planning under therapist direction, resource linkage, and follow-up planning
• Identify individuals who may benefit from outreach, early intervention, or support services and engage them in voluntary services
• Conduct intake interviews, need assessments and case evaluations in the field, at homes, hospitals, the police station, or community settings
• Connect clients to behavioral health treatment, substance use services, housing supports, financial assistance, and other community resources
• Explain program guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application processes to clients in clear and understandable terms
• Advocate on behalf of clients with external agencies (CMH, shelters, hospitals, outpatient providers, schools, etc.)
• Provide warm hand-offs and high-touch follow-up to ensure connection, engagement, and program compliance
• Support the Co-Responder Therapist in the development of individualized goals and service plans
• Participate in interdisciplinary case staffing, team conferences, and collaborative problem solving
• Conduct post-crisis follow-ups to ensure clients engage in recommended services
• Monitor progress toward goals, document outcomes, and adjust service plans as needed
• Conduct home, community, or phone visits to evaluate participation and ongoing needs
• Track referrals and coordinate care among multiple providers
• Maintain accurate documentation in accordance with agency, state, federal, and funding guidelines
• Report program progress and outcomes at required intervals
• Adhere to confidentiality guidelines (HIPAA), ethical conduct standards, and privacy laws
• Follow requirements related to safety, quality assurance, and CARF standards
• Partner closely with law enforcement, the Co-Responder Therapist, crisis teams, hospitals, shelters, and community-based providers
• Participate in team meetings, peer reviews, and required training
• Build and maintain knowledge of community resources and system of care
• May assist with program presentations, community outreach, and grant-related activities as assigned
• Wear required safety equipment, including a bullet-resistant vest when in the field
• Transport clients in agency vehicles, as needed
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Crisis intervention principles (non-clerical)
• Behavioral health, substance use, and social-service systems
• Community resources (housing, financial aid, mental health services, SUD programs, shelters)
• Eligibility criteria for public assistance programs and social services
• Safety practices when working in partnership with law enforcement

Skill in:

• Engagement, rapport building, and active listening
• Coordinating services across agencies and systems
• Researching community resources and navigating complex service systems
• Using Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems
• Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications for program area and other applications, including Microsoft Office

Ability to:

• Work effectively in unpredictable, high-stress, or emergency situations
• Collaborate with police officers, clinicians, and other professionals
• Objectively gather information, identify trends, and make informed recommendations
• Communicate clearly, compassionately, and professionally both verbally and in writing
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all client and agency information
• Organize and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Wear safety equipment as required
• Interpret and communicate information in Arabic, Spanish, or another language preferred but not required

Educational/Previous Experience Requirements:

• Minimum Degree Required:

• Bachelor’s degree

• Required Disciplines:
  • Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Public Health or a related field)

~and~

• 2-3 years’ experience in behavioral health, crisis work, social services, homeless services, case management, community outreach. or related field Any equivalent combination of experience, education and/or training approved by Human Resources
• Experience working with individuals experiencing mental illness, substance use disorders, or homelessness strongly preferred.
• Experience partnering with law enforcement or working in community-based crisis settings is an asset but not required

Licenses/Certifications:

• Licenses/Certifications Required at Date of Hire:
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Additional crisis or safety training may be required after hire date (CPI, Mental Health First Aid, etc.)

Working Conditions:

Hours: Normal business hours, some evenings/weekends/on-call may be required depending on program needs

Travel Required: Extensive local travel up to 80% in agency or police vehicles

Working Environment: Climate controlled office, police department setting, and outdoor community-based fieldwork