The University of Arizona seeks a qualified candidate responsible for responding to mental health crises on campus and the surrounding community. The Co-Responder is a specialized clinical position serving as the mental health consultant within Campus Health Service (CHS), Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS) and liaison for the UArizona Police Department (UAPD). Co-Responder clinician will be paired w/UAPD officers providing mobile crisis response for behavioral health crises and mental health welfare checks. Co-Responder will provide culturally responsive crisis assessments, disposition planning, and follow-up care coordination. The position will provide direct crisis services within CAPS during portions of their shift. This position will require flexibility and eagerness in developing and sustaining the new program.

CHS was the first fully accredited college health service in the nation and in the Princeton Review, CHS has been ranked in the top 4% for Best Health Services for the past nine years. CHS is committed to positioning itself as an exceptional student health center by fostering an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse backgrounds of our employees and the community we serve. It is a diverse organization of over 150 employees who are committed to improving the health and safety of college students. UArizona CAPS is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and social justice. Striving to support the mental health and well-being of all students by creating an environment of trust, respect, and openness. We are dedicated to honoring individual differences and experiences. CAPS recognizes mental health is deeply impacted by experiences of marginalization and oppression and strive to work with our clients in a culturally informed and sensitive manner. At CAPS and Campus Health, we believe that cultural responsiveness requires continuous learning, both personally and as an organization, and we are committed to making CAPS a safe, affirming, and welcoming space for students, staff/faculty, and all visitors to the UArizona Campus.

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• Provide a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach to crisis outreach, crisis de-escalation, and clinical assessment as a Co-Responder with UAPD during mental health calls or welfare checks.
• Advocate for any student, staff/faculty, or non-affiliate who presents on campus and is experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Respond to requests for welfare checks and/or emergent/critical mental health concerns.
• Provide an alternative mental health response to law enforcement in supporting persons on campus when there are no safety concerns for an intervention.
• Provide follow-up coordination of care for students seen in crisis to ensure they are connected with appropriate mental health and University of Arizona supports and services on and off campus.
• Collaborate as needed with University of Arizona partners including the Office of Public Safety and Campus Life Departments (Dean of Students Office, Survivor Support Services (survivor advocacy), Housing & Residential Life, Disability Resource Center, and Fraternity & Sorority Programs).
• Facilitate voluntary hospitalizations and evaluations for involuntary petitions (Title 36) as needed for those who meet the criteria.
• Coordinate with mental health facilities and other agencies receiving students on a petition to provide collateral information and coordination of care during the time that the petition is being initiated.
• As needed, provide after-hours crisis care coordination to students who have presented at the end of the workday for CAPS.
• Provide front-line staffing of CAPS' clinical crisis system, including short-term, in-person, and/or telehealth interventions & assessment of current mental health status to stabilize clients in crisis and determine appropriate disposition. Recommend the appropriate level of care and inpatient hospitalization when indicated.
• Offer pertinent resource information and referrals to students and individuals whom UAPD Police Officers encounter in situations involving substance use.
• Provide appropriate information and coordination of care with Victim Advocate and Survivor Support Services.
• Provide Crisis Care Coordination and follow-up as needed with campus and community partners for high-acuity students or individuals of concern.
• Collaboration, outreach, and training to campus and community partners.

Knowledge and Skills Required:

• Knowledge of the legal and ethical guidelines and best practices in crisis mental health, assessment, and voluntary and involuntary hospitalization processes.
• Ability to stay calm and de-escalate individuals in mental health crises or in escalated situations.
• Ability to effectively communicate with a diverse population by applying a trauma-informed, multicultural perspective.
• Strong multicultural competence and commitment to social justice advocacy, diversity, access, and inclusivity.
• Ability to jump into challenging situations with limited information.
• Ability to provide assertive leadership, direction, and guidance to first responders and community members in crises.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to work independently and be able to manage crises in novel and unexpected situations and settings.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with multiple entities, especially with law enforcement.
• Must be able to work long periods in variable inside and outside conditions.
• Must be willing to partner with others in a wide variety of workspaces, vehicles, and external areas.
• Must be able to make impactful, independent decisions without direct supervisory oversight.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Master's degree or higher in an applied mental health field (e.g., Social Work or Counseling) from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5 years of crisis intervention experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
• Must be willing to work as needed, including nights, weekends, or holidays.
• Training in nonviolent crisis de-escalation techniques.
• Experience and expertise regarding crisis intervention and assessment of risk to self and others.
• Experience navigating complex systems of care and utilizing systems-informed consultative skills.
• Experience maintaining clinical records and documenting risk assessments in compliance with ethics, law, and best practices.

• Currently licensed in the State of Arizona as a Social Worker (LMSW/LCSW), Licensed Counselor (LAC/LPC), or licensed psychologist.
• Advanced training and/or experience in risk assessment, de-escalation practices, and crisis intervention.
• Experience with first responder and public safety systems.
• Crisis system experience preferred (i.e., mobile crisis team, mental health hotlines, psychiatric hospitals, and high acuity community mental health clinics).
• Experience with psychopathology and diagnostic systems.
• Prior clinical experience in a multidisciplinary clinic setting.
• Prior experience in college mental health, and/or public mental health including crisis assessment and management, mental health triage, brief psychotherapy, and referrals, as indicated.
• Experience with utilizing an electronic health record.
• Experience in working with individuals from Asia, the Middle East, or other non-Western cultures, which might also include language proficiency.
• Bilingual (Spanish).
• Experience working with SMI and unhoused populations.
• Experience with electronic medical record-keeping and documentation.
• Experience providing training both individually and in large group settings.