Code Enforcement Officer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Zepf Center has been serving the Lucas County community for over 50 years. We are the leading provider of behavioral health and substance use disorder services in Northwest Ohio. Services include adult and child psychiatric, substance abuse, case management, residential, Crisis Care, and therapy programs, as well as career development and wellness services. Zepf Center also offers primary care medical services to our patients to contribute to their continuum of care. Zepf Center is a trauma-informed agency and environment for both patients and staff.
General Summary:
- This position is responsible for providing in-field behavioral health assessment, crisis intervention, de-escalation, resource linkage, and care coordination alongside law enforcement officers within the community.
- The Clinical Law Enforcement Co-Responder will spend the duration of scheduled shifts partnered directly with police officers responding to calls for service, including mental health crises, substance use concerns, welfare checks, suicidal ideation, homelessness, interpersonal conflict, and other community-based incidents requiring clinical support.
- The clinician will assess individuals in the field to determine appropriate level of care, facilitate diversion from unnecessary hospitalization or incarceration when clinically appropriate, and connect individuals and families to community resources and treatment services.
- This position serves as a commissioned Health Officer and will work collaboratively with law enforcement, hospitals, crisis providers, shelters, and community partners to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.
- The primary office location for this position will be housed within a police department facility.
- This position requires flexibility, independent clinical judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to safely operate in unpredictable and high-risk environments.
- The employee will be required to complete all law enforcement partnership onboarding requirements, including police background investigations, safety trainings, and a clinician academy focused on officer safety, scene awareness, and field response techniques.
- The employee will be required to wear department-approved personal protective equipment, including a bullet-resistant vest, while operating in the field.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Responds in the field alongside law enforcement officers to behavioral health and community service calls.
- Conducts crisis assessments and determines appropriate level of care for individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use crises.
- Provides de-escalation, crisis intervention, emotional support, and stabilization services in community settings.
- Functions as a Health Officer in accordance with applicable local and state regulations.
- Assists individuals and families with navigation of behavioral health, medical, housing, financial, legal, and social service systems.
- Coordinates referrals and linkage to community resources, outpatient services, crisis services, detoxification services, inpatient treatment, shelters, and other supportive programming.
- Collaborates with law enforcement officers to support safe and clinically appropriate outcomes during calls for service.
- Provides consultation and behavioral health education to law enforcement personnel as appropriate.
- Completes clinical documentation and required reports within established timeframes and standards.
- Maintains confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA, agency policy, and applicable laws and regulations.
- Participates in multidisciplinary meetings, trainings, case consultations, and community collaborations.
- Maintains professional boundaries and adheres to ACA, NASW, and/or applicable professional code of ethics.
- Maintains required licensure, certifications, and mandatory trainings.
- Participates in ongoing safety, tactical awareness, and crisis response trainings.
- Demonstrates ability to remain calm and make sound clinical decisions in high-stress, rapidly evolving situations.
- Performs other duties as assigned. Performs other duties as assigned.
Position Competencies
- Displays maturity and dependability.
- Possesses the ability to document clear, concise, accurate notes, and maintain compliance with all local/state/federal laws and standards of confidentiality.
- Maintains CPR, First Aid, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI) certifications.
- Demonstrates the knowledge of existing community resources and ability to access these resources in the best interest of the patients.
- Works cooperatively with other departments and ensures coordination of services in the best interest of patients and efficient outcomes for the agency
- Possesses a professional approach to all functions and relationships with all levels of staff, clients, other agencies, and the public.
- Works with minimal supervision while demonstrating a transdisciplinary team approach.
- Possesses the ability to write clear, concise, accurate notes, and maintains compliance with all confidentiality laws and ethical standards.
- Adapts quickly to programming and consumers' changing needs while maintaining a calm demeanor.
- Demonstrates compassionate, empathetic and non-judgmental values, in order to "meet clientele where they are at," and provides an environment that is safe, respectful, and empowering. Staff will work with clients to create change in their lives, as directed by the consumer.
Organizational Competencies:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the agency mission, vision, goals, and philosophy as well as the policies and procedures.
- Strives for high client satisfaction by providing leadership and/or assistance to coworkers and clients through the integrated care process.
- Demonstrate consistent professionalism.
- Demonstrate teamwork.
- Abide by the agencies and/or professional code of ethics.
- Strives to improve own and agency operations
- Commit to cultivating a non-violent and trauma-informed environment for all employees and clients, through our pursuit of Sanctuary; a trauma-informed model. Commit to a deeper exploration of Sanctuary Values.
- Incorporates sanctuary techniques into daily work activities.
- Participates on sanctuary process teams and/or supports sanctuary initiatives
Requirements
Position Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related behavioral health field required.
- Independent licensure required: LISW or LPCC.
- Crisis intervention and behavioral health assessment experience preferred.
- Experience working in community mental health, crisis services, emergency services, or co-responder models preferred.
- Must be eligible to serve as a Health Officer.
- Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record required.
- Must pass police department background investigation and agency background check.
- Must pass pre-employment drug screening.
- Ability to complete required clinician academy and ongoing law enforcement partnership trainings.
- Ability and willingness to wear a bullet-resistant vest and other required safety equipment while in the field.
Physical Requirements:
Physical demands described are representative of those that must be routinely met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
- Prolonged periods of driving, walking, standing, sitting, bending, and movement in community settings.
- Ability to safely enter homes, public spaces, shelters, hospitals, and other field environments.
- Ability to respond rapidly in dynamic and potentially high-risk situations.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds as needed.
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and consistently.
- Ability to wear a bullet-resistant vest and related safety equipment for extended periods of time.
Environmental Conditions
- Primary work location will be housed within a police department facility.
- Significant time will be spent in the community responding to calls for service alongside law enforcement officers.
- Work may occur in homes, public spaces, hospitals, shelters, schools, correctional facilities, and other community-based settings.
- Position may involve exposure to unpredictable, volatile, or high-stress situations.
- Schedule may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call responsibilities depending on operational needs.
Those eligible to drive company vehicles must have a valid driver's license and be eligible for coverage as defined by the agency commercial insurance carrier. Those who drive personal vehicles in the course of business must be able to provide proof of insurance.
EOE/M/F/D/V/SO