Direct First Responder Counselor Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

The Co-Responder (Licensed) with the First CALL Program collaborates with and works alongside public safety agencies, including law enforcement, fire departments, and other community partners, to support individuals experiencing behavioral health, substance use, or social service crises. The Co-Responder provides crisis intervention, de-escalation, assessment, and resource navigation services to individuals in need. This position offers professional guidance, facilitates connections to appropriate community resources, and helps develop solutions that promote safety, stability, and access to ongoing care. The Co-Responder works within a multidisciplinary team to improve outcomes for individuals in crisis while supporting community-centered public safety efforts.

Work Environment:

Direct service activities are conducted throughout the community and require the use of an agency vehicle to provide services and support to individuals in need. The position primarily operates Monday through Friday, 10 am-7 pm. Depending on program needs and level of care requirements, staff may be required to participate in an on-call rotation and respond to urgent or emergent situations outside of regular business hours.

Essential Functions:

• Provide rapid, in-person crisis intervention and support within the community in coordination with first responders.
• Deliver de-escalation, stabilization, and connection to community resources and services for individuals experiencing a crisis.
• Utilize trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches to de-escalate crises and support individuals in distress.
• Conduct post-crisis follow-up with individuals to ensure awareness of community resources and address barriers to service connection, as needed.
• Advocate on behalf of individuals with external agencies to facilitate access to needed services and supports
• Maintain accurate, timely, and up-to-date documentation in accordance with program requirements and departmental, local, state, and federal policies and regulations.
• Develop and maintain clear, open, timely, cooperative, and collaborative working relationships with staff, community members, first responders, community partners, and partner agencies.
• Participate in community outreach and engagement activities that promote program awareness and accessibility.
• Contribute to strategic planning efforts and discussions regarding departmental performance, crisis response services, and organizational culture.
• Demonstrate resilience, professionalism, and effective self-care practices to support wellness and sustainability in a high-intensity crisis response environment.
• Maintain current knowledge of community resources and effectively navigate service systems to support individuals in crisis.
• Transport individuals, when appropriate, in partnership with team members and in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Apply knowledge of mental health conditions, physical health concerns, substance use disorders, and related symptoms in the assessment and support of individuals experiencing a crisis.

Measurements of Success and Key Targets:

• Individuals experiencing a crisis achieve stabilization and are connected to appropriate treatment, support services, or community resources.
• Strong and effective partnerships are maintained with first responders, 911 dispatch personnel, and community agencies to support coordinated crisis response efforts.
• Positive, productive, and collaborative working relationships are maintained with team members, support staff, community agencies, and partner organizations to enhance service delivery for individuals in crisis.
• Service delivery expectations, program standards, and performance goals are consistently met.
• Documentation, records, and reports are completed accurately, thoroughly, and within established timelines.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related Human Services field.
• Minimum of one (1) year of relevant professional experience.
• Current Ohio licensure in one of the following:
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, take initiative, and effectively navigate complex or ambiguous situations.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality at all times, including compliance with HIPAA and other applicable privacy regulations.
• Ability to travel throughout Cuyahoga County and to various work-related locations as required.
• Ability to stand, walk, and remain active for up to 75% of an assigned shift.
• Commitment to the department's mission of enhancing public safety through community-centered prevention, intervention, and crisis response strategies.
• Possession of a valid Ohio driver's license, reliable personal transportation, and current automobile insurance.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with first responders, community partners, and individuals experiencing crisis.
• Knowledge of behavioral health systems, community resources, and trauma-informed practices.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining effective teamwork and professional accountability.

Interested applicants must submit a resume and a letter of interest that details how your background aligns with this position and what motivates you to seek this job with the City of Shaker Heights. Email to Human. Resources@shakerheightsoh.gov.

The City of Shaker Heights does not hire individuals who use or test positive for tobacco or nicotine products.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

EOE