CRESS-Community Responder

Back to all Jobs CRESS-Community Responder (Open Positions: 3) Department: CRESS Job Status: Full-Time Days Worked: Sun., Mon., Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri., Sat. Status: Open Until Filled Details: This is a full-time benefitted position with competitive benefits and offers an annual starting salary of $47,646 - $49,076 depending on experience and/or qualifications. Apply Now Job Description Job Summary Works as part of a team of alternative safety providers that responds to nonviolent community calls with an emphasis on approaching community members through an anti-racist and behavioral health lens either in-person or by telephone.

Community Responders will be the first responders to situations that don't involve violence or serious criminal activity such as mental health issues, homelessness, substance abuse, trespass, truancy, wellness checks, youth, and schools. Position requires the ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends. Supervision Received Works under the general supervision of the Director of Community Responders, who outlines department rules, regulations and policies; assigns tasks; checks work; and evaluates performance.

Performs varied and responsible duties requiring a thorough knowledge of departmental operations and the exercise of judgment and initiative in responding to inquiries. Supervision Exercised Generally, none. May provide guidance and instructions to new employees or volunteers.

May be expected to help train others and provide assistance to new, or part time employees. Major Duties Respond in person or by telephone to requests for assistance with individuals experiencing issues with mental and behavioral health, inebriation, homelessness, addiction, chronic mental illness, minor disputes, and other issues that do not require police or EMT response. Connect community members in need with available social services.

Work collaboratively with other responders and other community service providers to mediate and de-escalate conflict and dispute situations; work effectively in crisis situations and in sometimes stressful conditions. Build trust and confidence in the CRESS Department among BIPOC, low-income, immigrant, and other marginalized populations including modeling a social justice, anti-racism approach to situations; build positive relationships with community members with frequent needs for emergency services; provide pro-active, preventative services where feasible. Initiate supportive follow-up with community members who have received emergency services.

Collaborates with others including the Police, Fire, Dispatch, and other first responders and social service agencies and shelters. Supports efforts to build and improve the quality and success of the CRESS Department. Complete all reports in an accurate and timely manner and enter appropriate data promptly.

Performs similar or related work as required. Minimum Qualifications Graduation from a high school or GED equivalent and knowledge and experience in Human Services, Social Services or with marginalized populations in need of services. Or 3 years of lived experience demonstrating the ability to perform the duties.

Lived experience is defined as knowledge based on someone's perspective, personal identities, and history, beyond their professional or educational experience. Valid Massachusetts Driver's License; Experience working with diverse populations; Expertise or lived experiences in cultural awareness, respect, and responsiveness; Knowledge of, or ability to learn and practice, trauma informed principles and practices; Knowledge of or ability to learn crisis intervention and conflict resolution techniques; Knowledge of or ability to learn related state and federal programs, laws and regulations; Knowledge of or ability to learn antiracist and behavioral and mental health approaches to nonviolent noncriminal community calls for assistance; ability to prioritize racial justice while building positive working relationships with people of all backgrounds. Effective communication skills (both orally and in writing), Capacity to learn and utilize de-escalation and mediation skills.

Capability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other agencies, program participants, community leaders, the media, and the general public Capacity to carry out assigned projects to completion; Aptitude to assess crisis situations and intervene appropriately utilizing knowledge of community resources is required; Skill in following verbal and written instructions is necessary; Ability to handle stressful situations and effectively deal with difficult or angry people is crucial; Ability to maintain confidentiality; Working knowledge of computers and electronic data processing; working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures; Must be available to work varying shifts / schedules. Preferred Qualification Ability to speak languages other than English. This position will include paid training that will consist of but not limited to: social justice awareness and competency; mediation, de-escalation and conflict resolution; serving those dealing with homelessness and with substance abuse; crisis intervention; local social services, referrals, and other community resources; identifying situations that require assistance from EMT, Police Department., or Fire Department; communication and record-keeping systems; policies and procedures; and other knowledge and competencies essential to this role.

Special Requirements Must have the ability to provide own transportation. Must be available to work varying shifts/ schedules. Tools and Equipment Used Telephone; personal computer including word processing, spreadsheet, and database software; multi-function copier; calculator.

Communication equipment, radios, and motor vehicles. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Vision requirements include the ability to read routine and complex documents and use a computer. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed primarily in office, vehicles, and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day and night hours. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations where the Responder may encounter violent or aggressive behavior. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office settings, but sometimes loud at an emergency scene. Performance of duties requires ongoing contact with the public and various town departments. Contact is in person, by telephone and correspondence.

The employee has access to protected health and other confidential information. Selection Guidelines Formal application; rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; background investigation; and job-related tests may be required. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.

The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The Town of Amherst Community Responders for Equity, Safety, and Service (CRESS) Department is seeking individuals to work as part of a team of alternative safety providers that respond to nonviolent community calls with an emphasis on approaching community members through an anti-racist and behavioral health lens. The Town of Amherst seeks a workforce that reflects the diversity of its community, and strives toward racial equity and environmental sustainability.

All are encouraged to apply. AA/EEO The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. SEIU is the bargaining group for this position and would bargain any proposed changes to the extent required by law. Disclaimer Smoking Policy: Pursuant to the Massachusetts General Laws, smoking is not allowed in Town buildings.

Also, Massachusetts General Laws state that no person who smokes any tobacco product shall be eligible for appointment as a police officer or firefighter. Background Check: All candidates that are offered a position with the Town must successfully complete a background investigation, which may include a pre-employment physical, pre-placement drug test and a CORI search. The Town of Amherst seeks a workforce that reflects the diversity of its community, and strives toward racial equity and environmental sustainability.

All are encouraged to apply. AA/EEO