Community Support Specialist​/Police Liaison

Community Support Specialist / Police Liaison

The pay for this position is $49,237.50–$57,689.57 annually. Starting with 4 weeks of paid time off (pro‑rated) + 12 sick days + 9 holidays per year. Join one of Vermont's Best Places to Work for 5 years in a row.

The Police Liaison works embedded in municipal police departments responding to mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence or other social service related calls with law enforcement, to provide immediate support and resource connection. The Police Liaison adheres to HCRS policy and complies with federal, state, and local regulations and supports program philosophy.

• Provide an array of supports to individuals, including but not limited to financial, medical, legal, transportation, food, employment assistance.
• Connect individuals with community agencies and care providers.
• Respond to emergency and non‑emergency calls in partnership with local police.
• Assist law enforcement in providing individual and family support to ensure people are connected to the proper system of care.
• Deliver emergency support to community members in crisis or who have experienced trauma.

Workload varies according to HCRS program needs, police department needs, and supervisor discretion.

• Strong belief in individuals’ self‑determination and respect for all people.
• Positive attitude and ability to work well with individuals receiving services, other providers, law enforcement and staff.
• Can‑do approach to difficult problems, adaptability in stressful situations.
• Professional growth orientation to improve knowledge of mental health, developmental disabilities, civil liberties, and legal issues.
• Ability to stay calm in stressful situations and maintain a sense of humor.

Report to the Senior Leadership team and the ES Director; work with HCRS staff, community agencies, and systems.

• Associate’s degree plus one to two years of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination.
• Knowledge of family systems, mental illness or developmental disabilities, behavior management, substance abuse, confidentiality procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and active listening.
• Respectful and caring attitude toward all.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

• Bachelor’s degree from a four‑year college or university.
• Professional experience in human services.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Knowledge of law enforcement culture.

• Work in police departments, business offices, individuals’ homes, homeless shelters, community agencies, hospitals.
• Side‑by‑side work with law enforcement officers, including cruisers; environments may have unpleasant odors or other factors.
• Travel to various sites is expected.
• May be required to transport individuals receiving services.

The above job description is not meant to be all‑encompassing, nor should it be considered a detailed account of every aspect of the job. Programmatic changes and individuals’ needs may lead to additional duties and tasks. Other duties may be required and will be assigned as needed by supervisor. All HCRS employees are committed to doing quality work and strive for excellence.

Entry level

Full‑time

Other, Information Technology, and Management;
Industry: Mental Health Care