Mental Health Co-Responder

EXCITING NEW CAREER OPPORTUNITY! BENTON COUNTY NOW HIRING: MENTAL HEALTH CO-RESPONDER I

JOIN OUR MENTAL HEALTH TEAM! Benton County is actively recruiting and accepting applications for a full-time Mental Health Co-Responder position within the Human Services Department’s Mental Health Unit. This position’s primary responsibilities include partnership with law enforcement to provide immediate and follow-up responses to individuals experiencing mental health crises within the community.

PLEASE NOTE:

We have TWO (2) active postings listed below and are looking to hire ONE (1) candidate. Please review each posting and the Minimum Qualifications for each level and apply within the posting that best fits your education, experience, and abilities.

Each Mental Health Co-Responder Position Is Assigned a Grade, and Each Grade Contains 11 Steps. The Minimum And Maximum Hourly Rates For 2025 Are Listed Below.

• MENTAL HEALTH CO-RESPONDER I - Grade 10 - Minimum Step 1, $32.38 - Maximum Step 11, $44.41
• MENTAL HEALTH CO-RESPONDER II - Grade 12 - Minimum Step 1 $ 35.69 - Maximum Step 11 $ 48.95

For Example:
To meet the Minimum Requirements for the MENTAL HEALTH CO-RESPONDER I position, ALL applicants MUST...

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field, preferred in a Mental Health-related field; and
• Minimum of one to three years of social work experience or experience in a closely related field or equivalent education plus work experience. Preferred experience working in a correctional setting or with justice-involved individuals in crisis response, emergency mental health, or a related field; and
• Strong knowledge of the Minnesota mental health system and commitment processes; and
• Equivalent combination of education/training/experience.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota.
• Must successfully complete a background check.
• Obtain and maintain certifications and licensures.
• 1. Ability to obtain and maintain, within six months of hire:
• 1. 1. FBI Level 4 Criminal Justice Information System Security Training/Testing and maintain annually.
• 1. 1. 1. FBI Fingerprinting Certification.
• 1. 2. BCA Single Certification:
  Training, Testing, and Certification are maintained annually.

The intended hiring wage for the Mental Health Co-Responder I position is $32.38 per hour.

For more information about the Benton County Human Services Department and its Social Services Units, please VISIT HERE.

Initial interviews may be conducted by phone or in person and are TBD. Please monitor your email for updates and scheduling information.

Benton County Human Services Department

Monday, March 2, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

Benton County Career Opportunities

PLEASE NOTE:

A bachelor’s degree is required for this position. Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree at the time of application or obtain the degree before an offer of employment in order to meet the minimum qualifications.

Applicants may attach an unofficial college transcript to their application, which may assist during the application review process.

If selected for hire, an official sealed college transcript will be required and must be submitted to the Human Resources Department for verification.

The Mental Health Co-Responder I position may require work outside of normal business hours. Availability for evening, weekend, and after‑hours response as needed.

The Mental Health Co-Responder I works in partnership with law enforcement to provide immediate and follow‑up responses to individuals experiencing mental health crises within the community. This position involves daily interaction with the public, corrections staff, social workers, and community providers to ensure coordinated, compassionate, and effective service delivery. The MH Co‑Responder I facilitates crisis intervention, service planning, and resource coordination to promote safety and stabilization for individuals, families, and groups in need.

Responsibilities also include assigned jail‑based duties, such as service coordination and discharge…