Mental Health Counselor

Join the City of Reno and become part of an amazing team who strives every day to make our community a place we are all proud to call home.

The Mobile Outreach Safety Team (MOST) Mental Health Counselor provides critical, field-based mental health services in partnership with sworn Reno Police Department officers, responding to behavioral health crises throughout the community. This role delivers on-scene crisis intervention, clinical assessment, Mental Health Crisis Hold (MHCH) evaluations, and short-term case management in settings such as homes, public spaces, shelters, and other community locations, with a focus on safety, stabilization, and connection to ongoing care.

The ideal candidate is a licensed clinician who thrives in dynamic environments, exercises sound independent clinical judgment, collaborates effectively with law enforcement and community partners, and is committed to reducing repeat crisis events through compassionate, trauma-informed intervention and follow-up.

This position is part of a behavioral health response program that operates seven days a week. Assigned shifts may include day shift, swing shift, or a combination of both, with schedules coordinated among multiple clinicians to provide consistent coverage. Work hours may include evenings, weekends, and holidays depending on program needs.

This position is governed by the Reno Administrative Professional Group (RAPG) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Work schedules, compensation, leave, and other terms and conditions of employment are subject to the applicable provisions of the agreement and City policy.

We currently have one vacancy in the Reno Police Department in which hiring will begin immediately following the close of this recruitment. This recruitment will also establish a list for future vacancies, which will be filled as they occur.

This is an open competitive opportunity for all qualified applicants.

The City of Reno is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to everyone. This commitment is an integral part of our efforts to ensure that we have a diverse and representative workforce that serves the community of Reno.

• Provide on-scene crisis intervention, safety planning, and clinical support through coordinated response with Reno Police Department officers, utilizing both co-response and independent self-deployment models as operationally required.
• Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments, including Mental Health Crisis Hold (MHCH) evaluations.
• Perform field-based outreach, home visits, and “Person in Crisis” welfare checks.
• Provide intensive case management, including monitoring medication compliance, treatment adherence, and ongoing stability.
• Conduct consistent follow-up contacts with previously engaged individuals to support ongoing treatment, assess changing needs, and reduce repeated crisis events.
• Adjust case plans and response strategies based on clinical assessment and client progress.
• Collaborate with hospitals, crisis centers, behavioral health agencies, social services, homeless shelters, and community providers to coordinate care.
• Provide education to department personnel and community partners regarding mental illness, crisis response, and available resources.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with local agencies and service providers to support individuals experiencing mental health crises.
• Provide updates, follow-up information, and case coordination to referring officers and partner agencies when appropriate.
• Attend required meetings, case staffing, training, and calls for service as assigned.
• Evaluate community resources and providers for effectiveness and appropriateness for MOST clients.
• Prepare HIPAA-compliant clinical documentation, including assessments, interventions, follow-up plans, and outcome summaries.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and program data for evaluation and reporting.
• Work closely with the MOST Supervisor, seeking guidance and direction for all programmatic and clinical matters, while following direction from the partnered officer regarding scene safety and operational procedures.

A Master’s…