Co-responding Couselor

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth

1100 Adams Ave | Audubon, PA 19403

(610) 277-3715 | [email protected]

JOB DESCRIPTION: Co-Responding Counselor

Title:

Co-responding Counselor

FLSA:

Exempt

Reports To:

Development Director

Organization Summary:

Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1983, TLC is an entrepreneurial social enterprise committed to transforming lives and communities—one moment, one choice, one connection at a time. Headquartered in Pennsylvania, TLC operates across multiple states, providing K-12 alternative education, comprehensive mental and behavioral health services, coaching, counseling, and trauma-informed training. Additionally, TLC collaborates with school districts, universities, hospitals, police departments, and nonprofit organizations, offering consultation services to secure federal and state grant funding.

Position Summary:

The role of a Co-Responding Counselor in partnership with Norristown Police Department is a vital step in addressing a broad range of crises within the community. By integrating skilled professionals into police response teams, this approach offers several benefits, including providing compassionate, proactive support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, domestic violence, substance abuse issues, or other crises. This partnership ensures that law enforcement is equipped with the expertise necessary to manage these situations effectively while connecting individuals and families with the resources they need to achieve stability.

Duties &:

Responsibilities

• Provide Crisis Intervention : Respond alongside law enforcement (or follow up after the scene has been deemed safe) to calls involving mental health crises, domestic violence, substance abuse, and other non-criminal matters. Use de-escalation and assessment skills to manage crisis situations, reduce risk, and stabilize individuals in distress.

• Conduct On-Site Assessments : Perform evaluations in the field to determine individuals' needs—whether mental health, safety, or substance abuse-related—and recommend appropriate interventions, including referrals to services, hospitalization, or other supports.

• Facilitate Connections to Community Resources : Act as a bridge between law enforcement and local agencies, connecting individuals and families to long-term support, community-based resources and social services to promote stability and reduce repeat encounters with law enforcement.

• Case Management and Follow-Up: Provide ongoing case management as needed to ensure individuals and families successfully engage with referred resources, addressing any barriers to accessing services.
• Collaborate with Law Enforcement and Community Partners: Work closely with officers, social service agencies, and community organizations to develop and implement strategies for addressing complex crises.
• Document and Evaluate Interventions: Maintain clear and accurate records of all interactions, assessments, and follow-up activities to support continuity of care and inform program evaluation efforts.

Skills & Knowledge :

Leadership and soft skills:

• Excellent communication and relationship building skills
• Ability to work effectively on a multi-treatment team

Technical skills:

• Proficient in crisis intervention strategies
• Knowledge of and ability to access community resources

Education & Experience:

• Education: Master’s degree preferred, preferably in counseling or social work
• Crisis Intervention Experience recommended
• Requirement to obtain and maintain CJIS clearance

Other Duties:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment:

Community settings

Work Hours:

This is a full-time position.

Travel:

Travel to the various homes, and community settings within the Norristown Police Department area. Use of a reliable car is necessary for travel to service sites.

EEO Statement:

TLC is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and does not discriminate on any legally recognized basis, including, but not limited to, race, age, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis recognized by federal, state or local law.