Co-Responder - RTD

WellPower provides you with the support you need to help you develop a career in helping others succeed. We innovate, adapt, and leverage the diverse perspectives of the people on our team and the people we serve in everything we do.

WellPower is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, transfer, or promotion opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Co-Responder program consists of a partnership between the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and WellPower. The Co-Responder program supports an overall effort to expand specialized law enforcement and behavioral health strategies tailored to meet the needs of people with behavioral/mental health concerns in the Denver community. The Co-Responder Unit aims to reduce the number of people with mental health issues in the jail system; to improve information sharing and coordination, as appropriate, across systems and service providers; and to reduce overall costs relating to people with mental or behavioral health concerns, including the use of emergency services. Clinicians work in close partnership with the Denver Police Department, responding to calls involving people who suffer from mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use issues. Clinicians are trained to assist people in crisis and provide the most effective services for resolution. Clinicians and officers collaborate to provide treatment in a format that best decreases current stressors and replaces them with long term community-based supports. Co-Responders also help identify community resources, alternative treatment options, and long-term community supports in any area identified by the individual. Co-Responders may work with one of the following agencies:

• Regional Transit District (RTD) -Transit Police

Learn More About WellPower:

Pay Range & Benefits:

• Mental Health Therapist II (Masters):  $30.05/hr (WellPower provides free licensure supervision)
• Licensed Co-Responder $34.75/hr
• LAC - plus $1/hr
• Language Differential: $1-$2.50

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Respond to mental Health related 911 calls and provide psychological evaluations/problem identification, crisis interventions, referrals and linkage to resources for consumers who are not arrested.
• Provide case management services to clients as needed or assigned as part of response to mental health related 911 calls.
• Develop crisis related treatment plans.
• Provide psychological consultation while responding to mental health related calls.
• Coordinate client's use of other city programs and outside community resources.
• Coordinate medication/medicinal needs of clients with psychiatrists, nurses, and other medical sources as part of crisis resolution.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical records consistent with WellPower standards.
• Participate in team/department meetings, in-services, and supervisory sessions as required.
• Understand the 27-65 statute and how to assess for an M-1 or “mental health hold” in the community while responding to mental health related 911 calls; if unlicensed will consult with licensed clinician for full M1 assessment
• Maintain a trauma informed environment of wellbeing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS – RTD Transit Police

Respond to mental Health related calls with the Regional Transportation Departments (RTD) Transit Police and provide psychological evaluations/problem identification, crisis interventions, referrals and linkage to resources for consumers

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Master's Degree in social work, psychology, or similar field. Current license as a LCSW/LPC/LMFT in the State of Colorado, or master’s with LAC and ability to obtain LPC/LCSW licensure is preferred.

Experience: 

• Minimum of two years’ experience in clinical social work. Experience working with moderate to severe and persistently mentally ill populations.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge or ability to learn and practice trauma informed principles and practices.
• Knowledge of methods of psychotherapy.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Ability to assess crisis situations and intervene appropriately.
• Familiarity with the DSM V and diagnostic techniques.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible and on-call hours which may be required.
• Must have valid drivers license and good driving record.
• Spanish speaking preferred
• LAC or CAC III preferred

This position requires additional background checks through the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division to be cleared to work alongside law enforcement officers.

This position requires the individual to wear a bulletproof vest for the entire shift. The safety of our team members is a priority, and wearing a vest may be necessary when responding to specific situations involving law enforcement or other high-risk environments.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

RTD: May require occasional evening, weekend or on-call hours. Some local travel depending on position. Will ride with RTD Transit Police officers in response to mental health related 911 calls.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

Typical Physical Demands: Ability to sit, stand, bend and reach, drive, operate standard office equipment such as phone, computer, facsimile, copier/printer, and other business machines. Occasional lifting up to 40 lbs.

Typical Mental Demands: Ability to give, receive and analyze information, formulate work plans, prepare written materials and articulate goals and action plans. Must understand people from all walks of life and be able to communicate effectively with them.

Why Work at WellPower?
Join a workplace where purpose meets passion!

• Mission-Driven Impact: Be part of meaningful work that transforms lives and strengthens the Denver community.
• Wellness-Focused Culture: Thrive in an organization that prioritizes your self-care and well-being.
• Award-Winning Workplace: Proudly named a Top Workplace by The Denver Post for 11 consecutive years.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Access medical, dental, vision insurance, PTO, and retirement matching—available at just 30 hours per week.
• Competitive Pay: Our $26.72/hour minimum wage ensures fair compensation for all employees.
• Licensure Support: Free supervision for LCSWs, LPCs, and LMFTs.
• Team Activities: Connect with colleagues through fun leagues like bowling, volleyball, dragon boat racing, and more!

Tuberculosis (TB) screening, testing  -  TB  screening and testing, is required and must be completed prior to hire ( i.e., preplacement), and maintained during employment