Benton County
Position Summary
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.
The role involves daily interaction with the public, corrections staff, social workers, and community providers to ensure coordinated, compassionate, and effective service delivery.
Services are performed in client homes, correctional settings, and other community environments.
Duties & Responsibilities
A. Complete jail duties as assigned, including service coordination and discharge planning for inmates.
B. Conduct daily interactions with the public, corrections, and social workers regarding mental health crises and collaborate with community providers.
C. Facilitate immediate planning, disposition, and coordination of services and resources for individuals in the community.
D. Provide response in crisis situations, maintain safety for clients and the community, and develop and implement a safety plan.
E. Work collaboratively in multi‑disciplinary teams such as BCAT and other related groups.
F. Screen for basic needs and assist with referral services to community living resources.
G. Provide information and referral services to individuals from diverse populations, both in jail and community settings, for mental health and chemical health issues.
H. Perform required data entry as per grants/funding source.
I. Respond to behavioral health–related calls with law enforcement, providing problem identification, crisis interventions, crisis treatment/care plans, and making referrals.
J. Provide follow‑up as needed via phone, messages, and on‑site visits accompanied by law enforcement.
K. Follow direction from partnering law enforcement officer/deputy regarding on‑scene safety, security measures, and protocol.
L. Provide behavioral health consultation to officers/deputies while responding to mental health–related calls.
M. Coordinate with mental health crisis response teams to ensure needs of community providers are addressed efficiently.
N. Integrate within Benton County Human Services to provide technical assistance and rapid response consultation on complex cases.
O. Integrate with other system partners on the Community Action Team, including law enforcement, providers, community corrections, jails, health systems, and others.
P. Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
A. Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field (preferred in mental health).
B. One to three years of social work experience or experience in a closely related field, or equivalent education plus work experience.
C. Strong knowledge of the Minnesota mental health system and commitment processes.
D. Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
E. Valid driver’s license and ability to drive in Minnesota.
F. Successful completion of a background check.
G. Obtain and maintain required certifications and licensures, including FBI Level 4 Criminal Justice Information System Security Training/Testing and FBI Fingerprinting Certification, and BCA Single Certification.
Preferred Qualifications
A. Previous experience working with or embedded in law enforcement or emergency response teams.
B. Training in CIT (Crisis Intervention Team), de‑escalation, or hostage negotiation support.
C. Strong clinical skills in risk assessment, trauma‑informed care, and systems navigation.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions
A. Work performed both in office and field (e.g., client homes, hospitals, correctional facilities).
B. Exposure to potential hazards such as violence, chemical odors, unsanitary conditions, and communicable diseases.
C. Requires sitting, walking, standing, driving, and other routine activities for extended periods.
D. Requires ability to endure extended travel, up to 8 hours or more per day, and travel in various weather conditions.
Hours of Work Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (flexible schedule).
Availability for evening, weekend, and after‑hours response as needed.
Location & Application Deadline Location: Benton County Human Services Department, 650 Stearns Way, St. Peter, MN 56083. Application Deadline: Monday, January 26 2026, 4:30 p.m.
Contact & Application For more information and to apply, visit the Benton County Career Opportunities page.
Equal Opportunity Statement Benton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The County will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The role involves daily interaction with the public, corrections staff, social workers, and community providers to ensure coordinated, compassionate, and effective service delivery.
Services are performed in client homes, correctional settings, and other community environments.
Duties & Responsibilities
A. Complete jail duties as assigned, including service coordination and discharge planning for inmates.
B. Conduct daily interactions with the public, corrections, and social workers regarding mental health crises and collaborate with community providers.
C. Facilitate immediate planning, disposition, and coordination of services and resources for individuals in the community.
D. Provide response in crisis situations, maintain safety for clients and the community, and develop and implement a safety plan.
E. Work collaboratively in multi‑disciplinary teams such as BCAT and other related groups.
F. Screen for basic needs and assist with referral services to community living resources.
G. Provide information and referral services to individuals from diverse populations, both in jail and community settings, for mental health and chemical health issues.
H. Perform required data entry as per grants/funding source.
I. Respond to behavioral health–related calls with law enforcement, providing problem identification, crisis interventions, crisis treatment/care plans, and making referrals.
J. Provide follow‑up as needed via phone, messages, and on‑site visits accompanied by law enforcement.
K. Follow direction from partnering law enforcement officer/deputy regarding on‑scene safety, security measures, and protocol.
L. Provide behavioral health consultation to officers/deputies while responding to mental health–related calls.
M. Coordinate with mental health crisis response teams to ensure needs of community providers are addressed efficiently.
N. Integrate within Benton County Human Services to provide technical assistance and rapid response consultation on complex cases.
O. Integrate with other system partners on the Community Action Team, including law enforcement, providers, community corrections, jails, health systems, and others.
P. Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
A. Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field (preferred in mental health).
B. One to three years of social work experience or experience in a closely related field, or equivalent education plus work experience.
C. Strong knowledge of the Minnesota mental health system and commitment processes.
D. Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
E. Valid driver’s license and ability to drive in Minnesota.
F. Successful completion of a background check.
G. Obtain and maintain required certifications and licensures, including FBI Level 4 Criminal Justice Information System Security Training/Testing and FBI Fingerprinting Certification, and BCA Single Certification.
Preferred Qualifications
A. Previous experience working with or embedded in law enforcement or emergency response teams.
B. Training in CIT (Crisis Intervention Team), de‑escalation, or hostage negotiation support.
C. Strong clinical skills in risk assessment, trauma‑informed care, and systems navigation.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions
A. Work performed both in office and field (e.g., client homes, hospitals, correctional facilities).
B. Exposure to potential hazards such as violence, chemical odors, unsanitary conditions, and communicable diseases.
C. Requires sitting, walking, standing, driving, and other routine activities for extended periods.
D. Requires ability to endure extended travel, up to 8 hours or more per day, and travel in various weather conditions.
Hours of Work Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (flexible schedule).
Availability for evening, weekend, and after‑hours response as needed.
Location & Application Deadline Location: Benton County Human Services Department, 650 Stearns Way, St. Peter, MN 56083. Application Deadline: Monday, January 26 2026, 4:30 p.m.
Contact & Application For more information and to apply, visit the Benton County Career Opportunities page.
Equal Opportunity Statement Benton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The County will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
#J-18808-Ljbffr