Mental Health Clinician

Mental Health Clinician

Location: Williamsville, NY Contract Term: Initial 1 year with 2 optional one-year renewals (possible 1–3 month extensions) Hours: 40–50 hours/week Work Type: Onsite required (community response, police support); limited remote for documentation/follow-ups Engagement Type: Independent Contractor

Seeking licensed, experienced Mental Health Clinicians to serve as independent contractors supporting public safety initiatives in the Town of Amherst. This position will provide real-time mental health response alongside law enforcement, conduct on-scene crisis assessments, deliver follow-up outreach, and support first responder wellness.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Hold a current license in the State of New York as one of the following:
  • LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)
  • LMSW / LCSW (Licensed Master / Clinical Social Worker)
  • Licensed Psychologist
  • Or equivalent mental health credential
• Demonstrated experience in:
  • Crisis intervention
  • Law enforcement or first responder collaboration (preferred)
• Ability to:
  • Respond quickly and professionally to calls for service
  • Work independently and as part of a public safety multidisciplinary team

Key Responsibilities:

Community Mental Health Services

• Respond in-person with police officers to mental health-related service calls
• Conduct on-scene crisis assessments, stabilization, and brief therapeutic interventions
• Provide real-time referrals to behavioral health, substance use, housing, and social services
• Conduct follow-up outreach (via phone or in-person)

Departmental Referrals

• Accept/respond to referrals from other Town departments routed through the police

Internal Police Department Support

• Provide immediate support after critical incidents
• Conduct officer debriefings and wellness checks
• Provide short-term consultations and facilitate connections to long-term support (EAP, peer helplines, etc.)

Desirable Qualifications:

• Prior experience working directly with law enforcement or first responders
• Training in crisis response, trauma-informed care, or behavioral health crisis systems
• Capability to provide officer wellness programs, post-incident support, and stress debriefings