CORA Responder

Position overview

The Community-Oriented Response and Assistance (CORA) team is a cross-disciplinary response group made up of first responders and mental health professionals. The team conducts outreach in Albuquerque communities impacted by tragedy or violence. Outreach is initiated within 72 hours of an incident and includes identifying the affected area, contacting community leaders, arranging a meeting or another suitable outreach format, and building connection with the community. The CORA Responder manages outreach coordination, completes scheduling, sends invitations to the appropriate participants, and helps guide the conversation. During events, this role provides education on grief and trauma, sets expectations for how people may experience the event, and explains how to access support resources. The position also distributes resource guides and facilitates warm handoffs to mental health providers.

Key duties

• Design, plan, and coordinate behavioral health and social service initiatives.
• Set program goals and operating methods, establish service schedules, and help create, review, and put policies and procedures into practice.
• Create workable processes for collecting, scanning, filing, and maintaining program or project records; check data for accuracy, completeness, and reliability.
• Coordinate behavioral health and social service projects in partnership with the Fire Department, Police, and Violence Intervention Program (VIP).
• Manage the planning, scheduling, monitoring, and overall administration of the program.
• Teach families and communities about grief, trauma, and the short- and long-term effects of traumatic events.
• Link individuals and families with mental health and behavioral health services.
• Assess a broad range of crisis situations and provide information, guidance, and referrals to help resolve concerns.
• Support and coordinate needs assessments to determine training needs for the department and special programs.
• Handle external contracts and memoranda of understanding for projects that involve other public agencies.
• Take part in internal departmental committees, task forces, agency groups, and work sessions.
• Build and maintain relationships with civic organizations, social service agencies, and other professionals, and deliver presentations to providers and community groups.
• Stay current on changes and new practices in the field and incorporate relevant updates into program work.
• Carry out other related responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, public administration, public relations, sociology, education, or a related discipline.
• At least 3 years of experience in community programs, social services, victim assistance, law enforcement, crisis intervention, or mental health support.
• Valid New Mexico driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one by the start date.
• City Operator’s Permit (COP) must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Must successfully pass a CJIS/FBI security background check.
• Availability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work in challenging, hazardous, or emergency situations.
• Must be able to work in a safety-sensitive role that is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
• Preferred: bilingual Spanish/English communication skills.
• Job tasks may involve standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, and climbing for long periods, and working while wearing PPE such as body armor, gloves, a mask, and protective outerwear.

Additional information

This position is primarily field-based, with occasional reporting to an office. Computer screen exposure may be part of the work environment. The role is safety sensitive and may require work under potentially abusive, hazardous, or emergency conditions. Job descriptions provide a general overview of typical duties and may not include every task performed in the role.