Careers

What is a Community Responder?

A Community Responder:

  • Responds to individuals in need of immediate support with crisis or difficult situations utilizing trauma-informed and person-centered practices.

  • Provides on-the-ground emotional support, de-escalation, conflict resolution, and collaborative problem solving for community members.

  • Addresses immediate concerns and identifies underlying needs.

  • Provides individualized support to connect community members to local resources for ongoing support.

What experience do I need? 

The Community Responder team is composed of members with a wide variety of educational, work, and lived experiences. Those with non-traditional work and educational experience are encouraged to apply.

Required Experience:

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent

  • One or more years of experience in crisis or peer support practices; or any equivalent combination of education or experience.

Preferred Experience:

  • Knowledge and direct experience of local mental health resources, systems of care for complex and co-occurring conditions, substance use and harm reduction, houselessness, and other services.

  • Bilingual English/Spanish

  • Class D Driver's License

Is training provided?

The DCC provides all Community Responders with extensive training. Trainings include, but are not limited to:

  • De-escalation

  • Collaborative Problem Solving

  • Crisis Response

  • Harm Reduction

  • Racial Equity and Inclusion

  • CPR and First Aid

  • Proper Use of Radios

  • Coordination with Northampton Public Safety Dispatch

How do I apply?


Any current employment opportunities will be posted on the website for the City of Northampton’s Department of Human Resources.