JOB SUMMARY

In accordance with agency Mission, Vision, Values and Goals, the Community Mental Health Liaison (CMHL) is responsible for assisting to form community partnerships with law enforcement agencies and organizations to save valuable resources that might otherwise be expended on unnecessary jail, prison, and hospital stays. The Liaison works to improve outcomes for individuals in the community with behavioral health issues and assist in tracking their progress to ensure success.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

Coordinate services and develop local systems of care for individuals with behavioral health needs who have come to the attention of law enforcement officials, the courts and hospital emergency departments.

Participate on local law enforcement Crisis Intervention Teams or other initiatives that assist law enforcement in dealing with individuals with behavioral health needs.

Collaborate with Mental Health Court or other specialty or diversion courts dealing with behavioral health issues.

Provide or coordinate training and consultation on behavioral health issues for court staff and law enforcement as needed. This includes resident and safety checks and completing clinical interventions when needed in coordination with law enforcement.

Provides crisis services and needed interventions to assist law enforcement by working together in assessing individuals with behavioral health needs. This includes resident and safety checks and completing clinical interventions when needed in coordination with law enforcement.

Assist people in the community with accessing voluntary services, filing petitions for involuntary detention with the probate court and locating inpatient psychiatric beds.

Attend all required trainings and meetings as required by the Department of Behavioral Health and collects and documents data about their activity and involvement with law enforcement, courts and individuals in the community.

Follow all agency policies and procedures including emergency and corporate compliance policies/procedures 100% of the time.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

Provide updated information regarding community resources and procedures for all potentially accessed resources, such as Inpatient and respite care facilities.

Serve as liaison between CMHS crisis system and other community or health care systems which may be accessed.

Attend related meetings, serves on committees for CMHS and other entities as needed or assigned to ensure smooth program operations. Provides feedback as to the efficacy of the system.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Master Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Nursing, or related field. Licensure is preferred.

Experience:

Minimum of two years experience in mental health or related field, one year experience working with adult / adolescent populations, one year working with Crisis or Inpatient populations and one year supervisory experience.

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations:

Licensed social work or counseling or RN preferred.

Special Skills:

Communication skills

Problem solving /decision making/judgment

Time management

Basic computer knowledge

Crisis intervention

REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITION

Must attend a minimum of 6 hours every 2 years of workshop / inservice education related to this field or management/supervision. Must be able to be on call.

DEGREE OF SUPERVISION

Supervised by the Outreach and Crisis Services Coordinator and receives a minimum of one hour per month of supervisory counsel.

POSITIONS SUPERVISED

None