Behavioral Health Liaison

Ozaukee County • Port Washington, WI

3d • $34 - $43

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Liaison (BHL) works with individuals to assess and refer to a variety of internal and external providers (hospitals, schools, community partners) for a spectrum of acute and chronic biopsychosocial needs with the goal of eliminating safety risks and enhancing the individual’s well-being. Using Wisconsin State Statues Chapters 34, 46, 51, 54, 55, 92, and 94 as a guiding source, as well a county and professional guidelines, the BHL works in consultation to all consumers of the Department of Human Services staff when requested, The BHL completes these tasks via evaluation, investigation (including allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable and older adults), coordination of services, and education to involved parties. The BHL works in conjunction with law enforcement and the court systems to ensure compliance within the applicable DHS codes. The BHL is knowledgeable in available resources and interventions to ensure protection for those with behavioral health needs, as well as mental and physical health conditions. Case assignments and community treatment needs can vary significantly and often require working outside the normal 8:00a–4:30p workday. The BHL may provide services in a variety of settings including a person’s home in the community, office, school, or jails

Requirements

• Minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree in a related social services field with preference for individuals who carry certification and/or licensure per Wisconsin State Statutes
• Minimum 1 year prior working in social services field with direct experience in both Crisis and Adult Protective Services (APS) work. Knowledge of applicable Wisconsin State Statutes
• Complete Crisis Training and Orientation after hire
• Completes additional trainings as recommended by leadership
• Must be available for periodic call-ins during emergent situations.
• Good communication skills and the ability to problem-solve independently, particularly in crisis situations.
• Ability to understand and to follow directions from supervisors, complying with agency/county directives, state laws, licensing rules and regulations and certification standards that cover individuals, agencies, court orders and program guidelines.
• Ability to maintain accurate, timely treatment records for each client. Excellent verbal skills are essential to communicate clearly with clients and other staff members. Ability to read and to understand clinical reports and professional literature.
• Knowledge of the spectrum of mental illnesses, symptomatology, psychotropic medications, and the problems these can create and how to effectively treat the mentally ill individual, including providing appropriate interventions for symptoms, suicidality, chemical abuse, and the social, medical, and environmental factors that impact on persons with mental illness.

Nice To Haves

• Preference for Master’s Degree with applicable licensure

Responsibilities

• Crisis Intervention: Receives and responds to crisis/emergency calls and requests, completes suicide risk assessments, provides services through interviews, home visits, investigations, and assessments in consultation with clients, family, other caretakers, law enforcement and/or relevant medical personnel. Determines level of care including—but not limited to--least restrictive, most appropriate outcome. Authorizes Chapter 51 Emergency Detentions including Incapacitation Holds, and/or Chapter 55 Emergency Protective Placement. Prepares and submits required reports to appropriate state oversight agencies in compliance with regulatory requirements
• Case Management: Provides case management services across all program areas, including assessing appropriate levels of care and ensuring timely follow-through with recommended services. Offers support, education, counseling, and follow-up to individuals and their families or support systems. Advocates for individuals with behavioral health, developmental, and/or physical health conditions to ensure their needs are addressed within the community. Collaborates with assigned providers, case managers, and clients throughout the progression of court orders, including providing recommendations to the court when appropriate. Assists in identifying and securing appropriate community placements, such as home settings, Community-Based Residential Facilities (CBRF), or supervised living environments. Coordinates outpatient services, schedules follow-up appointments, and ensures continuity of care through ongoing communication with providers and community supports. Conducts follow-up contacts as needed to monitor progress and service engagement. Completes annual WATTS reviews in accordance with program requirements
• Intake: Provides intake and triage services for Behavioral Health and applicable Human Services programs, including Integrated Behavioral Health, Case Management services (Comprehensive Community Services, Community Support Program, and Crisis Case Management). Serves as the initial point of contact for receiving and documenting Adult Protective Services reports. Maintains knowledge of community resources, including clinics, providers, and higher levels of care, to ensure appropriate referrals and service coordination for clients. Coordinates referrals for individuals seeking residential treatment and, when applicable, facilitates funding requests. Collaborates with the outpatient treatment team to review and staff referrals and coordinates the collection and management of records required for new clinic referrals
• Court Liaison: Prepares for, collaborates on and attends court proceedings for both Chapter 51 and Chapter 55 matters. Works closely with Ozaukee County Corporation Counsel to ensure appropriate documentation, case coordination, and communication related to legal proceedings
• After Hours On-call: Provides on-call duties to meet program requirements. Responds to requests for crisis intervention services at Ozaukee County Jail using phone consultation and in-person response. Completes documentation accordingly in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in compliance with DHS 34 billing standards
• Team Staffing: Participates in client staffings, group supervision, multidisciplinary meetings, and collaborates with other Human Services Divisional staff as identified and appropriate to meet the needs of clients. Develops crisis plans within this framework
• Training/Other: Completes required documentation in a timely and accurate manner. Attends in-service training to maintain professional standards, certification and personal licensure. Stays informed of current research, best practices, and emerging trends in behavioral health and Adult Protective Services relevant to assigned duties. Regularly monitors and reviews caseloads to ensure services are delivered effectively and records are maintained in an accurate and up-to-date manner. Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Ozaukee County offers a generous benefits package including: health, dental, life, & vision insurance; free employee health clinic & Teladoc; paid holidays, vacation, & sick time; state of Wisconsin WRS defined benefit pension program; bonus opportunities; employee fitness room; wellness program & wellness reimbursement; tuition reimbursement & continuing education opportunities; and more! Please note some that benefits offered are dependent on full-time/part-time status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level