Ellis County Jail-Based Care Coordinator

NORTH TEXAS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AUTHORITY•Waxahachie, TX

3d•$60,000 - $65,000•Hybrid

About The Position

North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA) is seeking Care Coordinators with excellent organizational and clinical skills to work in conjunction with the various components of our system of care. The purpose of the Care Coordinator is to perform complex coordination work and assist in developing discharge plans, goals and objectives while eliminating barriers to effectively connect individuals with mental illness and/or a co-occurring disorder transitioning from crisis services to outpatient services. They link clients to appropriate provider services in the community. This position communicates consistently and effectively with various partners and community providers and other NTBHA staff regarding clients’ assessments, barriers, and unique needs. This may include housing, benefits, food and clothing resources, and other areas to ensure a complete and comprehensive treatment approach. Some Care Coordinators provide connections to services for individuals coming through the jail diversion program that seeks to reduce the impact of social determinants that lead to crisis involving law enforcement. They will be expected to work closely and collaboratively with community mental health agencies, law enforcement, and service providers regarding clients to develop effective responses to referrals. The team will also provide updates and feedback on referrals that are made and will communicate and coordinate with community providers regarding services for referrals. Jail-Based Care Coordinators bridge the potential gap in services between incarceration and outpatient providers by assisting in providing care for jailed clients. Their role is to perform complex coordination and assessment to assist in identifying strengths and needs to eliminate barriers and to connect incarcerated clients with mental health providers to an appropriate level of care once they are released. This role begins while the individual is still incarcerated, and cooperation and coordination with outside providers and jail administrators is important. Responsible for adherence to and compliance with NTBHA policies and procedures as well as state and federal regulatory codes. Additional training relevant to telephonic crisis intervention may be required. Additional background checks and clearances may also be needed. Travel can vary from 20% to 100% per day. This would include all counties within NTBHA Catchment area (Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro & Rockwall Counties). This role may be required to use a fleet vehicle and and/or a personal vehicle for business needs. This may include, but not limited to field & home visits, offsite meetings, co-located sites and/or pick up items for business needs, etc. If your program requires transport of individuals, this would only be allowed with a company vehicle and approval from management. This position is classified as exempt and requires flexibility in scheduling to meet organizational needs, including adjusting work hours as necessary to ensure job responsibilities are completed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related behavioral health field.
Must meet the minimum qualifications of a Qualified Mental Health Professional-Community Services (QMHPCS) as outlined in the Texas Administrative Code 353.1415(a)(1), required.
Minimum of two years of experience in community mental health working with individuals with severe persistent mental illness and substance use disorders, including crisis services.
Knowledge of Texas crisis response requirements.
Knowledge of community resources in the NTBHA service area (housing, shelters, food banks, service agencies, providers).
Valid driver’s license, insurance, and reliable transportation.
Clear background check is required under state and federal contracts.

Responsibilities

Perform coordination and assessment to assist in developing discharge plans, goals, and objectives while eliminating barriers to connect individuals with mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders transitioning from jail to outpatient services.
Link clients to appropriate provider services in the community.
Communicate consistently with NTBHA staff, providers, jail administrators, and community partners to ensure a comprehensive treatment approach.
Work within jail diversion programs to address social determinants of health that may lead to crisis situations involving law enforcement.
Prepare, create, and maintain accurate records, files, and reports for NTBHA and partner agencies.
Provide crisis intervention support and continuity of care for incarcerated individuals preparing for release.
Build rapport with clients in crisis using Mental Health First Aid, Motivational Interviewing, and other appropriate methods.
Collaborate with law enforcement, mental health agencies, and service providers to develop effective responses to referrals.
Must be able to work on and have knowledge of a PC (personal computer).
Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills - Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc., with an ability to become familiar with company-specific programs and software.
Duties and projects may be assigned or changed to meet business needs.