Community Behavioral Health Liaison

Brightli • Columbia, MO

2d

About The Position

The Community Behavioral Health Liaison II connects individuals involved in the criminal justice system with timely behavioral health care and community resources. The position coordinates complex cases, supports crisis intervention and diversion initiatives, and builds partnerships among law enforcement, courts, jails, treatment providers, and community organizations. It is part of a collaborative team working to reduce barriers, promote recovery, and improve outcomes for people with behavioral health needs.

The role includes coordination with justice-system partners, crisis-response activities, community education, and participation in state and regional initiatives. It also requires accurate documentation and reporting, compliance with confidentiality, HIPAA, program, and funding requirements, and participation in supervision, professional development, and required training.

The position is based in Columbia, Missouri, in the Crisis Services department. Physical work is primarily sedentary, involving sitting most of the time, occasional walking or standing, and repetitive hand, finger, and arm movements for typing or writing.

Requirements

• Possess a master’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a related field.
• Possess at least two years of experience in behavioral health, criminal justice, or a related area.
• Complete the 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team training within six months of hire or within the timeframe required by the applicable funding source.
• Demonstrate knowledge of behavioral health conditions, treatment approaches, recovery principles, criminal justice processes, and community resources.
• Apply crisis intervention, de-escalation, behavioral health screening, assessment, and sound judgment in complex or high-stress situations.
• Build collaborative relationships and communicate effectively with individuals, families, law enforcement, court personnel, treatment providers, and community partners.
• Facilitate effective presentations and training sessions for diverse professional and community audiences.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while organizing, prioritizing, and managing multiple complex cases.
• Navigate behavioral health and criminal justice systems to identify solutions and reduce barriers for individuals served.
• Demonstrate adaptability, professionalism, cultural competence, active listening, and effective written and verbal communication.
• Successfully complete required background screenings, including criminal record, driving record, abuse and neglect, and fingerprint checks.
• Maintain a current driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and current auto insurance.

Responsibilities

• Connect individuals referred by authorized sources with appropriate behavioral health services, social supports, and community resources.
• Partner with law enforcement through ride-alongs, wellness checks, consultation, and training to strengthen crisis intervention and diversion efforts.
• Collaborate with courts, treatment teams, and justice partners to coordinate services, explore competency restoration options, and improve system responses.
• Coordinate with jails to complete behavioral health screenings, develop re-entry and discharge plans, and promote continuity of care following release.
• Support crisis intervention initiatives, including co-responder programs, 988 coordination, and other community-based diversion models.
• Educate law enforcement officers, court personnel, and community stakeholders about behavioral health, crisis response, de-escalation, and available resources.
• Participate in state and regional initiatives, including Sequential Intercept Model Mapping and Crisis Intervention Team program development.
• Maintain timely, accurate documentation, data tracking, and reporting in accordance with confidentiality, HIPAA, program, and funding requirements.
• Participate in supervision, professional development, and required training to maintain compliance and advance job-related skills.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program with 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, and financial consultation for the employee and household at no cost.
• Mileage reimbursement for work functions requiring travel.
• Employee discounts on hotels, theme parks and attractions, and college tuition.
• Paid time off for full-time employees.
• Health, dental, vision, retirement, and life benefits for full-time employees.
• Initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive training.
• Career mobility and advancement opportunities, including promotion from within.
• A workplace culture promoting employee wellbeing and health, valuing individuals, and encouraging happiness.

What This Job Offers

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