Community Behavioral Health Liaison

Heartland Center For Behavioral Change • Kansas City, MO

8h

About The Position

The Community Behavioral Health Liaison (CBHL) is responsible for the coordination of services for individuals with behavioral health needs who have come to the attention of the justice system through law enforcement, courts, and/or jail personnel. The clientele served have complex mental health and/or substance use needs that are either unmet or are poorly coordinated. The CBHL is a part of a person-centered integration team and works with local systems to coordinate care for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. This is a responsible position providing assistance and support with or on behalf of persons with behavioral health needs to maximize the client's adjustment and functioning within the community, maximizing the involvement of natural support systems, and promoting client independence and responsibility. The CBHL serves as an interdisciplinary liaison with law enforcement, courts, and/or other crisis-oriented points of contact. The role includes identifying life problems with the client through a structured assessment process and arranging services for clients. The employee advocates for the client to obtain needed services and assistance to which the person is entitled and monitors the services provided. The CBHL helps the client when in a crisis. Work is performed under the supervision of the Clinical Director and reviewed through direct observation, reports, and staff conferences.

Requirements

• Master's degree or higher in psychology, social work, counseling, or related behavioral health field and be an experienced, qualified mental health professional(QMHP), or qualified addiction professional (QAP) who is: trained in assessment and crisis intervention knowledgeable about the local system of care, including but not limited to the operation of the community providers, the ACI system, inpatient psychiatric resources, civil commitment procedures, and guardianship laws knowledgeable about behavioral health disorders and co-occurring disorders proficient in public speaking and experienced in delivering professional training
• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or related behavioral health field, with one year of experience who is: trained in crisis intervention knowledgeable about the local system of care, including but not limited to the operation of the community providers, the ACI system, inpatient psychiatric resources, civil commitment procedures, and guardianship laws knowledgeable about behavioral health disorders and co-occurring disorders proficient in public speaking and experienced in delivering professional training
• All candidates will be required to submit to a background screening.
• No candidate may be considered for employment who is under the supervision of the Federal, State, County or Municipal Corrections Department nor have any pending felony or misdemeanor charges other than minor traffic charges.
• Driving may be required for this position.
• The successful candidate must have and remain in possession of a valid current driver's license, automobile insurance, and be insurable under the agency's motor vehicle insurance policy.
• All candidates for employment must meet the established minimum qualifications for employment as identified by the applicable regulatory agencies.

Nice To Haves

• Basic knowledge of substance use disorders
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system
• Basic knowledge and understanding of human behavior, attitudes, and motivation
• Working knowledge of current resources available to persons with substance use disorders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Skill in resolving conflicts and negotiating with others
• Skill in developing positive and productive participant relationships
• Ability to negotiate complex service systems to obtain needed services and resources for participants while not making decisions or performing activities that the participant is fully capable of performing
• Ability to develop and maintain accurate, legible, organized records, and to prepare timely reports
• Ability to plan and organize working time effectively and to meet deadlines
• Ability to work harmoniously and professionally with state and local officials, employees, clients, client families, guardians, public agencies, and the general public
• Ability to work effectively with persons from diverse cultures and backgrounds and to respect individual differences
• Ability to collect and analyze information in making decisions concerning a client’s treatment
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately
• Ability to recognize potential ethical problems and address

Responsibilities

• Coordinate services and develop local systems of care for individuals with behavioral health needs who have come to the attention of law enforcement officials, jail staff and court staff and, when necessary, advocates on behalf of client to obtain the services.
• Participate on local law enforcement Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) or other initiatives that assist law enforcement in addressing individuals with behavioral health needs
• Attends multi-disciplinary treatment team meetings to identify needs related to the individual. Provides clear and concise information regarding client problems, progress, and plans in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with local partners in treatment or diversion courts assisting individuals with behavioral health needs. Attends periodic meetings with designated partners and the client, whenever feasible, to review and update progress towards goals.
• Provide or coordinate training and consultation on behavioral health issues for law enforcement and court staff as needed
• Assist local Access Crisis Intervention (ACI) teams, along with courts, law enforcement or other entities in assessing individuals with behavioral health needs and accessing needed resources and services for such persons
• Monitors service delivery by providers external to the program and ensures communication and coordination of services.
• Contacts clients who have an absence from the program in order to re-engage the person and promote recovery efforts.
• Develops plans with the client, for goal achievement and discharge.
• Records and reports on client participation, progress, and adjustment to treatment goals in a timely manner.
• Maintains timely, legible, clear, concise, and well-organized records of services provided.
• Develops and maintains effective communication and professional, cooperative working relationships with public assistance, social service organizations, and members of staff.
• Maintains the confidentiality of client information.
• Adheres to established ethical and behavioral standards of conduct and continuing professional development.
• Performs other related work, as assigned.

Benefits

• We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.

What This Job Offers

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