Community Mental Health Liaison

Brightli • Boonville, MO

3d

About The Position

The Community Behavioral Health Liaison connects individuals involved in the criminal justice system with timely behavioral health care and community resources. The role coordinates complex cases, supports crisis intervention and diversion initiatives, and builds partnerships among law enforcement, courts, jails, treatment providers, and community organizations. The position is based in Columbia, Missouri, within Crisis Services, and is full-time.

The liaison works with justice and community partners to improve access to care, continuity of support, and outcomes for individuals with behavioral health needs. The role includes crisis response collaboration, education and training for stakeholders, participation in regional initiatives, and accurate documentation in compliance with confidentiality, HIPAA, program, and funding requirements. The position requires a master’s degree in a relevant field, at least two years of related experience, and completion of Crisis Intervention Team training within the specified timeframe.

The work is primarily sedentary, involving sitting for most of the workday, with occasional walking or standing and repetitive hand, finger, and arm movements for typing or writing. The role may require occasional handling of up to 10 pounds of force and frequent handling of negligible force.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a related field.
• At least two years of experience in behavioral health, criminal justice, or a related area.
• Complete 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team training within six months of hire or within the timeframe required by the applicable funding source.
• Knowledge of behavioral health conditions, treatment approaches, recovery principles, criminal justice processes, and community resources.
• Ability to apply crisis intervention, de-escalation, behavioral health screening, assessment, and sound judgment in complex or high-stress situations.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships and communicate effectively with individuals, families, law enforcement, court personnel, treatment providers, and community partners.
• Ability to facilitate presentations and training sessions for diverse professional and community audiences.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while organizing, prioritizing, and managing multiple complex cases.
• Ability to navigate behavioral health and criminal justice systems to identify solutions and reduce barriers for individuals served.
• 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 no-cost 24/7 counseling, legal assistance, and financial consultation for the employee and household.
• Mileage reimbursement for work functions requiring travel.
• Employee discounts on hotels, theme parks, attractions, and college tuition.
• Paid time off package for full-time employees.
• Health, dental, vision, retirement, and life benefits for full-time employees.
• Initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive training.
• Career advancement opportunities and promotion from within.
• Supportive workplace culture focused on employee wellbeing and health.

What This Job Offers

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