Jail and Court Liaison

Wyandot Behavioral Health Network • Kansas City, KS

9h • Hybrid

About The Position

Wyandot Behavioral Health Network is seeking a Jail and Court Liaison to connect individuals involved in the criminal justice system with mental health services and community resources. This collaborative role involves working with correctional staff, mental health professionals, courts, and community partners to promote alternatives to incarceration, support community transitions, and ensure individuals receive necessary care. The position is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, navigating complex situations, and making a significant difference in people's lives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university, preferably in a human services, behavioral health, criminal justice, or related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with clients, colleagues, community agencies, and justice system partners.
• Ability to engage individuals experiencing mental health challenges or acute crises with patience, empathy, and professionalism.
• Familiarity with mental health concepts and practices, as well as the criminal justice or corrections system.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Basic computer skills, including experience with databases, word processing, and spreadsheets.
• Reliable transportation for daily travel within the community.
• Ability to meet applicable Kansas certification requirements, including required criminal, abuse/neglect registry, and professional background checks.
• Ability to perform essential job functions safely, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Nice To Haves

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• A creative, flexible, and solution-oriented approach to problem-solving.
• Confidence navigating sensitive or stressful situations.
• The ability to negotiate, de-escalate conflict, and maintain professional boundaries.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to individual differences and needs.
• A genuine interest in improving outcomes for individuals affected by mental illness and involvement in the criminal justice system.

Responsibilities

• Connect individuals to outpatient mental health services by identifying potential candidates, coordinating referrals, appointments, and follow-up care.
• Support successful community transitions by participating in release planning and connecting individuals with treatment providers and community resources post-release.
• Build strong community partnerships by collaborating with detention center staff, mental health professionals, treatment teams, courts, and other community agencies.
• Support court-ordered treatment by attending Probate Court proceedings and assisting with processes like Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT).
• Promote alternatives to incarceration by identifying opportunities for eligible individuals to receive community-based mental health treatment.
• Coordinate information and records by maintaining accurate databases, monitoring jail bookings and treatment status, and facilitating information sharing.
• Assist with court and legal coordination by tracking court proceedings, supporting court attendance, and communicating with relevant legal and judicial partners.
• Engage individuals in services by helping those not connected to Wyandot Behavioral Health Network access appropriate treatment and support.
• Bridge mental health and criminal justice systems by serving as a key connection between municipal courts, corrections, mental health providers, and community services.

What This Job Offers

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