Court Liaison

Job Code: CL - 113
Revision Date: November 17, 2022

Starting Salary: $20.50 hourly; $42,636 annually

FLSA: Exempt

Overview

We are an agency committed to innovative behavioral health services in trauma-informed care that promote healing and recovery to instill a sense of empowerment and foster a lifelong sense of resilience.

General Description

Act as a liaison to individuals in the criminal justice system that are in need of mental health services. -. Link qualified individuals to the Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA). The position requires close work with the following agencies to facilitate services for individuals identified as having a neuro-illness: El Paso Psychiatric Center, County Attorney's Office, El Paso Public Defender's Office, El Paso County Detention Facility, and the West Texas Community Supervision and Corrections Department and the El Paso County and District Courts. The nature of the duties requires timely intervention and recurrent face-to- face contact with consumer, family, and service providers. Upon individual's discharge from primary State Mental Health Facility, liaison must provide face-to-face contact within 7 days of discharge and complete Continuity of Care (COC) assessment and prepare documentation which may include treatment recommendations for the client. The position requires working with the Judiciary and assisting individuals identified as having a neuro-illness in reference to obtaining PR Bonds and assisting with competency cases.

This class works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences. This position reports directly to the Program Manager of Court Services.

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Responsible for completing Continuity of Care assessments on offenders returning from state hospital facilities to the El Paso County Jail, or to the community.
• Designated to be accountable for supporting and assisting identified individuals and legally authorized representative (LAR) in planning, coordinating, and monitoring services and supports.
• Complies with training requirements per Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and Texas Department of State and Health Services (DSHS) Performance Contract with DSHS.
• Develops and maintains cooperative working relationships with community network of agencies.
• Maintains close communication with the Public Defender's Office, El Paso County Detention Facility, Mental Health Court West Texas Community Supervision and Corrections Department staff and the Judiciary, attends scheduled court hearings to provide court with pertinent information that ensures consumers receive the most appropriate and least restrictive treatment services available.
• Participates in required court sessions or hearings.
• Participates in identified assigned functions in compliance with and adherence to required federal/state/corporate mandates, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Refer and link clients to community resources or entitlements.
• Maintains regular communication channels with supervisor.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Requires a Master's degree in Psychology, Social Sciences or related behavioral field supplemented by two (2) year of direct casework/case management experience in a community service setting; or possession of any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Experience with trauma-informed services; cognitive behavioral therapies, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT); and motivational therapies including the use of incentives, preferred.

Required Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of trauma-informed theories, principals, and practices (includes multi-faceted understanding of concepts such as community trauma, intergenerational and historical trauma, parallel processes, and universal precautions), preferred.

Physical Demands

Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment)

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
  • Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
• Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
• Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
• Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
• Traffic; Moving machinery.
• Electrical shock; Heights.
• Violence.
• Other extreme hazards not listed above.

Special Certifications and Licenses

• Must be able to be credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Professional-Community Service (QMHP-CS) certification in the timeframe designated by EHN.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.
• Must be able to pass a TB, criminal background, and drug screen.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance (ADA)

Emergence Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer. American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires Emergence Health Network to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Other Job Characteristics

• Staffing requirements, including criteria that staff have diverse disciplinary backgrounds, have necessary State required license and accreditation, and are culturally and linguistically trained to serve the needs of the clinic's patient population.
• Credentialed, certified, and licensed professionals with adequate training in person-centered, family centered, trauma informed, culturally-competent and recovery-oriented care.
• Acquires and maintains credentialing requirements in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements.
• Schedule is subject to change due to departmental and clientele needs.
• Responsible for adhering to the EHN common purpose and service framework to continuously provide exceptional care to all constituents.

Note: This Class Description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Emergence Health Network and an employee and is subject to change by the Emergence Health Network as its needs change.