Community Behavioral Health Liaison I

Job Purpose

The Community Behavioral Health Liaison I (CBHL I) 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 I is a part of a person-centered integration team and works with local systems to coordinate care for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. 

Qualifications                      

Level I CBHL 

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or related behavioral health field, with one year of experience who is:
  1. trained in crisis intervention
  2. 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
  3. knowledgeable about behavioral health disorders and co-occurring disorders 
  4. proficient in public speaking and experienced in delivering professional training                                         

Core Job Duties

• 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
• Participate on local law enforcement Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) or other initiatives that assist law enforcement in addressing individuals with behavioral health needs
• Collaborate with local partners in treatment or diversion courts assisting individuals with behavioral health needs
• 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
• In coordination with the ACI, assist law enforcement, jails, and the courts in locating inpatient psychiatric beds for court-ordered involuntary detentions and in filing petitions for involuntary detention with the probate court for those individuals who present a likelihood of serious harm due to a mental disorder
• Complete all mandatory documentation
• Act as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
• Adherence to all applicable evidence-based practice models. 
• Orally communicate information effectively and accurately. 
• Assure program operates within the constraints of the agency’s certification (CARF, DMH) standards and strategic plan related to clinical care.                               
• Abide by program and agency policies and procedures.
• Other job duties and special projects as assigned