Court Liaison

Summary of responsibilities

Responsible for the coordination of services for people with behavioral health needs who have come to the attention of the justice system through law enforcement, courts, and/or jail personnel. People within this system of care likely have complex mental health and/or substance use needs which may be unmet or poorly coordinated. The Court Liaison intervenes early in the commitment process and is part of an integrated person-centered team that works within local community systems to coordinate care for people experiencing behavioral health crises.

Essential Duties

• Conduct pre-affidavit screenings and coordinate with Chancery Courts and families before commitments, to connect people proactively with community-based services.
• Develop diversion, alternative sentencing, and post-release plans which consider best-fit treatment alternatives and court stipulations.
• Perform on-site outreach efforts to court defendants and individualized service needs assessments, to inform the court and people in need of available treatment options.
• Support and assist defendants in navigating the courts system.
• Coordinate documents and communications among law enforcement, attorneys, court officials, and other relevant parties.
• Make referrals to Intensive Community Support Specialists and Certified Peer Support Specialists.
• Provide mental health referrals and linkages to support services.
• Coordinate with the Mobile Crisis Emergency Response Teams (MCERTs).
• Participate in and/or consider developing with local law enforcement Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) or other initiatives that assist law enforcement in engaging with people with behavioral health needs.
• Collaborate with local partners in Mental Health Courts, Treatment Courts, Veterans Courts, or other specialty/diversion courts handling behavioral health issues.
• Provide, coordinate, or announce trainings on the following topics to increase awareness about behavioral health issues: basic knowledge about mental health conditions and/or co-occurring disorders; civil commitment procedures; CIT training for law enforcement; Mental Health First Aid training; and Suicide Prevention
• Attend monthly conference calls, webinars, and face-to-face meetings/training as requested by the Adult Services Director.
• Maintain a current list of all key law enforcement and court contact information in the Court Liaison's catchment area and provide the Adult Services Director with a current list upon request.

 Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders.
• Understanding of civil commitment procedures and legal processes related to behavioral health.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders including court personnel, law enforcement, families, and individuals in crisis.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to coordinate multiple cases and priorities.
• Proficient in maintaining accurate and confidential documentation.
• Ability to conduct effective needs assessments and develop appropriate service plans.
• Knowledge of community resources and referral processes.
• Skill in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.

Experience & Education

Required

• Master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, criminal justice, or related field.
• Professional license or DMH credential as a Mental Health Therapist
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Preferred

• Minimum of two years of experience in behavioral health, court systems, or related field.
• Experience with justice-involved individuals with behavioral health needs preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches to service delivery.
• Certification in Mental Health First Aid and/or Crisis Intervention Training preferred.