Case Manager

The Rural Mental Health Initiative (RMHI) program is designed to provide comprehensive, coordinated support to individuals with serious mental illness involved in the criminal justice system. The approach integrates both clinical and non-clinical services, aligning closely with evidence-based and research-supported practices in the fields of behavioral health and justice system collaboration. Activities are carefully structured to address participant needs, reduce recidivism, and promote recove1y by leveraging multidisciplinary expe1tise and community resources.

Participant coordination forms the foundation of the program. New referrals are systematically reviewed and screened for eligibility, ensuring that only those who- can benefit from the program are enrolled. The Mental Health Court Liaison conducts or coordinates thorough mental health assessments and compiles relevant clinical documentation. Ongoing monitoring of participant compliance with treatment plans, court orders, and supervision conditions ensures accountability and facilitates early identification of challenges that might impede progress.

Collaboration with the court is a core activity, with the Liaison attending regular court sessions to provide the judge and court team with detailed updates on participant progress. Written and verbal reports are prepared and delivered, supporting informed judicial decision-making. Participation in pre-court staffing meetings with the multidisciplinary team-including the judge, prosecutor, defense counsel, probation officers, and treatment providers-ensures that all stakeholders are aligned and able to respond proactively to participant needs.

The program emphasizes robust communication and liaison duties to maintain continuity of care across systems. The Mental Health Court Liaison acts as the primary point of contact between the court and behavioral health providers, as well as with jails, hospitals, and community agencies. Referrals are facilitated for a wide range of services, including mental health and substance use treatment, housing, and social support services. Tracking participant engagement, documenting sanctions and incentives, and recording incidents or crises are managed using secure electronic records systems.

Case management and crisis- intervention are integral to the service model. Individualized treatment and service plans- are developed and regularly updated to reflect participant progress and changing needs. Case managers maintain detailed, timely documentation in electronic health: records or court databases. In times of crisis, the case manager coordinates with crisis teams, emergency rooms, and law enforcement, and provides immediate support through counseling and de-escalation techniques, all grounded in evidence-based rehabilitative skills training.

Program development and evaluation are ongoing. The team participates in regular meetings to review program outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and contribute to staff and partner training. Data collection and reporting support grant compliance and continuous quality improvement. Additionally, care coordination ensures clients are effectively connected with mental health professionals and community resources, while advocacy activities help clients navigate complex systems such as Medicaid, disability services, and housing authorities. This comprehensive, evidence-based approach positions the company to deliver improved outcomes for participants and stakeholders alike.

Camino Real Community Services is a Trauma Informed Care Agency and implements the principles of trauma informed care.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major (or the equivalent to a major) in psychology, social work, medicine, nursing rehabilitation, counseling, sociology, human growth and development, physician assistant, gerontology, special education, educational psychology, early childhood intervention, or a registered nurse.
• Must meet TAC Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) qualifications.
• You must possess good computer skills.
• Experience in case management, social services, or criminal justice settings.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and behavioral health services.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable with speaking in an official court of law hearing.

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior experience in court liaison work, forensic.
• Mental health, or multidisciplinary team collaboration is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with local court systems, diversion programs, or reentry services.
• Demonstrate ability to read, write, and speak English and Spanish.
• Experience with trauma-informed care and culturally competent.
• Regular travel to courts, jails, client homes, and community-based organizations (20% travel time).
• Office environment with occasional high-stress situations.
• Resides in LaSalle or Maverick Counties in Texas.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong understanding of mental health diagnoses; treatment modalities-, and recovery-oriented practices-.
• Familiarity with criminal justice processes, including court procedures, probation, and diversion programs.
• Ability to conduct mental health assessments and interpret clinical documentation.
• Skilled in crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, and evidence-based rehabilitative practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presenting in court settings.
• Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHRs) and secure documentation systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. .
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Function as a liaison between the courts, attorneys, probation officers, treatment providers, and clients.
• Attend court hearings and provide updates to the court on client compliance and progress.
• Conduct client assessments to determine service needs, including substance use, mental health, housing, employment, and education.
• Develop individualized case plans and coordinate appropriate referrals to community resources.
• Monitor client compliance with court orders, treatment programs, and supervision requirements.
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, reports, and documentation for court and agency records.
• Advocate for clients i11 court proceedings, including recommending diversion or treatment options.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support client progress and public safety goals.
• Respond to crisis situations and assist in the coordination of emergency interventions as needed.
• Knowledge of individual needs/characteristics associated with severe and persistent mental illness.
• Knowledge of local community resources, how to access those services and use them effectively.
• Skill with needs assessments, treatment planning and responding to consumer's changing needs.
• Skill with contributing to a treatment team of physicians; nurses, counselors, and others.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with other professionals, individuals, and groups.
• Ability to exercise tact, show initiative, and use good judgment in dealing with people even in crisis.
• Ability to develop productive and outcome focused relationships with individuals and family members.
• Ability to identify problems/gaps in service:
• Ability to advocate effectively for an individual.

Camino Real is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer