Court Liaison

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Court Liaison assists and advocates for adults living with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder who are involved with the criminal justice system. They increase coordination and collaboration between the criminal justice and mental health systems, improve access to mental health and substance use services, and enhance continuity of care. Additionally, the court liaison assists individuals with court-mandated/recommended treatment, acting as a bridge between the courts, treatment providers, and the client. Key responsibilities include assessing clients' needs, monitoring their compliance with court orders, providing case management, and ensuring communication between all parties involved, such as judges, lawyers, probation and treatment providers. They simplify the process for the client by explaining requirements, assisting with paperwork, and preparing them for court appearances.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain a caseload of clients offering case management services and assistance with any legal or CPS concerns.

• Facilitates treatment referrals from the court system.

• Develop and implement treatment plans, monitor client compliance with court requirements and provider reports, and track proof of attendance for program hours.

• Conduct weekly assessments of individual client needs and address those needs.

• Participate in client treatment planning with the multidisciplinary team.

• Accompany residents to court hearings/CPS visits and meetings, making court aware of client’s progress with updated and accurate information.

• Collaborate with judges, public defenders, prosecutors, and various community and state programs.

• Provide weekly progress reports for probation, parole, court systems, or child protective services as needed.

• Evaluate, facilitate and monitor services and clients’ progress in relationship to established goals and objectives.

• Work to obtain aftercare placements such as sober living, partial hospitalization, or outpatient placement for aftercare services as recommended by the court systems.

• Facilitate community resource availability based on client needs to ensure maximum social integration.

• Educate clients on legal and treatment requirements, act as an advocate for clients, and sometimes provide education to court staff on addiction and recovery.

• Document weekly in the medical record.
• Complete thirty, ninety, and annual follow up calls.
• Act as a mentor and resource in the community by participating in community events and educational fairs regarding substance use treatment.
• Utilize community resources appropriately for clients, including vocational counseling, public assistance, high school equivalency course, literacy classes, parenting classes, etc.
• Facilitates client benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, SSB, Medicare).
• Other duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have High School Diploma or GED.

• CPR/BLS Certification required.

• Bachelor's degree in social work or human services field preferred.

• One year of case management experience preferred.

• One year of experience working in community mental health/substance use treatment preferred.

• Licensure or Certification for Chemical Dependency Counseling (LCDCII, LCDCIII or CDCA) preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS OR ABILITIES:

Required Skills for this position include but are not limited to:

• Ability to interact with a multi-disciplinary team to assist in facets of the recovery program relating to physical health.

• Can communicate effectively with all members of the treatment team and court system to ensure the safety of the client.

• Flexibility to adapt to schedule changes and assumption of responsibilities not delineated in the job description which is related to work as a member of an addiction treatment team.

• Attention to detail and organization.

• Computer literate with experience in a Windows environment.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Ability to prioritize work and work-related responsibilities.

• Excellent observation skills

• Customer/Client Focus

• Stress Management/Composure

• Empathy and Compassion: Ability to connect with clients and understand their experiences.

• Advocacy Skills: Ability to advocate for clients' rights and needs.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify and address challenges that clients face.

• Cultural Competency: Understanding and sensitivity to diverse cultures and backgrounds.

• Knowledge of SUD and Recovery: Familiarity with SUD, treatment options, and recovery principles.

EEO STATEMENT:

OVP Health provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, OVP Health complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfers, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

OVP Health expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper inference with the ability of Ohio Valley Physician Inc. employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.