MH Court Liaison

Denton County MHMR Center, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), is committed to fostering a supportive, trauma-informed, and welcoming environment for all. We strive to create a collaborative and encouraging atmosphere where individuals feel respected, valued, and empowered. Integrity, honesty, and kindness are the foundation of our Center, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, trauma informed, person-centered care.

General Description

The Court Liaison works under the leadership of the Program Manager of Liaison Services and oversees services between Denton County MHMR and the Denton Probate Court. This position provides emergency risk of harm assessments at Mental Health (MH) Court and provides continuity of care for consumers involved within the MH court system.?The MH Court Liaison also acts as a liaison between Denton County MHMR and nursing homes and hospitals. This position also ensures continuity of care by developing follow up and crisis/safety plans. This position works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training, and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a human services field as required for qualification as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).

• Master's degree in a human services field is preferred.

• One year of experience working in the mental health field is preferred.

• Preferred previous experience interacting within the Mental Health Court System.

• Required qualifications should come before preferred qualifications.

Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications

• Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile insurance.

o Individuals with an out-of-state driver's license must be able to obtain a driver's license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.

• Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of community resources, of case management delivery systems, and of program policies and procedures.

• Ability to assess clients' needs, to coordinate clients' services, to communicate effectively, and to train others.

• Ability to present professionally within the confines of court and present information appropriately and professionally while on stand.

Department: Liaison Services PAL: 20-352

Reports to: Program Manager of Liaison Services Grant Funded: ? Yes ? No

FTE Status: Full-Time Work Model: In-Person

Schedule: Monday - Friday from 8:00AM to 5:00PM ? Exempt ? Non-Exempt

• Ability to display regular and reliable (in-person, if required) attendance.

• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

1. Provides face to face Risk of Harm (ROH) Assessments at MH Court as needed; provides coordination to individual's assessed and appropriate linkage to agency services.

o Testifies towards a client's current ROH and appropriate level of care during a court hearing as needed.

i. The court liaison will be cross-examined during the hearing by the District Attorney, the individual's attorney, and the judge.

o Communicates with the Court Administrator, District Attorney, and the individual's attorney throughout each court day and throughout the week as needed.

o Facilitates meetings with hospitals to complete the ROH assessment through a virtual or in person format.

2. Assists with maintaining the Inpatient Care Waitlist for individuals awaiting a bed at a state hospital.

3. Enters all documentation into the Electronic Health Record System within 2 business days of interaction.

4. Coordinates hospital discharge planning and schedules outpatient mental health appointments for continuity of care.

5. Ensures that all court orders for outpatient Mental Health Services are administered within required deadlines and directed as outlined by the court.

6. Completes Alternative Treatment Recommendation (ATR) as required by the court.

7. Attends all program meetings and meets with supervisor for monthly individual supervisions.

8. Provides emergency intervention when necessary, according to Department of Human Services (DHS) and Center rules and procedures.

9. Keeps daily service logs on all direct care activities.

10. Performs additional duties deemed necessary by Program Manager or other leadership.

11. Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.

o Supports individuals experiencing a crisis by promptly connecting them with appropriate Center programs, such as the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), Psychiatric Triage, Crisis Prevention services, and/or other applicable resources. Ensure seamless coordination to facilitate timely intervention.

o Remains with individuals, when deemed safe, to provide support and maintain a calm environment until specialized crisis staff or emergency personnel arrive to take over intervention efforts. Adheres to safety protocols to prevent escalation of the crisis situation.

o Participates in debriefing sessions with the immediate supervisor or designated staff following a crisis event. Collaborate with the team to review the incident, identify lessons learned, and ensure all HHSC guidelines and Center policies are followed.

General Description

The Court Liaison works under the leadership of the Program Manager of Liaison Services and oversees services between Denton County MHMR and the Denton Probate Court. This position provides emergency risk of harm assessments at Mental Health (MH) Court and provides continuity of care for consumers involved within the MH court system.?The MH Court Liaison also acts as a liaison between Denton County MHMR and nursing homes and hospitals. This position also ensures continuity of care by developing community support plans. This position works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training, and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a human services field as required for qualification as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).
• Master's degree in a human services field preferred.
• Six-months experience working in the mental health field preferred.
• Preferred previous experience interacting within the MH Court System.

Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications

• Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile insurance.

o Individuals with an out of state driver's license must be able to obtain a driver's license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.

• Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of community resources, of case management delivery systems, and of program policies and procedures.
• Ability to assess clients' needs, to coordinate clients' services, to communicate effectively, and to train others.
• Ability to present professionally within the confines of court and present information appropriately and professionally while on stand.
• Ability to display regular and reliable (in-person, if required) attendance.
• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

1. Provides face to face Risk of Harm (ROH) Assessments at MH Court as needed; provides coordination to individual's assessed and appropriate linkage to agency services.

o Testifies towards a client's current ROH and appropriate level of care during a court hearing as needed.

o Communicates with the Court Administrator and District Attorney throughout each court day and throughout the week as needed.

2. Maintains Inpatient Care Waitlist for individuals awaiting a bed at a state hospital.

o Must update this waitlist at a minimum of every 3 days.

3. Enters all documentation into the Electronic Health Record System within 2 business days of interaction.

4. Coordinates hospital discharge planning and schedules aftercare appointments for continuity of care.

5. Ensures that all court orders for outpatient Mental Health Services are administered within required deadlines and directed as outlined by the court.

6. Completes Alternative Treatment Recommendation (ATR) on a daily basis as required by the court.

7. Attends all program meetings and meets with supervisor for monthly individual supervisions.

8. Provides emergency intervention when necessary, according to Department of Human Services (DHS) and Center rules and procedures.

9. Keeps daily service logs on all direct care activities.

10. Performs additional duties deemed necessary by Program Manager or another supervisors.

11. Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.

o Supports individuals experiencing a crisis by promptly connecting them with appropriate Center programs, such as the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), Psychiatric Triage, Crisis Prevention services, and/or other applicable resources. Ensures seamless coordination to facilitate timely intervention.

o Remains with individuals, when deemed safe, to provide support and maintain a calm environment until specialized crisis staff or emergency personnel arrive to take over intervention efforts. Adheres to safety protocols to prevent escalation of the crisis situation.

o Participates in debriefing sessions with the immediate supervisor or designated staff following a crisis event. Collaborates with the team to review the incident, identify lessons learned, and ensure all HHSC guidelines and Center policies are followed.