Jail and Court Liaison

Purpose

This position serves to promote diversion from jail and/or the criminal justice system for individuals who would be better served in mental health outpatient treatment, and to facilitate a strong working inter-connection of mental health and corrections in Wyandotte County.

Essential Functions

• Complete data collection functions to support Corrections / Mental Health collaborative efforts, including daily cross-checks for jail bookings and mental health active status as well as maintain the court ordered treatment database
• Coordinate and facilitate post-release appointments for clinical care on behalf of individuals booked into the jail.
• Facilitate record sharing between correctional facilities and mental health treatment centers, for treatment continuity.
• Track court processes for individuals in jail and coordinate appropriate support for attendance and meeting court requirements.
• Participate in release planning for inmates in need of mental health services.
• Collaborate with mental health professionals inside the Wyandotte County Detention Center to identify consumers who would be eligible for and benefit from outpatient mental health services; with an emphasis on identifying consumers who meet the severe and persistent mental illness criteria.
• Attend Probate Court daily to assist with the court ordered treatment process
• Maintain regular communication with treatment teams, the Care and Treatment Judge, and the District Attorney’s Office as necessary to provide recommendations related to Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) orders and other court-related matters.
• Deliver services to individuals not currently engaged with WBHN, facilitate appropriate referrals, and collaborate consistently with treatment teams regarding AOT cases.
• Act as a boundary spanner for municipal court and mental health services.

Requirements

Education

Must have a Bachelor degree from an accredited University, with preferred experience in the human service and/or criminal justice fields. Equivalent experience in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree will be considered.

Experience

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including both oral and written. Experience and rapport development skills with people experiencing acute crisis. Ability to establish effective on-going professional working relationships with clients, internal partners, and various community partners. Computerized database, word processing, and spreadsheet experience required.

Skills & Abilities

• Self-Directed, works well independently
• Creative, innovative, and flexible approach to work functions
• Strong relationship development skills
• Ability to negotiate in stressful circumstances
• Well-developed client/ inmate engagement skills
• Knowledge and interest in both Mental Health and Criminal Justice fields
• Ability to work flexible work hours, between 6:30am and 5:00pm weekdays

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Certification in the State of Kansas to provide the service, which includes criminal, abuse/neglect registry and professional background checks.
• Has reliable and dependable transportation for daily travel in the community.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish effective working relationship with staff, community agencies and clients.
• Ability to recognize and be sensitive to cultural and ethnic differences.
• Familiarity with mental health theory and practice.
• Familiarity with criminal justice / corrections field.
• Ability to safely perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.