Family Court Mental Health Liaison

Mental Health Liaison
Normal Work Hours/Days: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Monday through Friday
Flexibility in hours is required to meet client/family needs
This position involves providing direct services to children with emotional/behavioral disturbances and/or substance abuse issues, along with their families, who are involved with Jefferson County Family Court. This employee is responsible for clinical assessments of client needs, and to advocate for appropriate services and/or least restrictive alternatives. The Mental Health Liaison will work closely with the Family Court Judges, Probation Staff, Youth Detention Staff, as well as the Court Mental Health Unit Staff, and will be located in the Family Court building.
PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS
Interviewing, evaluating, and assessing mental health and/or substance abuse issues and appropriate needs of all client’s referred by Jefferson County Family Court or Youth Detention Center
Working closely with the staff at Family Court, Youth Detention Center, and other community resources in order to provide or access appropriate services to meet the client needs (mental health services, school systems, etc.), and advocating for their services
Provide crisis intervention services to clients who report suicidal/homicidal ideations, or those who have attempted self-harm, or in the event of a tragedy
Consult with Coordinator, JCL, Probation Officers, Detention Specialist, or other staff as necessary
Provide coverage for Family Court, as necessary, in the absence of the Coordinator or JCL
Provide accurate documentation of charts on a daily basis, to include clinical assessments, referrals, progress, and follow-up
Completing required documentation to meet service delivery accountability requirements
Provide weekly schedule of hours to Coordinator
Perform all administrative duties as required
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Masters Degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy, who by education and training, is qualified to perform diagnostic assessments. Licensure or license eligible is preferred .
Two years experience working with seriously emotionally/behaviorally disturbed children and/or children who suffer with substance abuse issues, and their families in a community setting
Valid Alabama driver’s license and driving record acceptable to agency automobile insurance carrier for inclusion on agency policy. Suitable automobile to permit required travel. Must show and maintain car insurance equal to or in excess of the State of Alabama standards for automobile insurance coverage.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of special needs and behavioral characteristics of severely emotionally/behaviorally disturbed children
Knowledge of substance abuse characteristics of children who suffer from drug and alcohol abuse or dependence
Knowledge of the community and available community resources
Knowledge of psychotherapy principles and techniques
Knowledge of psychotropic medications, including their use and side effects
Ability to perform individual assessments and provide therapy
Ability to make clinical decisions/recommendations in crisis situations
Demonstrate communication skills – both expressive and written
Ability to document activities and maintain records in an electronic medical records system
Knowledge of the use of AVATAR (electronic medical record system) and CANS (Child and Adolescent Needs and Strength Assessment) tool is highly desired
Ability to organize and manage one’s own activities with minimum direct supervision
Ability to work flexible hours due to the special needs of the children and their families