Mental Health Liaison (Correctional Health)

Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that’s served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It’s our passion.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Responsible for participating in the development and implementation of mental health service plans for jail health patients including identifying and monitoring mental health needs and working with families and community agencies top ensure follow up care upon release.

MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS

Education:

• Must have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field.

Experience:

• None

Equivalent Education and/or Experience:

• None

Certification/Registration/Licensure:

• Must have a current Heartsaver CPR course completion card within 90 days of hire and/or placement in job from one of the following:

o American Heart Association
o American Red Cross Rescuer
o Military Training Network.

- Skills or Special Abilities:

• Must be able to demonstrate patient centered/patient valued behaviors.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with a diverse population of patients, medical and nursing staff, and management, both orally and in writing.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge of PCs, word processing and database software.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

Interviews inmates to assist in the identification and monitoring of mental health needs.

Ensures that inmates in a designated facility, program or area receive the necessary services in a timely manner and from the appropriate mental health clinician(s).

Serves as liaison/inmate advocate with classification, medical, security and other departments for inmates with special mental health needs.

Contacts inmates’ families and outside agencies to assist with treatment and/or discharge release planning.

Conducts didactic, psycho educational and/or supervised group and individual counseling with offenders in a designated facility, area or program.

Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction, makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.

Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements and trends in mental health by attending seminars or workshops, reading professional journals and/or actively participating in professional organizations, and integrates this knowledge as appropriate into the position.

Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the mental/jail health area. Develops effective internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws, and the program requirements of accreditation agencies and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as necessary to ensure proper understanding.

Parkland Health and Hospital System prohibits discrimination based on age (40 or over), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, national origin, marital status, political belief, or veteran status. As part of our commitment to our patients and employees’ wellness, Parkland Health is a tobacco and smoke-free campus.