Youth Behavioral Health Liaison

Position Summary

Works cooperatively with Community partners to address specific behavioral health needs of vulnerable youth while resolving potential barriers to treatment. Provides outreach to youth identified by law enforcement and court system needing mental health services. Assists with coordination of care and linkage of services for identified youth and families. Works to divert from inpatient hospitalization residential treatment centers, and detention centers while supporting youth in natural family and/or community-based setting.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Completes progress notes in AVATAR within 72 hours of service provided which clearly reflect interventions provided and necessity of those interventions.
• Maintains knowledge of agency technology programs and/or systems needed to do the job and uses them effectively.
• Ensures outcomes data is completed accurately and timely each month.
• Maintains required training and certifications.
• Assists in facilitation of Youth CIT courses for area Law Enforcement.
• Works independently to problem solve issues related to community resources to assist with basic needs as well as emergency situations, advocate for consumers in regards to receiving proper health care.
• Collaborates with TCMHS Youth Crisis team and community partners such as local hospitals, Children’s Division, Division of Developmental Disability and other youth serving organizations.
• Completes initial phone calls and follow up contact to parents/guardians of youth who have had recent law enforcement and/or court contact.
• Provides linkage to community-based services to high risk youth consumers as identified by court system and law enforcement, utilizing independent judgment and decision-making regarding appropriate treatment needed.
• Provides Crisis intervention to youth consumers who are experiencing a psychiatric or substance related crisis and utilizes professional judgment in determining intervention needed including the need for hospital evaluation.
• Attends and participate in weekly team meetings and agency staff meetings.
• Provides active outreach to youth who may be reluctant to engage in services and begins to develop a working alliance towards understanding their individual concerns and needs.
• Maintains required agency productivity standards.

Education

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES)

• Annual TB screening required
• CPR/First Aid Training required
• Driver’s license and minimum state-mandated auto-insurance required.
• Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in human services field required.

Experience Required

• Experience with youth experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
• Minimum of 2 years position related experience.

Required Knowledge

• Knowledge of crisis intervention/de-escalation techniques and assessment of suicidality in youth.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and community resources used in the provision of services.

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to take initiative and communicate effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively and handle confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to build therapeutic rapport with youth and adults.