The Court Liaison classification is distinguished from other classifications by specializing in work with defendants experiencing significant mental health challenges and often whose competency to stand trial is in question.  The Court Liaison is responsible for engaging with participants in a manner that provides meaningful support and positive outcomes for the participant, while simultaneously providing objective, neutral information to judges and attorneys.

Screen defendants in a timely manner for behavioral health conditions and quickly determine appropriate referral and treatment options.

 

Make direct connections to a wide range of services for defendants with behavioral health conditions, including, but not limited to, inpatient, outpatient, and out-of-custody competency evaluations and/or restoration services, case management services, behavioral health services or psychiatric services or supports, and employment, housing, and other social supports.

 

Inform the judicial officer, district attorney, and defense attorney assigned to the case in a timely manner (via filing of reports to the court) about available and appropriate behavioral health services and supports, competency evaluations, restoration to competency services, and other relevant decisions and issues facing individuals with behavioral health conditions who are involved with the criminal justice system, such as appropriateness for community treatment and resource availability.

 

Facilitate collaboration and communication, and timely responses between behavioral health systems and criminal justice entities.

 

Provide non-case-specific consultation to criminal justice personnel regarding behavioral health and community treatment options. 

 

Coordinate with jail-based behavioral health providers to ensure continuity of care and service delivery at both entrance and exit for participants who show a need for behavioral health services.

 

Identify existing programs, community agencies and resources to properly utilize funding.

 

Identify gaps or areas of need in the local or state network of behavioral health services. 

 

Track cases where screening, assessments, or consultations have occurred, and related outcomes or court orders.

 

Provide data regarding the work of the Bridges Program, and potentially collect and report data from multiple systems such as mental health, human services, judicial, or jails. 

 

Identify and strengthen relationships and referral processes with current community resources.

 

Problem solve with community and statewide resources to expand services available to participants in the community.

 

Conducts work in various assigned locations on a regular basis.  Position may require frequent travel, with potential overnight stays.

 

Attends meetings and trainings as required.

 

Performs other duties as assigned.

No formal supervisory responsibility.  Responsible for one’s own work product and work within a unit performing similar functions.  Rarely provides lead function, advice, or explains work instructions to other employees or volunteers.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree with major course work preferably in the social sciences or related field and two years of experience in criminal justice, behavioral health, or related field.  Additional work experience in these or other related fields may be substituted on a year for year basis for the required formal education.  Master’s degree in one of the above areas strongly preferred.

 

 

One year of experience as a contract Court Liaison with the Bridges Program.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to sit and reach with hands and arms and perform repetitive motions with wrists, hands, and fingers.  The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.  This position is subject to varying and unpredictable situations; may handle emergency or crisis situations; is subject to many interruptions; may handle multiple calls and inquiries simultaneously.