Behavioral Health Liaison

Full- Time/ Non- Exempt Position 
Starting Pay: $33.85-$37.61

Job Summary
The Behavioral Health Liaison (BHL) provides crisis intervention, assessment, service coordination, consultation, intake, and protective services support to individuals experiencing behavioral health, developmental, physical health, or other complex biopsychosocial needs. The position works to promote safety, stability, appropriate levels of care, and connection to community-based services while supporting individuals in the least restrictive and most appropriate setting.
The BHL provides consultation and support to Department of Human Services staff and collaborates with individuals, families, caregivers, health care providers, community agencies, law enforcement, courts, and other professionals to assess needs and coordinate appropriate interventions and services. Responsibilities may include crisis assessment and intervention, Adult Protective Services intake and investigation, case management and service coordination, emergency detention and protective placement processes, court coordination, and community resource development.
The BHL works in accordance with applicable Wisconsin Statutes, Wisconsin Administrative Code, county policies and procedures, professional standards, and program requirements. The position requires the exercise of independent professional judgment in assessing risk, determining appropriate interventions and levels of care, coordinating services, and responding to complex or emergent situations.
The BHL works in a variety of settings, including the office, individuals' homes, hospitals, schools, jails, courtrooms, and other community locations. The position may require work outside of the normal 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. workday, including periodic after-hours on-call and emergency response responsibilities.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities
The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position.  Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully with or without reasonable accommodations to be qualified for the position.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

30% Crisis Intervention

• Receives and responds to crisis, emergency, and behavioral health requests from individuals, families, community providers, law enforcement, hospitals, Department of Human Services staff, and other sources.
• Conducts crisis assessments, suicide risk assessments, safety assessments, and other evaluations to determine immediate needs, level of risk, and appropriate interventions.
• Provides crisis intervention through telephone consultation, interviews, community response, home visits, hospital visits, jail response, investigations, and other appropriate settings.
• Consults with individuals, families, caregivers, law enforcement, medical personnel, mental health professionals, and other service providers to assess risk and develop appropriate intervention plans.
• Exercises independent professional judgment in determining the least restrictive and most appropriate level of care based on individual needs, safety considerations, available resources, and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Initiates and coordinates Chapter 51 Emergency Detentions, including applicable incapacitation holds, and Chapter 55 Emergency Protective Placements when statutory criteria are met.
• Coordinates emergency psychiatric, medical, residential, and other appropriate services and interventions.
• Provides consultation and recommendations regarding crisis stabilization, safety planning, placement, and continuity of care.
• Prepares and submits required documentation and reports to appropriate state, county, and other oversight entities in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Maintains timely and accurate documentation of crisis contacts, assessments, interventions, and outcomes in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Determines level of care including—but not limited to--least restrictive, most appropriate outcome.

20% Case Management and Service Coordination

• Provides short-term case management, service coordination, consultation, and follow-up across applicable Human Services programs based on individual needs and program requirements.
• Assesses individual needs and coordinates appropriate levels of care, services, placements, and community supports.
• Provides education, support, counseling, advocacy, and follow-up to individuals and their families, caregivers, and support systems within the scope of the position.
• Advocates for individuals with behavioral health, developmental, physical health, or other complex needs to promote access to appropriate services and supports.
• Collaborates with assigned providers, case managers, treatment teams, individuals, families, and other professionals throughout the progression of services and court orders.
• Assists in identifying and securing appropriate community placements, including home-based settings, Community-Based Residential Facilities (CBRFs), supervised living environments, and other appropriate levels of care.
• Coordinates referrals to outpatient, residential, psychiatric, substance use, medical, and other community-based services.
• Assists with scheduling follow-up appointments and facilitates continuity of care through communication with providers, individuals, families, and community supports.
• Conducts follow-up contacts as necessary to monitor progress, service engagement, safety, and ongoing needs.
• Provides recommendations and relevant information to the court when appropriate and within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
• Completes annual WATTS reviews in accordance with applicable program requirements.
• Maintains accurate, timely, and up-to-date case documentation in accordance with county, state, program, and professional requirements.

20% Intake and Triage

• Provides intake, screening, and triage services for Behavioral Health and applicable Human Services programs, including Integrated Behavioral Health, Case Management, Comprehensive Community Services (CCS), Community Support Program (CSP), and Crisis Case Management.
• Serves as an initial point of contact for individuals, families, providers, law enforcement, hospitals, and other community partners seeking Behavioral Health and applicable Human Services.
• Receives, documents, and responds to Adult Protective Services (APS) reports in accordance with applicable Wisconsin Statutes, Administrative Code, county policies, and program procedures.
• Conducts or assists with APS assessments and investigations involving allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults and older adults, as assigned.
• Assesses presenting needs, identifies potential safety concerns, and determines the appropriate response, referral, or level of intervention.
• Maintains current knowledge of community resources, behavioral health providers, residential programs, crisis services, hospitals, treatment programs, and other levels of care.
• Coordinates referrals for individuals seeking residential treatment and facilitates applicable funding or authorization requests.
• Collaborates with outpatient and other treatment teams to review and staff referrals and determine appropriate service options.
• Coordinates the collection, review, and management of records and other information required for referrals and service initiation.
• Provides consultation to Department of Human Services staff regarding intake, triage, crisis response, protective services, and available community resources.

10% Court Liaison

• Prepares for, coordinates, and participates in court proceedings involving Chapter 51 and Chapter 55 matters and other applicable proceedings.
• Prepares and reviews documentation required for court proceedings and ensures information is accurate, timely, and consistent with applicable statutory requirements.
• Works collaboratively with Ozaukee County Corporation Counsel regarding documentation, case coordination, communication, and preparation for legal proceedings.
• Provides relevant case information and professional recommendations to the court within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
• Coordinates with individuals, families, providers, law enforcement, medical professionals, and other involved parties regarding court-related requirements and follow-up.
• Monitors court orders and coordinates appropriate follow-through with service providers and community supports.

10% After-Hours Crisis Response and On-Call

• Participates in the Behavioral Health after-hours on-call rotation in accordance with program and county requirements.
• Responds to after-hours requests for crisis intervention and consultation by telephone and, when necessary, through in-person response.
• Responds to behavioral health and crisis-related requests involving the Ozaukee County Jail through telephone consultation and in-person response as appropriate.
• Assesses safety and risk and coordinates appropriate emergency intervention, referral, transportation, placement, or other services.
• Communicates and coordinates with law enforcement, jail personnel, hospitals, medical professionals, crisis providers, and other appropriate parties.
• Completes required EHR documentation and billing-related documentation in accordance with applicable DHS requirements, including DHS 34 standards.

Provides on-call duties to meet program requirements. Responds to requests for crisis intervention services at Ozaukee County Jail using phone consultation and in-person response. Completes documentation accordingly in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in compliance with DHS 34 billing standards

5% Team Staffing and Collaboration

• Participates in client staffings, group supervision, multidisciplinary meetings, case consultations, and other collaborative activities.
• Collaborates with Department of Human Services staff across divisions to coordinate services and address complex or emerging client needs.
• Provides consultation to staff regarding crisis response, behavioral health needs, safety concerns, community resources, and appropriate interventions.
• Participates in the development and review of crisis and safety plans.
• Contributes to interdisciplinary planning and problem-solving related to complex cases and service needs.
• Maintains effective working relationships with internal staff and external community partners.

5% Documentation, Training, and Other Duties

• Completes required documentation accurately, thoroughly, and within established timeframes.
• Maintains accurate and current case records and EHR documentation in accordance with county, state, program, and professional requirements.
• Maintains confidentiality and complies with HIPAA, applicable privacy requirements, and county policies and procedures.
• Attends required meetings, in-service training, continuing education, and professional development activities.
• Maintains professional standards, certifications, and applicable licensure requirements.
• Stays informed of current research, evidence-informed practices, statutory and regulatory changes, and emerging trends related to behavioral health, crisis intervention, protective services, and assigned responsibilities.
• Regularly monitors assigned cases and service needs to ensure appropriate follow-through and timely delivery of services.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

None. The position may provide consultation, training, education, and technical guidance to Department of Human Services staff and community partners within the scope of assigned responsibilities but does not have direct supervisory authority.
 
Minimum Education Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Requirements:
Education

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, human services, behavioral health, or a closely related social services field required.
• Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a closely related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of one year of professional experience in a social services or behavioral health setting with direct experience providing crisis intervention and/or Adult Protective Services.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, mental illness, substance use concerns, or other complex biopsychosocial needs required.
• Experience working collaboratively with law enforcement, hospitals, courts, community providers, or other multidisciplinary partners preferred.
• Experience with Chapter 51 and/or Chapter 55 processes preferred.

In evaluating candidates for this position, Ozaukee County may consider a combination of education, training, and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements

• Must possess or obtain any applicable professional license or certification required for assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Professional licensure or certification in a related behavioral health or social services field is preferred.
• Must successfully complete required crisis intervention training and orientation following hire.
• Must complete additional training as required or recommended by leadership.
• Must maintain any required certification, training, or professional licensure throughout employment.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain the ability to travel to community locations, hospitals, schools, jails, courts, and other service locations as required by the position.
• Must be available for periodic after-hours on-call and emergency response responsibilities in accordance with program requirements.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Qualifications
In order to perform the functions and responsibilities of the position (listed above) the following knowledge, skills, and abilities are essential.

Knowledge of:

• Wisconsin Statutes, Administrative Code, and applicable regulations related to behavioral health, crisis intervention, emergency detention, protective placement, and Adult Protective Services.
• County policies, procedures, professional standards, and program requirements applicable to assigned responsibilities.
• Crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment, safety planning, de-escalation, and behavioral health assessment practices.
• Mental health conditions, substance use disorders, behavioral health symptomatology, psychotropic medications, and the social, medical, and environmental factors affecting individuals with behavioral health needs.
• Adult Protective Services practices and principles related to abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults and older adults.
• Community behavioral health resources, treatment providers, residential programs, hospitals, crisis services, and other levels of care.
• Trauma-informed, person-centered, recovery-oriented, and least-restrictive approaches to service delivery.
• Principles of confidentiality, HIPAA, professional ethics, and appropriate information sharing.
• Court processes and legal requirements applicable to assigned responsibilities.

Skills and Ability to:

• Assess risk, safety, behavioral health needs, and level of care in complex and emergent situations.
• Exercise independent professional judgment while recognizing when consultation or supervisory guidance is necessary.
• Respond effectively and calmly to individuals experiencing behavioral health or other crises.
• De-escalate difficult or potentially volatile situations using appropriate professional techniques.
• Make timely decisions in situations involving competing needs, limited information, and potential safety risks.
• Interpret and apply applicable statutes, regulations, court orders, county policies, and program requirements.
• Develop and implement appropriate crisis, safety, service, and follow-up plans.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with individuals, families, caregivers, law enforcement, courts, hospitals, providers, and other professionals.
• Establish and maintain effective professional relationships with individuals and multidisciplinary partners.
• Work independently and prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
• Manage competing priorities while maintaining appropriate follow-through and documentation.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough case and EHR records.
• Read, understand, and appropriately apply clinical reports, professional literature, and other technical information.
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality when working with sensitive information.
• Work effectively in unpredictable community and emergency settings.
• Use sound judgment regarding personal and environmental safety.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in response to changing individual, program, and community needs.
• Utilize electronic health records, communication systems, and other technology necessary to perform the functions of the position.
• Must be available for periodic call-ins during emergent situations.
• Good communication skills and the ability to problem-solve independently, particularly in crisis situations.
• Ability to understand and to follow directions from supervisors, complying with agency/county directives, state laws, licensing rules and regulations and certification standards that cover individuals, agencies, court orders and program guidelines.
• Ability to maintain accurate, timely treatment records for each client.  Excellent verbal skills are essential to communicate clearly with clients and other staff members.  Ability to read and to understand clinical reports and professional literature.
• Knowledge of the spectrum of mental illnesses, symptomatology, psychotropic medications, and the problems these can create and how to effectively treat the mentally ill individual, including providing appropriate interventions for symptoms, suicidality, chemical abuse, and the social, medical, and environmental factors that impact on persons with mental illness.

In evaluating candidates for this position, Ozaukee County may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position. 


Physical Requirements
 

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.
• Periodic standing, walking, bending, reaching, and movement between work locations.
• Ability to travel throughout the county and surrounding areas to meet service and program needs.
• Ability to work in a variety of settings, including offices, individuals' homes, hospitals, schools, jails, courtrooms, and other community locations.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a variety of environments, including the Department of Human Services office, individuals' homes, hospitals, schools, jails, courtrooms, law enforcement facilities, community agencies, and other service locations.
The position regularly interacts with individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, mental illness, substance use concerns, cognitive impairment, developmental disabilities, medical concerns, or other complex needs. Some situations may be unpredictable or may present potential safety risks. The employee is expected to use appropriate professional judgment, follow established safety procedures, and utilize available resources when responding to potentially unsafe situations.
The position may involve exposure to stressful, emotionally challenging, or crisis-related circumstances and may require work outside of the normal 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. workday, including periodic after-hours on-call and emergency response.
The position requires regular interaction with law enforcement, health care providers, courts, community agencies, individuals, families, and other professionals and requires the ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all work environments.


EOE / ADA Statement


Ozaukee County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Ozaukee County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.  The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement or affect the at-will nature of the employment arrangement between the employee and company and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
 

Ozaukee County offers a generous benefits package including: health, dental, life, & vision insurance; free employee health clinic & Teladoc; paid holidays, vacation, & sick time; state of Wisconsin WRS defined benefit pension program; bonus opportunities; employee fitness room; wellness program & wellness reimbursement; tuition reimbursement & continuing education opportunities; and more! Please note some that benefits offered are dependent on full-time/part-time status.

Ozaukee County prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type against applicants and employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, disability, genetics, veteran status or military service, marital status or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic or status protected by federal, state or local laws. Ozaukee County also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws.