Educational and Community Liaison - Adolescent Behavioral Health

Description

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Summary

The Educational and Community Liaison (ABH) provides academic instruction and educational support to adolescents ages 13–17 who are receiving short-term psychiatric care. This role ensures continuity of education during hospitalization and supports successful transition back to the student’s home school. The teacher collaborates closely with treatment teams, families, and external school systems including outreach to Henderson County Public Schools to promote academic progress, re-entry planning, and student safety. This instructor will serve as a liaison between the organization and the Superior Court System in Henderson County for patients undergoing legal or involuntary commitment proceedings.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized and small-group instruction aligned with state standards for grades 7–12.
• Adapt curriculum to meet diverse academic levels, learning styles, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan requirements.
• Cookordinate with students’ home schools to obtain assignments, credits, and academic records.
• Maintain accurate documentation of academic participation and progress during hospitalization.
• Serve as liaison between the behavioral health program and students’ home schools.
• Conduct outreach and ongoing communication with school administrators, teachers, and guidance counselors within Henderson County Public Schools.
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings to integrate academic planning into overall care.
• Advocate for appropriate academic accommodations upon discharge.
• Develop individualized re-entry plans in collaboration with the treatment team, student, family, and school personnel.
• Facilitate transition meetings with school guidance counselors and support staff.
• Assist with reintegration planning following psychiatric stabilization, including academic scheduling and accommodation recommendations.
• Provide documentation and recommendations to support smooth school re-entry.
• Identify potential academic stressors and collaborate on strategies to reduce triggers within the school environment.
• Support development of structured academic routines to enhance emotional regulation and stability.
• Monitor and coordinate schedules for Involuntary Commitment proceedings and ensure that relevant staff are aware of upcoming hearings and deadlines.
• Facilitate and track communications required under North Carolina General Statute 122C, including documentation, notifications, and scheduling related to hearings.
• Coordinate logistics for patient court hearings, including communication with court officials, attorneys, guardians and hospital staff.
• Ensure timely exchange of relevant information between the hospital treatment team and legal representatives while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with applicable laws and hospital policy.
• Aid in the preparation, organization, and distribution of required documentation related to court proceedings.
• Support patients access to legal representation by coordinating with community attorneys and scheduling attorney-client meetings as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records of court dates, legal communications, and outcomes relevant to patient care and treatment planning.

Qualifications

• Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Education
• Knowledge of IEPs, 504 Plans, and special education regulations
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to work effectively with students from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds

• PREFERRED:
• Master’s degree in Education
• Valid state teaching license (middle and/or high school certification)
• Experience working with adolescents in behavioral health, alternative education, or therapeutic settings