Liaison IDD Jail And Court

About the role

Metrocare is the largest provider of mental health services in North Texas, serving over 55,000 adults and children annually. For over 50 years, Metrocare has provided a broad array of services to people with mental health challenges and developmental disabilities, including behavioral health care, primary care centers, services for veterans and their families, accessible pharmacies, housing, and supportive social services. The IDD Jail/Court Liaison works with individuals who have a primary diagnosis of intellectual or developmental disability and are involved or at risk for involvement in the criminal justice system. The Liaison coordinates services for individuals with IDD committed to the State Hospital System and collaborates with agency departments, community stakeholders, and Legal Authorized Representatives or Actively Involved Persons.

Responsibilities

• Meet with IDD individuals at homes, in the community, at jails or juvenile detention centers, or at the state hospital to assess needs and determine required services.
• Collaborate with individuals, LARs, or Actively Involved Persons to develop and update person-directed plans reflecting the individual’s goals and objectives.
• Help individuals access services to achieve their desired quality of life; meet with individuals at least monthly to evaluate service effectiveness and identify new needs.
• Collaborate with IDD/mental health service providers to discuss service delivery, linking, monitoring, and advocacy to ensure service needs are met.
• Respond to crises by linking individuals to services that prevent future crises.
• Complete paperwork and maintain up-to-date clinical records; document services within 24 business hours.
• Link individuals to resources and natural supports; collaborate with external agencies such as LMHAs, juvenile detention centers, and community programs.
• Attend and participate in all scheduled team meetings; facilitate Outpatient Competency Restoration Program (OCR) as assigned by courts.
• Complete State Supported Living Center (SSLC) and Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) Crisis Diversion applications for 46B Commitments as needed.
• Accompany and advocate for individuals during court hearings; communicate effectively with the individual’s support team.
• Complete Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (TLETS) tasks and reports; collaborate with law enforcement to educate on LIDDA services.
• Support the IDD Crisis Intervention Team as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited college or university in a social, behavioral, or human service field (e.g., psychology, social work, medicine, nursing, rehabilitation, counseling, sociology, human development, gerontology, educational psychology, education, criminal justice).
• Master’s degree preferred.
• At least one year of experience working with individuals with IDD/DD and mental illness.
• Basic math skills; ability to work with reports and numbers, calculate moderately complex figures, and accurately report activities and budgets.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one- or two-step instructions and deal with standardized situations with occasional or no variables.
• Proficiency with computers, printers, and software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, EHR); ability to use the Internet for resources.
• Current State of Texas driver license or, if licensed in another state, must obtain a Texas license within three months of employment.
• Must be insurable by Metrocare’s liability carrier if operating a Center vehicle or driving a personal car for Center business; acceptable driving record required.

Competencies

• Conduct responsibilities in accordance with ethical standards, state contract, professional standards, and applicable laws.
• Analytical skills, professional acumen, business ethics, continuous improvement processes, problem solving, respect for confidentiality, and excellent communication skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize workflow and meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and special projects simultaneously; work autonomously with minimal or no supervision.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement plan with employer matching; Health Savings Account with employer matching.
• Professional development allowance up to $2,000 per year.
• Bilingual stipend equal to 6% of base salary.