The Child and Adolescent Continuity of Care Liaison (C&A COC Liaison) works under the leadership of the Program Manager of Liaison Services and oversees the care of youth within state hospitals, residential treatment centers, and local community hospitals. The C&A COC Liaison performs routine case management work with youth and their families by connecting them with the appropriate services, guiding them through the application process, and tracking the progress of the youth through their treatment. The C&A COC Liaison actively participates in discharge planning and coordination of outpatient services as needed. This position also works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment while following the Center's Guiding Principles.

Education, Training and Experience (including licensure and certification)

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in a human services field as required to qualify as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).
• One-year related experience working in mental health field required and experience working with individuals with intensive needs preferred.
• Experience participating as a member of the interdisciplinary team in developing and implementing individualized program plans for mental health consumers preferred.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE OR OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Individual needs to meet the requirements to qualify as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).
• Possession of a valid driver's license and current automobile insurance.
  • Individuals with an out of state driver's license must be able to obtain a driver's license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.
• Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required.
• This position requires adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures and/or guidelines of Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and Denton County MHMR. Other specific laws, regulations, policies, procedures and/or guidelines which must be followed include: Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and Case Management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of community resources, of case management delivery systems, and of program policies and procedures.
• Ability to assess individual's needs, to coordinate services, to communicate effectively, and to train others.
• Ability to maintain a calm and efficient demeanor during crisis situations.
• Ability to organize one's time and prioritize responsibilities which would enable one to complete all duties as assigned.
• Ability to work with individuals who may display symptoms of mental illness including; poor hygiene, difficulty controlling anger and low frustration tolerance, difficulty or inability to display appropriate social behavior, and who may present with symptoms of psychosis or may be suicidal or homicidal.
• Ability to make decisions based on education and/or clinical experience, which reflect consistency with Center's Guiding Principles, Policies and Procedures, and Standards of Care.
• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative

• Assists individuals served during a crisis episode by ensuring they are linked to appropriate Center programs (MCOT, Psych Triage, CPT, etc.).
• Remains with individuals experiencing a crisis as needed.
• Completes CSSRS Since Last Visit at each contact with individuals served to determine risk level and ensure appropriate referrals.
  • Openly ask questions regarding Suicide to ensure accurate and thorough information is obtained.
• Provides additional support to individuals identified as at higher risk for suicide.
  • Educates individuals on the Suicide Care Pathway.
• Provides additional phone calls/support as required or requested.
• Seeks out to supervisor or other management to debrief on cases as needed.
• Assists with postvention efforts by completing aftercare appointments as identified below.

Essential Duties

Below is a list of essential duties of the position. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

1. Acts as liaison between the Center and state psychiatric hospitals, youth residential treatment centers, and other community providers.
• All interactions are documented in the individual's electronic health record.
• Ensures all required discharge paperwork is obtained from the state psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment centers.
2. Answers inquiries from HHSC regarding individuals who are on the Inpatient Care Waitlist (ICW).
3. Helps facilitate placement for youth into residential treatment centers.
• Communicates weekly with the youth or parent/guardian who are in the process of submitting an application to residential treatment centers through the LMHA or RTC Project.
• Communicates with HHSC for youth and families applying to residential treatment centers through the RTC Project.
4. Maintains a list of individuals currently in each state hospital to ensure follow-up and aftercare is provided.
• All follow ups are documented in accordance with Center policies and procedures.
5. Participates in discharge planning for all individuals in local state hospitals to ensure continuity of care.
• Presents in person and/or virtually to state hospitals and residential treatment centers, as needed, to meet with individuals served.
• Obtains updates from the youth, parent, or social worker at the facility at least monthly while the youth is inpatient at a state hospital or residential treatment center.
6. Obtain appropriate release of information documentation to share information with other community partners, as appropriate.
7. Coordinates meetings and communication for community partners involved in Community Resource Coordination Group (CRCG)
• Assists families in completing an application to attend CRCG and informs community partners of applications and referrals.
8. Attends community events, as needed for the position and assigned by the supervisor.
9. Completes aftercare appointments for individuals discharged from inpatient hospitalization or a residential treatment center within 7 days of discharge.
• Aftercare appointments should be completed as soon as possible post discharge.
• At each aftercare appointment a C-SSRS Since Last Visit Form will be completed to assess for risk and potential need for a risk of harm assessment.
• At each aftercare appointment the following should occur:

1. All required paperwork will be completed.
2. Adults Needs and Strengths Assessment (ANSA) or Child and Adolescent Needs and Strength Assessment (CANS).
3. Person Centered Recovery Plan
4. Assigns case manager and attempts to introduce the individual to their case manager on the same day.
5. Communicates via email with case manager, managers, and appropriate staff.
6. Facilitate completion of Satisfaction Survey, regarding their stay at the hospital.
7. Provides referrals as needed.
8. Coordinate with clinic to schedule Psychiatric evaluation for each individual continuing services with Denton Co. MHMR.
9. Assure appropriate hospital discharge information including discharge medication is communicated at the time of scheduling this appointment.
10. Send caring contact (letter) to individuals after phone call.
11. Provide individuals served with the crisis hotline and 988 number.
12. o For individuals moving to out of Denton County location, provide 988 and LMHA (Local mental health authority) crisis hotline number.
    1. Document all contact attempts.

• For individuals who decline services with the Center add them to the appropriate tracker and follow up within 1 week for continuity of care.

1. Completes 24-hour follow-up for individuals in local psychiatric hospitals via phone or face to face as necessary.
2. All documentation (other than 24-hour follow up appointments) should be entered into the electronic health record within 2 business days, in compliance with Center procedure.
• Documentation may need to be entered sooner upon instruction from leadership depending on acuity and clinical need.
3. Help coordinate care of individuals served while the individual is in the hospital. This may include but is not limited to helping coordinate connecting them to resources, paperwork needed to access resources, attending treatment team meetings with hospital staff, etc.
4. Review 7 day follow up report to ensure all individuals received appropriate follow-up post discharge.
• Notifies supervisor immediately in the event there is no documented follow for an individual.
• Complete all appropriate contact attempts (phone, home visit, letter) with individuals post discharge to make contact within 7 days of discharge.

1. Coordinates with court liaisons regarding individuals who are on the ICW or who get accepted to a state hospital or residential treatment center.
• Share information/communicate with Court Liaisons regarding treatment recommendations and risk reported.
2. Provide or facilitate transportation as deemed necessary.
3. Is familiar with Texas Administrative Code, HHSC guidelines, and Performance Contract information to ensure compliance.
4. Attends all scheduled meetings as assigned by supervisor.
5. Is familiar with all Center Policies and Procedures to ensure compliance.
• Is responsible for reaching out to supervisor with questions.
6. All other duties as determined necessary by supervisory staff.

** RESUME REQUIRED