Denton County MHMR Center employees are committed to fostering an open, inclusive, and supportive environment that welcomes and embraces diversity in all forms. Denton County MHMR Center defines diversity broadly to include race, ethnicity, abilities (mental/physical), gender, gender identity, immigrant status, language, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, age, and other groups.

Denton County MHMR Center employees are to strive to maintain a trauma sensitive workplace, to embrace trauma sensitive and informed practices, and to foster a supportive and welcoming environment of care.

General Description

Under the direction of the Program Manager of Liaison Services and within federal, state, and local guidelines performs moderately complex case management, crisis, and outreach work.

The Community Hospital Liaison is responsible for developing relationships with all local psychiatric hospitals to ensure continuity of care for individuals served. This position is responsible for maintaining a list of individuals in the local hospitals to ensure appropriate aftercare appointments are scheduled and completed. This position will work with individuals currently in local psychiatric hospitals to help develop treatment goals and provide appropriate resources and referrals. This position will actively participate in discharge planning, alongside the individual and hospital staff. This position will require in-person visits to local psychiatric hospitals.

Education, Training and Experience (including licensure and certification)

Bachelor's degree in a human services field (qualifying as a QMHP) required. Requires experience working with individuals diagnosed with a mental illness and experience with crisis intervention services. Master's Degree in a human service-related field preferred. Prefer experience in a community MHMR and/or hospital settings.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE OR OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

1. All job specific training must be completed within 30 days of hire. 

2. Must maintain a valid Texas driver's license, auto liability insurance and a driving record acceptable to the Centers insurance requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas. Knowledge and background in mental health services. Knowledge of serious and persistent mental disorders, personality disorders and substance use/dependence disorders encompassed in the DSM-5-TR. Knowledge of common psychoactive medications used to treat neurobiological diseases of the brain. Moderate mathematics skills. Proficient reading, writing, interpersonal relations, and communicative skills; ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.

Skills in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems and in operating computers and applicable computer software.

Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and in group situations. Highly effective at working objectively with a diverse group of people and must demonstrate communication, organizational, administrative skills. Computer skills required for both clinical and clerical programs. Ability to make decisions based on education preparation and/or clinical experience, which reflect consistency with Agency philosophy, policies and procedures, and standards of care for both Denton County MHMR and local psychiatric hospitals in which the Center contracts with.

Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

Provide moderately complex case management/continuity of care services to individuals currently or recently discharged from psychiatric hospitals.

• Acts as liaison between the Center and local psychiatric hospitals.
• All interactions are documented in the individual's electronic health record.
• Ensures all required discharge paperwork is obtained from the psychiatric hospitals.
  • Discharge paperwork should be obtained through XFERALL for participating hospitals and via email for those that do not utilize XFERALL.
• Answers inquiries from HHSC regarding individuals who are on the Inpatient Care Waitlist (ICW).
• Maintains a list of individuals currently in each contract hospital to ensure follow-up and aftercare is provided.
• Participates in discharge planning for all individuals in local psychiatric hospitals who have been assessed by the Center or entered the hospital on an emergency detention order, to ensure continuity of care.
• Presents in person and/or virtually to local contract psychiatric hospitals as needed to meet with individuals served.
• Obtain appropriate release of information documentation to share information with other community partners, as appropriate.
• Completes aftercare appointments for individuals discharged from inpatient hospitalization within 7 days of discharge.
• Aftercare appointments should be completed as soon as possible post discharge.
• At each aftercare appointment a CSSRS 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:
  • All required paperwork will be completed.
  • Adults Needs and Strengths Assessment (ANSA) or Child and Adolescent Needs and Strength Assessment (CANS).
  • Person Centered Recovery Plan
  • Assigns case manager and attempts to introduce the individual to their case manager same day.
  • Communicates via email with case manager, managers, and appropriate staff.
  • Facilitate completion of Satisfaction Survey, regarding their stay at the hospital.
  • Provides referrals as needed.
  • Coordinate with clinic to schedule Psychiatric evaluation for client continuing services with Denton Co. MHMR.
  • Assure appropriate hospital discharge information including discharge medication is communicated at the time of scheduling this appointment.

• For individuals who decline services with the Center add them to the appropriate tracker and follow up within 1 week for continuity of care.
  • Send caring contact (letter) to individuals after phone call.
  • Provide client crisis hotline and 988 number.

• For individuals moving to out of Denton County location, provide 988 and LMHA (Local mental health authority) crisis hotline number.
• Completes 24-hour follow-up for individuals in local psychiatric hospitals via phone or face to face as necessary.
• 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.
• Help coordinate client care while the individual is in the hospital. This may include but is not limited to helping coordinate connecting client to resources, paperwork needed to access resources, attending treatment team meetings with hospital staff, etc.
• 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.
  • Document all contact attempts.

• Coordinates with court liaisons regarding individuals who are in the hospital on an emergency detention order/involuntary recommendation.
• Share information/communicate with Court Liaisons regarding treatment recommendations and risk reported.
• Coordinate getting medication information for clients discharged from the court.
• Coordinate with clinic to set up appropriate follow up appointment for clients discharged by the court.
• Provide or facilitate transportation as deemed necessary.
• Is familiar with Texas Administrative Code, HHSC guidelines, and Performance Contract information to ensure compliance.
• Attends all scheduled meetings as assigned by supervisor.
• Is familiar with all Center Policies and Procedures to ensure compliance.
• Is responsible for reaching out to supervisor with questions.
• All other duties as determined necessary by supervisory staff.

Zero Suicide Initiative

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.
• Debriefs with supervisor when there is a suicide death of an individual served or Center staff.