Full Time, Non- Exempt Position
Pay Range $33.85- $43.25

Job Summary
The Behavioral Health Liaison (BHL) works with individuals to assess and refer to a variety of internal and external providers (hospitals, schools, community partners) for a spectrum of acute and chronic biopsychosocial needs with the goal of eliminating safety risks and enhancing the individual’s well-being. Using Wisconsin State Statues Chapters 34, 46, 51, 54, 55, 92, and 94 as a guiding source, as well a county and professional guidelines, the BHL works in consultation to all consumers of the Department of Human Services staff when requested, The BHL completes these tasks via evaluation, investigation (including allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable and older adults), coordination of services, and education to involved parties. The BHL works in conjunction with law enforcement and the court systems to ensure compliance within the applicable DHS codes. The BHL is knowledgeable in available resources and interventions to ensure protection for those with behavioral health needs, as well as mental and physical health conditions. Case assignments and community treatment needs can vary significantly and often require working outside the normal 8:00a–4:30p workday. The BHL may provide services in a variety of settings including a person’s home in the community, office, school, or jails

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 calls and requests, completes suicide risk assessments, provides services through interviews, home visits, investigations, and assessments in consultation with clients, family, other caretakers, law enforcement and/or relevant medical personnel. Determines level of care including—but not limited to--least restrictive, most appropriate outcome. Authorizes Chapter 51 Emergency Detentions including Incapacitation Holds, and/or Chapter 55 Emergency Protective Placement. Prepares and submits required reports to appropriate state oversight agencies in compliance with regulatory requirements

20% Case Management:
Provides case management services across all program areas, including assessing appropriate levels of care and ensuring timely follow-through with recommended services. Offers support, education, counseling, and follow-up to individuals and their families or support systems. Advocates for individuals with behavioral health, developmental, and/or physical health conditions to ensure their needs are addressed within the community.

Collaborates with assigned providers, case managers, and clients throughout the progression of court orders, including providing recommendations to the court when appropriate. Assists in identifying and securing appropriate community placements, such as home settings, Community-Based Residential Facilities (CBRF), or supervised living environments. Coordinates outpatient services, schedules follow-up appointments, and ensures continuity of care through ongoing communication with providers and community supports. Conducts follow-up contacts as needed to monitor progress and service engagement. Completes annual WATTS reviews in accordance with program requirements
20% Intake
Provides intake and triage services for Behavioral Health and applicable Human Services programs, including Integrated Behavioral Health, Case Management services (Comprehensive Community Services, Community Support Program, and Crisis Case Management). Serves as the initial point of contact for receiving and documenting Adult Protective Services reports.
Maintains knowledge of community resources, including clinics, providers, and higher levels of care, to ensure appropriate referrals and service coordination for clients. Coordinates referrals for individuals seeking residential treatment and, when applicable, facilitates funding requests. Collaborates with the outpatient treatment team to review and staff referrals and coordinates the collection and management of records required for new clinic referrals

10% Court Liaison:
Prepares for, collaborates on and attends court proceedings for both Chapter 51 and Chapter 55 matters. Works closely with Ozaukee County Corporation Counsel to ensure appropriate documentation, case coordination, and communication related to legal proceedings

10% After Hours On-call:
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:
Participates in client staffings, group supervision, multidisciplinary meetings, and collaborates with other Human Services Divisional staff as identified and appropriate to meet the needs of clients. Develops crisis plans within this framework
5% Training/Other:
Completes required documentation in a timely and accurate manner. Attends in-service training to maintain professional standards, certification and personal licensure. Stays informed of current research, best practices, and emerging trends in behavioral health and Adult Protective Services relevant to assigned duties. Regularly monitors and reviews caseloads to ensure services are delivered effectively and records are maintained in an accurate and up-to-date manner. Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervision Exercised

None
Minimum Education Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• Minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree in a related social services field with preference for individuals who carry certification and/or licensure per Wisconsin State Statutes Preference for Master’s Degree with applicable licensure
• Minimum 1 year prior working in social services field with direct experience in both Crisis and Adult Protective Services (APS) work. Knowledge of applicable Wisconsin State Statutes

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• Complete Crisis Training and Orientation after hire
• Completes additional trainings as recommended by leadership

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.

• 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 periods of standing or walking.

Work Environment

A large portion of the BHL’s work environment is in the community where their clients live and work. Contacts also occur in the hospital, jail, courtrooms, and other agencies, including law enforcement. Due to the unpredictability of some outreach situations, there is an infrequent risk of attack or injury from clients.
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.