Hospital Liaison - PT

Denton County MHMR Center, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), is committed to fostering an inclusive, trauma-informed, and welcoming environment that embraces and celebrates diversity and equity. We strive to create a collaborative and encouraging atmosphere, where individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, and lifestyles feel respected, supported, and valued. Integrity, honesty, and kindness are core values that help create a strong and supportive organization that delivers high quality, person-centered care.

General Description

The Community Hospital Liaison works 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.

This is a part-time position that is expected to work 20 hours per week. The schedule will be decided between the Part-Time Hospital Liaison, Program Manager of Liaison Services, Director of Crisis Services, Senior Director of Crisis Services, and the Chief Operations Officer. Hours will be determined based off of the current needs of the program and individuals served.

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.
• Experience in a community MHMR and/or hospital settings preferred.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE OR OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Active license through the state of Texas as a: Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker is required.
• 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.

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.
• Proficient in moderate mathematics skills, 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

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

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.

1. Discharge paperwork should be obtained through XFERALL for participating hospitals and via email for those that do not utilize XFERALL; requirements for each hospital are outlined in the respective contracts.
2. All required paperwork will be completed.
3. Adults Needs and Strengths Assessment (ANSA) or Child and Adolescent Needs and Strength Assessment (CANS).
4. Person Centered Recovery Plan
5. Assigns case manager and attempts to introduce the individual to their case manager, same day.
6. Communicates via email with case manager, appropriate managers, and appropriate staff.
7. Facilitate completion of Satisfaction Survey, regarding their stay at the hospital.
8. Provides referrals as needed.
9. Coordinate with clinic to schedule psychiatric evaluation for client continuing services with Denton Co. MHMR.
10. Assure appropriate hospital discharge information, including discharge medication, is communicated at the time of scheduling this appointment.
11. Uploading discharge clinicals to the electronic health record.

• 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 (day of discharge is preferred).
• 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:

• 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. Send caring contact (letter) to individuals after phone call.
2. Provide client with the 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 for that location.
  1. Add to the appropriate tracker and follow up within 1 week for continuity of care.
• Document all contact attempts.

• Completes 24-hour follow-up for individuals in local psychiatric hospitals via phone or face to face, as necessary.
• All documentation 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 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.

• 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.
• Attends monthly supervisions.
• 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.