Job Description
Posting number: 202201358
Department: County Court at Law
Job classification: Behavioral Health Court Liaison
Posting type: Open
Categories: Administration, Legal
Under general supervision of the County Court at Law Judges, the Court Liaison performs advanced administrative, coordination, and analytical work to support the efficient operation of the Treatment Courts and the broader behavioral health justice system.
This position serves as the central point of coordination between courts, jail, local mental health authorities (LMHAs/LBHAs), attorneys, supervision departments, and service providers to improve communication, reduce system inefficiencies, and ensure compliance with statutory requirements. The role focuses on identifying earlier and timely access to treatment and services for individuals with mental health needs through cross-agency communication, data tracking to determine how individuals move through the system, providing judges with timely and actionable information and resources to support effective case management and resolution. Improve planning and continuity of care to reduce repeated jails bookings and recidivism. Identity systemic inefficiencies and measure cost savings.
The work involves independent judgment, problem-solving, and system-level analysis that may impact County operations, policy, and interagency coordination.
This is a grant funded position for a one-year term and possibly may be extended based on grant renewals or other available funds.
Examples of duties
System Coordination & Liaison
- Serve as a single point of contact to improve communication between courts, jail staff, LMHAs/LBHAs, prosecutors, defense counsel, pretrial services, probation, re-entry providers, and community-based service providers.
- Act as liaison between the Mental Health Court, justice system partners, and behavioral health providers to ensure coordinated service delivery and case processing.
- Facilitate cross-agency collaboration to address barriers impacting individuals with behavioral health needs in the justice system.
Court Support & Case Flow Management
- Support courts in meeting statutory requirements, including Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 16.22 early identification processes and competency restoration processes.
- Monitor behavioral health case flow and identify delays, including continuances, competency waitlists, and extended jail stays.
- Collaborate with system partners to develop and implement strategies to reduce case processing delays and improve efficiency.
- Provide judges with timely, relevant, and accurate information to support efficient case resolution and improved outcomes.
Data Tracking, Reporting & Analysis
- Coordinate with JCMH and Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health (TIREMH) on data reporting and analysis
- Track and report standardized case-level data to monitor system performance, including reductions in continuances, jail stays, and case processing timelines.
- Prepare standardized case-level reports, dashboards, and summaries for judges, county leadership, and grant stakeholders.
- Identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for system improvement using data-driven analysis.
Program Development & System Improvement
- Identify and document system-level improvements that increase efficiency, reduce duplication of services, and improve outcomes for the County and State.
- Assist in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and best practices related to behavioral health case processing.
- Support grant-related activities, including compliance, reporting, and performance measurement requirements.
Reentry & Continuity of Care
- Support reentry coordination efforts with system partners to reduce repeat bookings and improve continuity of care for individuals with behavioral health needs.
- Collaborate with community providers and supervision agencies to improve linkage to services upon release from custody.
Administrative & Operational Support
- Maintain records, reports, and documentation related to Mental Health Court operations and system coordination efforts.
- Participate in meetings, trainings, and stakeholder workgroups related to behavioral health and justice system coordination.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, social work, psychology, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in court operations, criminal justice, behavioral health, or program coordination
- Experience working with justice-involved individuals or behavioral health systems preferred
- Any equivalent combination of experience or education may be substituted on a year for year basis.
Supplemental information
- Valid Texas Class C driver’s license
- Ability to obtain relevant system access (e.g., CJIS, court systems)
