The role
Be the Bridge Between Behavioral Health and Justice Systems as a Community Behavioral Health Liaison (CBHL)
Full-time, benefit eligible position. The schedule is Monday - Friday 8:00am-5:00pm. This is a community-based position that covers the following counties; Henry, Benton, Cedar, Bates, and Vernon, travel is required. Experience with criminal justice background, preferred.
Are you passionate about supporting individuals in behavioral health crises and helping them access the right care? As a Community Behavioral Health Liaison, you’ll play a vital role in connecting law enforcement, courts, and local behavioral health systems—ensuring individuals in crisis receive coordinated, person-centered support. This impactful role helps strengthen community care systems while advocating for those with complex behavioral health needs.
This is a great opportunity for someone who:
- Thrives in collaborative environments
- Is a mental health advocate
- Wants to make a direct impact in improving outcomes for individuals involved in the justice system due to behavioral health challenges
Key Responsibilities
- Build and coordinate local systems of care that connect individuals with behavioral health needs to appropriate services in collaboration with law enforcement, courts, jails, and crisis teams.
- Partner with community stakeholders, including Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) and specialty or diversion courts, to support safe, timely, and recovery-oriented responses.
- Provide consultation, training, and coordination to justice and public safety partners to improve behavioral health awareness and response.
- Support crisis assessment, resource linkage, and diversion efforts—prioritizing access to treatment whenever possible.
- Maintain an active, community-based presence across assigned regions to ensure responsiveness, relationship-building, and effective collaboration.
- Serve as an essential part of a multidisciplinary, person-centered care team
Requirements, Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- High School/GED required
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a human service-related field preferred
WORK EXPERIENCE
Must qualify for position based on overall CSS requirements in at least one of the options listed:
- Qualified addiction professional;
- Bachelor’s degree in a human services field from a college or university included in the U.S. Department of Education’s database of accredited schools at http:/ope.ed.gov/accreditation ;
- Any four-year degree or combination of higher education and qualifying experience; or
- Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Health Support degree as designated by the Department of Mental Health.
Qualifying experience must include delivery of service to individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, or developmental disabilities.
A valid driver's license and agency established minimum automobile coverage required. Driving is an essential function of this community-based position.
You’ll Be A Great Fit for This Role if You:
- Are motivated by meaningful, community-impactful work
- Have experience navigating mental health or substance use care systems
- Communicate effectively and build trust across diverse professional networks
- Stay calm and grounded when working with individuals in crisis
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