Overview
The Community/Legal Liaison Representative is responsible for communicating with the legal system, community mental health centers, private referral agencies, families, and hospital personnel to ensure that all patients meet admission requirements. This position maintains ongoing communication with mental health centers and referral agencies to monitor patient treatment and coordinates the exchange of relevant information with appropriate agencies to support discharge planning and continuity of care.
Responsibilities
- Ensures patients meet all legal and hospital requirements for voluntary or involuntary admission and participation in treatment plans. Encourages and assists family involvement in the treatment process.
- Collaborates with community mental health centers and referral sources to ensure admission criteria are met and all required documentation is obtained prior to admission.
- Maintains communication with community mental health centers and referral agencies to encourage ongoing monitoring of patient treatment and to provide relevant information at discharge.
- Communicates with the legal system regarding patient status, including home visits, convalescent leave, and discharge, and obtains necessary documentation for continued treatment.
- Coordinates court proceedings conducted at the hospital by notifying staff of scheduled appearances and ensuring patient attendance.
- Maintains current records of involuntary patients' legal status, including approved lengths of stay, and keeps physicians and staff informed of any changes.
- Notifies the legal system, community mental health centers, and family members when patients leave the hospital without authorization and maintains appropriate documentation of such incidents.
- Maintains current knowledge of mental health legislation and regulatory changes related to patient admissions, treatment, and reimbursement, and communicates relevant updates to appropriate staff.
- Collaborates with the legal system, community mental health centers, and private referral agencies to ensure compliance with Kentucky mental health statutes and ARH policies and procedures regarding admission and treatment.
- Provides on-call support for after-hours involuntary admissions and other court-related matters as required.
Qualifications
Required Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field required.
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a mental health setting required.
Required Licenses and Certifications
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.