School Based Liaison

SCHOOL BASED LIAISON

This individual will act as a single point of contact for educational systems to navigate the mental health system and other child-serving systems, ensuring that all children and their families are supported to make informed decisions concerning their rights to treatment options within the community and educational settings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Serves as a liaison between Allegheny County’s Office of Behavioral Health and assigned school districts, assisting educators in navigating mental health and other child serving systems.

• Assist educators in understanding mental health services available, varying levels of care, how to access services properly, and any required follow-up necessary to maintain delivery of service.
• Provide mediation and conflict resolution between school districts and mental health service providers.
• Provide consultation to school districts for students with complex needs, assisting them to make appropriate mental health referrals and provide follow-up and continued collaboration as needed.
• Develop mental health services in schools through collaboration with school district administration and mental health provider administration. Conduct site visits with school districts and mental health providers to ensure appropriate spaces are identified and all necessary documentation is available for the mental health provider to submit for licensure.
• Provide support to mental health providers working in assigned districts in maintaining positive communications and relationships with school district personnel.
• Attend meetings with school personnel, students, and parents, as requested, to provide consultation, discuss treatment options, share information and identify treatment needs.
•  Assist families and educators with understanding and accessing services.
• Serve as a Student Assistance Program (SAP) Coordinator for Allegheny County, overseeing SAP Provider organizations for compliance and quality services. Provide technical assistance to SAP Providers to improve services and provide case by case consultation as needed.
• Oversee SAP Provider response and provide support for postventions that occur in assigned school districts.
• Regularly attend and assist with county facilitated mental health provider meetings for School Based Outpatient programs, Student Assistance Programs, Community and School Based Behavioral Health Teams, and other mental health programs as needed.
• Create and provide training to school districts, provider agencies and families regarding child and adolescent mental health needs within the education system and available services.
• Maintain regular communication with assigned school districts regarding any changes in available mental health services within Allegheny County.
• Attend Local Task Force meetings to share information regarding status of available services in Allegheny County and provide consultation for any families in need.
• Participate in on-going training.
• Perform general administrative duties.
• Prepare written reports and databases as needed.
• On-going duties as assigned.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Possess understanding of the mental health system for children and adolescents (i.e. levels of care, how to access services, on-going treatment needs and options).
• Possess an understanding of education laws.
• Have general understanding of the student assistance programs in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Have the ability to establish and maintain working relationships with school districts, families, staff, and community providers.
• Have ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented atmosphere.
• Ability to pay attentive to detail.
• Ability to work with people from a variety of diverse agencies, backgrounds, resources, and communities.

Essential Requirements:

• Proficient with computers specifically Windows and Microsoft Works.
• Must possess good organizational skills.
• Must possess ACT 33/34 and FBI Clearances.
• Have a valid Pennsylvania motor vehicle license and access to a personal vehicle.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Full-time position requiring 40 hours per week.

Education and Experience: 

Bachelor’s Degree with one-year experience in the behavioral health or educational system.

Benefits and Compensation:

• $52,000 per year
• 18 days PTO
• 401k Match
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Benefit Option Fund