Samhsa Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Description
POSITION SUMMARY
The primary function of the Foster Care Liaison is to coordinate mental health services and support individuals involved in the foster care system. The role focuses on communication, advocacy, case coordination, and reducing barriers to care between child welfare agencies, foster families, schools, courts, and behavioral health providers. This position also serves as a member of the individual's care team, collaborating with a variety of providers throughout the community. The Foster Care Liaison is committed to providing high-quality service and promoting easy access to care, including transitions, at all levels. This position requires an individual to be adaptive, organized, self-motivated and professional with a wide range of people in a variety of settings. The Foster Care Liaison will be expected to work both independently and collaboratively and demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Coordination and Collaboration

• Coordinate risk assessment, triage, and timely initial evaluations for youth in DCF custody.
• Monitor the CINC phone line and email, responding within two business days.
• Coordinate with youth, families, caregivers, CWCMPs, DCF, treatment teams, schools, courts, and community providers to facilitate services and resolve barriers.
• Monitor active clients for missed appointments, placement changes, service interruptions, and risks to continuity of care.
• Coordinate provider transitions, including communication, information transfer, scheduling, and confirmation of the initial encounter.
• Participate in multidisciplinary, court, school, TDM, administrative, and treatment team meetings.
• Provide care coordination, referrals, admissions assistance, and service access.

Advocacy and Partnerships

• Advocate for access to medically necessary behavioral health services regardless of placement location.
• Identify, address and work to resolve service barriers or delays to services.
• Connect individuals and families to behavioral health resources and strengths-based supports.
• Develop internal and community partnerships through communication, networking, and outreach.
• Educate individuals, families, and partners on behavioral health resources and services.

Assessment and Documentation

• Enter and track referrals, using the CINC workbook, through initial evaluation to connection with recommended services.
• Maintain accurate CINC Workbook data and coordinate quarterly KDADS submissions.
• Complete required screenings and assessments, including NOMs, SDOH, health screenings, vitals, and other tools practices to monitor progress and guide services.
• Securely provide CWCMPs with initial and any ongoing assessments, treatment plans, and updates within designated timeframes.
• Document services, outcomes, and program information accurately, timely, and securely.
• Ensure timely and secure sharing of information in accordance with the DCF Memorandum of Understanding and organizational policies.

Service Delivery and Program Support

• Provide integrated, recovery-oriented, person- and family-centered whole-health services.
• Monitor engagement and address risks to continued participation in care.
• Support continuity of care during placement changes and provider transitions.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect information of persons served.
• Support CCBHC, SAMHSA grant, and strategic initiatives as indicated.

Other Duties
• Demonstrate cultural and linguistic competence
• Engage persons served, colleagues and others with a trauma informed lens
• Acts as an ambassador of the agency in the community setting, which may include doing public educational and informational presentations.
• Support and actively promote the vision and mission of the agency and the philosophy of the strengths perspective
• Completes required training
• Other duties as assigned, as qualified and trained for.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Licensure:
• Bachelor's degree in human services field or be equivalently qualified by work experience or a combination of 2 years of work experience and education.
• High school diploma required.
• Must successfully pass the KBI, DCF Central Registry and all background investigations.
• Must possess a valid state of Kansas Driver's license, a good driving record, current auto insurance and reliable transportation.
Experience:
• Familiarity with the Community Mental Health System in Kansas and admissions preferred.
• Experience working with vulnerable/marginalized populations preferred.
• Experience with interviewing and the intake process preferred.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
Knowledge
• Person-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and family-centered practices
• Cultural respect and awareness
• EMR and MS Office proficiency
Skills
• Verbal and written communication
• Active listening and rapport building
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Time management and organization
• Attention to detail
• Technology and software proficiency
Abilities
• Accountability and reliability
• Integrity and professionalism
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Maintaining boundaries and confidentiality
• Openness to learning and feedback
• Positive interpersonal relationships
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this position.
O (Occasionally) Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)
F (Frequently) Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)
C (Constantly) Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)
Physical Demands Lift/Carry
Stand (F) 10 lbs. or less (F)
Walk (F) 11 - 20 lbs. (O)
Sit (F) 21 - 50 lbs. (O)
Manually Manipulate (O) 51 - 100 lbs. (O)
Reach Outward (O) Over 100 lbs. (O)
Reach Above Shoulder (O)
Climb (O) Push/Pull
Crawl (N) 12 lbs. or less (F)
Squat or Kneel (O) 26- 40 lbs. (O)
Bend (F) 41 - 100 lbs. (N)
Other Physical Requirements:
Must have sufficient ambulatory capabilities to work with children and adolescents in the office setting. Position may require the ability to use physical holding (MAB) with children and adolescents exhibiting out of control behaviors.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Office/desk work. Frequent interruptions are expected.