Discharge Planner (Court Liaison)

Perimeter Healthcare; Garland (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Perimeter Behavioral Hospital of Dallas in Garland, Texas seeks a Court Liaison to coordinate legal proceedings for inpatient psychiatric patients, including civil commitments and competency hearings. The role requires close collaboration with courts, public defenders, prosecutors, law enforcement, and mental health staff, ensuring timely documentation and compliance.

You will schedule appearances (in person or via telehealth), manage transportation and staff participation, and prepare legal

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Social Services, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Legal Studies, or related field preferred. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in a legal, social work, or mental health setting; experience with court-involved or forensic psychiatric populations strongly preferred.
• Notary Public optional but preferred/ beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all legal proceedings involving inpatient psychiatric patients, including civil commitments, competency hearings, and restoration status updates
• Serve as a liaison between the hospital and courts, public defenders, prosecutors, law enforcement, and mental health courts
• Schedule and coordinate patient court appearances (in-person or via telehealth), transportation, and required clinical staff participation
• Prepare and submit legal documentation (e.g., petitions, court reports, declarations, discharge summaries) in compliance with court deadlines and hospital policies
• Track and maintain records of court dates, legal statuses, and case outcomes in electronic health records and internal databases
• Communicate legal updates clearly and promptly to treatment teams, administration, and families/guardians as appropriate
• Attend and provide support during court hearings or act as hospital representative when required
• Collaborate with forensic evaluators, psychologists, and psychiatry staff in competency evaluations and reporting
• Ensure adherence to HIPAA, state, and federal regulations regarding confidentiality and patient rights
• Advocate for patient-centered, trauma-informed care within the legal process
• Maintain strong working relationships with external legal agencies and internal clinical teams

Skills

Coordination

Communication

HIPAA compliance

Trauma-informed care

Team collaboration

Legal documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Services, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Legal Studies, or related field

Master’s degree in Social or Legal Studies preferred

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Court scheduling software

Job description

Perimeter Behavioral of Dallas is one of the premier behavioral health hospitals providing inpatient psychiatric treatment for children and teenagers, as well as senior adults. We are located on 22 acres outside of the metroplex in Garland, Texas. We offer a relaxed, serene, and empowered surrounding to our patients. We strive to build a fully integrated, effective behavioral health care system.

Perimeter Behavioral Hospital of Dallas is conveniently located in Garland, Texas and has a beautiful facility with great staff. We provide quality care to children and adolescents to the surrounding area for behavioral health and mental health needs.

The Court Liaison serves as the primary point of contact between the hospital, legal entities, and external justice system stakeholders. This role is responsible for facilitating timely legal processes for patients admitted to the hospital under civil and forensic circumstances, including acute psychiatric cases and those undergoing competency restoration. The Court Liaison ensures proper documentation, scheduling, communication, and coordination of legal proceedings while supporting the interdisciplinary treatment team.

Essential Role and Responsibilities

• Coordinate all legal proceedings involving inpatient psychiatric patients, including civil commitments, competency hearings, and restoration status updates
• Serve as a liaison between the hospital and courts, public defenders, prosecutors, law enforcement, and mental health courts.
• Schedule and coordinate patient court appearances (in-person or via telehealth), transportation, and required clinical staff participation.
• Prepare and submit legal documentation (e.g., petitions, court reports, declarations, discharge summaries) in compliance with court deadlines and hospital policies.
• Track and maintain records of court dates, legal statuses, and case outcomes in electronic health records and internal databases.
• Communicate legal updates clearly and promptly to treatment teams, administration, and families/guardians as appropriate.
• Attend and provide support during court hearings or act as hospital representative when required.
• Collaborate with forensic evaluators, psychologists, and psychiatry staff in competency evaluations and reporting.
• Ensure adherence to HIPAA, state, and federal regulations regarding confidentiality and patient rights.
• Advocate for patient-centered, trauma-informed care within the legal process.
• Maintain strong working relationships with external legal agencies and internal clinical teams.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Social Services, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Legal Studies, or related field preferred. Master’s degree Social or Legal Studies preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in a legal, social work, or mental health setting. Experience with court-involved or forensic psychiatric populations strongly preferred.
• Certifications: Notary Public (optional but preferred), background in mental health law or forensic systems desirable.