Jail and Court Liaison

Wyandot Behavioral Health Network; Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Wyandot Behavioral Health Network seeks a Jail and Court Liaison to connect individuals in the criminal justice system with outpatient mental health services and community resources. You will collaborate with correctional staff, courts, and treatment teams to promote alternatives to incarceration and support transitions back into the community.

The role emphasizes building trust, navigating challenging situations, and maintaining professional boundaries while promoting access to care and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, behavioral health, criminal justice, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with clients, colleagues, community agencies, and justice system partners.
• Ability to engage individuals experiencing mental health challenges or acute crises with patience, empathy, and professionalism.
• Familiarity with mental health concepts and practices, and the criminal justice or corrections system.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Basic computer skills with databases, word processing, and spreadsheets.
• Reliable transportation for daily travel within the community.
• Ability to meet Kansas certification requirements, including background checks.
• Ability to perform essential job functions safely, with or without accommodations.

Responsibilities

• Connect People to Mental Health Care: Identify individuals who may benefit from outpatient mental health services and coordinate referrals, appointments, and follow-up care.
• Support Successful Community Transitions: Participate in release planning and help individuals connect with treatment providers and community resources following release from jail.
• Build Strong Community Partnerships: Collaborate with detention center staff, mental health professionals, treatment teams, courts, and other community agencies to improve coordination of care.
• Support Court-Ordered Treatment: Attend Probate Court proceedings and assist with court-ordered treatment processes, including Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT).
• Promote Alternatives to Incarceration: Identify opportunities for eligible individuals to receive mental health treatment in the community.
• Coordinate Information and Records: Maintain databases, monitor jail bookings and treatment status, and facilitate information sharing.
• Assist with Court and Legal Coordination: Track court proceedings and coordinate support for court attendance and requirements.
• Engage Individuals in Services: Work with individuals not connected to Wyandot to access treatment and support.
• Bridge Mental Health and Criminal Justice: Serve as key connection between courts, corrections, mental health providers, and community services.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree

Written and verbal communication

Relationship building

Mental health engagement

Mental health concepts

Independent work

Computer skills

Reliable transportation

Kansas certification requirements

Safety in job functions

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Crisis navigation

De-escalation

Cultural awareness

Empathy for mental illness & justice

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services / related field

Job description

Description

Jail and Court Liaison

Make a Difference. Connect People to Care. Strengthen Our Community.

Are you passionate about mental health, criminal justice, and helping people access the support they need? Join Wyandot Behavioral Health Network as a Jail and Court Liaison, where you'll play a vital role in connecting individuals involved in the criminal justice system with mental health services and community resources.

In this collaborative position, you'll work alongside correctional staff, mental health professionals, courts, and community partners to promote alternatives to incarceration when appropriate, support successful transitions back into the community, and help individuals receive the care they need to move forward.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys building relationships, navigating complex situations, and making a meaningful difference in people's lives.

What You’ll Do

• Connect People to Mental Health Care: Identify individuals who may benefit from outpatient mental health services and coordinate referrals, appointments, and follow-up care.
• Support Successful Community Transitions: Participate in release planning and help individuals connect with treatment providers and community resources following release from jail.
• Build Strong Community Partnerships: Collaborate with detention center staff, mental health professionals, treatment teams, courts, and other community agencies to improve coordination of care.
• Support Court-Ordered Treatment: Attend Probate Court proceedings and assist with court-ordered treatment processes, including Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT).
• Promote Alternatives to Incarceration: Help identify opportunities for eligible individuals to receive appropriate mental health treatment in the community rather than through continued involvement in the criminal justice system.
• Coordinate Information and Records: Maintain accurate databases, monitor jail bookings and treatment status, and facilitate appropriate information sharing to support continuity of care.
• Assist with Court and Legal Coordination: Track court proceedings, coordinate support for court attendance and requirements, and communicate with the Care and Treatment Judge, District Attorney's Office, and other partners as needed.
• Engage Individuals in Services: Work with individuals who may not currently be connected to Wyandot Behavioral Health Network and help them access appropriate treatment and support.
• Bridge Mental Health and Criminal Justice: Serve as a key connection between municipal courts, corrections, mental health providers, and community services.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

We’re looking for a compassionate, resourceful, and self‑directed professional who can build trust, communicate effectively, and navigate challenging situations with professionalism and respect.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, preferably in a human services, behavioral health, criminal justice, or related field. Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with clients, colleagues, community agencies, and justice system partners.
• Ability to engage individuals experiencing mental health challenges or acute crises with patience, empathy, and professionalism.
• Familiarity with mental health concepts and practices, as well as the criminal justice or corrections system.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Basic computer skills, including experience with databases, word processing, and spreadsheets.
• Reliable transportation for daily travel within the community.
• Ability to meet applicable Kansas certification requirements, including required criminal, abuse/neglect registry, and professional background checks.
• Ability to perform essential job functions safely, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Skills That Will Help You Succeed

• Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
• A creative, flexible, and solution‑oriented approach to problem‑solving.
• Confidence navigating sensitive or stressful situations.
• The ability to negotiate, de‑escalate conflict, and maintain professional boundaries.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to individual differences and needs.
• A genuine interest in improving outcomes for individuals affected by mental illness and involvement in the criminal justice system.

Work Schedule

• Weekday schedule with flexible hours between 6:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Daily travel to courts, correctional facilities, and community partner locations as needed.

Why This Work Matters

Every connection to treatment can create an opportunity for a better outcome. As a Jail and Court Liaison, you'll help reduce barriers to mental health care, strengthen collaboration across systems, and support individuals as they work toward greater stability and independence.