Forensics Liaison

The Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD) is seeking a full-time Forensics Liaison to Identify and coordinate supports to individuals with developmental disabilities who become involved in the criminal justice system through education, advocacy and the provision of service coordination and community linkage. The nature of work will include, but is not limited to, the following:

Identify and monitor individuals entering the adult and juvenile criminal justice system that have established eligibility with Cuyahoga DD. Provide recommendations to courts, attorneys, psychiatric clinic of various courts, Corrections Center staff, staff of other local jails and detention centers and pertinent agencies for services and case disposition.
• Provide screening at Corrections Center, local jails or other centers for detention to determine Forensic Liaison service eligibility. Procure documentation as needed to establish service eligibility. Coordinate with service providers to develop release plan and/or written recommendations when individual is determined eligible for Forensic Liaison services.
• Provide written documentation, as needed, to the Court to assist in determining an individual's eligibility for specialized Mental Health Court Docket(s).
• Provide Forensic Liaison consultation to individuals eligible for Cuyahoga DD. Provide post adjudication supports and services to individuals determined eligible for
• special court docket as defined by contract with court system.
• Provide assistance in the identification of and development of release plan for individuals with DD that may be eligible for inclusion in Pretrial Release services.
• Ongoing monitoring of Juvenile Court Arraignment Docket for early flagging of individuals with established eligibility with Cuyahoga DD.
• Ongoing collaboration with Mental Health (MH)/ Social Service Coordinator (SSC) for board eligible individuals in the Detention Center.
• Consult with Cuyahoga DD staff providing service coordination to individuals involved with the criminal justice system. When needed, facilitate service coordination to insure implementation of plan for supports.
• Gather assessments of needs for eligible individuals and facilitate access to appropriate services and supports within the DD and criminal justice systems.
• Assist in discharge planning and all services and supports as mandated by the courts.Attend court hearings and meetings to advocate for an individual's rights to services and consult on placement and service decisions. Coordinate and participate in resolution process in the criminal justice system.Engage with Cuyahoga DD Intake relating to potential eligibility for individuals in jail/prison/detention center. Maintain ongoing communication with individuals, their families, caretakers, service coordinators, criminal justice and court systems, and other agencies to ensure that necessary and appropriate services are being delivered as planned. As needed, may coordinate multiple agency involvement to reduce duplication of services.
• Documentation of service delivery consistent with Cuyahoga DD policies.
• Attend in-service training and other meetings as required.
• Provide DD-specific education and training as needed to court personnel, attorneys, and probation staff.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITION: This position will require that the employee work within the prison/jail/detention center and comply with security. Also, frequent travel in county and periodically out-of-county to program sites for eligible individuals.

SALARY & BENEFITS: The Cuyahoga County Board of DD is a mission-driven organization. Attracting, retaining, and developing great talent is fundamental to achieving the Board's mission. We are committed to equal opportunity in all aspects of employment, including the way we compensate our employees. Our Employee Value Proposition (EVP) includes not only pay, but non-cash compensation such as extensive paid time off, flexible work schedules, some remote work opportunities, outstanding healthcare benefits as well as free dental, vision, and life insurance. We also have a fantastic pension plan through the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System. If that wasn't enough, you will have the opportunity to work in an outstanding work environment as part of a multidisciplinary group of professionals.

If you would like a much more comprehensive look at the benefits package, click HERE to download a pdf with more detailed information.

* SALARY: The starting salaries for our Forensic Liaisons is are covered in a Collective Bargaining Agreement (Union Contract). This agreement takes into consideration not only the education and experience of the applicant but also internal equity for our existing employees. The typical starting salary for a candidate holding a BA degree is $51,385.00. The typical starting salary for a candidate holding a MA degree is $52.927.00. Also, since we are committed to our current employees, internal equity is also a factor when hiring new staff. Note that if you are a current employee in the SEIU Bargaining Unit, if selected, this would be a lateral move financially.

The Cuyahoga DD recruits and retains outstanding individuals who are committed to our mission of supporting and empowering people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, work and play in the community. We seek to attract diverse staff who desire to inspire, to promote abilities and talents, to foster inclusion in all aspects of community life, and to hold themselves and others to high expectations. We hope you choose to join our team!

Remote Work: Our positions are not 100% remote. There is an onsite expectation for all of our positions. Although we do permit some remote work at home with flexible, hybrid work schedules for some of our positions, we do expect staff to be able to commute to our facilities in Cuyahoga County, Ohio on a regular basis. We have facilities in Parma, Cleveland, and Highland Hills, Ohio. All employees will be based in one of these three cities. We do not currently offer any fully remote positions. All positions come with the expectation that the employee will work onsite at an assigned facility in Cuyahoga County some days each week as directed.

• BA Degree in Special Education, Psychology, Social Work or related field.
• Three years experience in Service and Support Coordination in a DD program or as a Support Administrator.
• Maintain valid SSA certification from the DoDD.
• Valid state of Ohio driver's license and continued maintenance of excellent driving record.

Application Procedure:

• All applicants must apply ONLINE.
• External applicants are required to upload a resume that shows a detailed work history. This is important because this agency no longer requires that applicants complete an employment application. Therefore, the only way we will be able to review your employment history and ascertain your background and experience is through your resume. You are also welcome to upload a cover letter that outlines your interest in this position.
• Current Cuyahoga DD employees are requird to upload at least a detailed letter of interest that outlines your interest in this position and highlights your qualifications for this position.
• All candidates are asked to create an online profile and you may be asked to answer a series of questions.
• Immediately after applying, you will receive a confirmation of receipt by email. If you do not receive that email, check your spam folder. For any further questions about the application process, see the FAQ link below.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Equal Opportunity, Diversity, and Inclusion: The Cuyahoga County Board of DD is committed to treating every individual, family, employee, and applicant with dignity, respect and compassion regardless of a person's sex, ancestry, national original, race, color, age, religion, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, genetic information, or social, economic or political affiliation.

Compassion, trust, and mutual respect are at the core of our commitment to diversity and inclusion. The Cuyahoga County Board of DD fosters and promotes an inclusive environment that leverages the unique contributions of diverse individuals and organizations in all aspects of our work. We know that by bringing diverse individuals and viewpoints together we can collectively and more effectively create opportunities for a better life for the individuals we support. Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of what it means for people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, work, and play in the community.

PRIVACY AND SECURITY NOTICE: By applying for positions with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities you are accepting that you have reviewed and understand our Applicant Privacy and Security Notice provided by clicking HERE.

- Individuals who may need assistance with the application process should contact Human Resources.

- Questions about the application process? Review answers to our FAQs here: FAQS and How to Contact H.R.

- All Job tentative offers are made with the understanding that prospective new employees pass a drug test and background check prior to being hired.

Cuyahoga DD is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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