The Probate Court Evaluator & Mental Health Liaison is a master’s-level behavioral health professional responsible for conducting clinical evaluations related to involuntary commitment proceedings, providing expert testimony in Probate Court, and serving as a liaison between the Baldwin County Probate Court, inpatient psychiatric facilities, and the Baldwin County Mental Health Court. This position plays a critical role in diversion, crisis response, and cross-system coordination by assessing individuals for mental illness and substance use disorders, determining eligibility for court-supervised treatment, linking individuals to appropriate services, and promoting voluntary engagement in care whenever possible. The Evaluator works to reduce unnecessary hospitalization, incarceration, and emergency department utilization by facilitating access to community-based treatment and recovery supports.

Primary Job Functions:

Probate Court Evaluation & Testimony

• Conduct clinical evaluations for individuals subject to involuntary commitment petitions.
• Assess for the presence of mental illness and/or substance use disorders in accordance with Alabama statutory criteria.
• Evaluate risk factors, level of impairment, and least restrictive treatment alternatives.
• Prepare comprehensive written reports for Probate Court.
• Provide professional testimony regarding clinical findings and treatment recommendations.
• Maintain compliance with all legal, ethical, and documentation standards.

Court & Hospital Liaison Functions

• Serve as primary liaison between Baldwin County Probate Court and inpatient psychiatric facilities.
• Coordinate admission, discharge planning, and continuity of care for court-ordered individuals.
• Ensure timely communication of clinical findings, legal status, and treatment updates.
• Facilitate efficient case processing and reduce delays in care transitions.

Mental Health Court Evaluation & Coordination

• Serve as clinical evaluator and liaison for Baldwin County Mental Health Court.
• Determine program eligibility based on diagnosis, legal criteria, and clinical presentation.
• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments.
• Identify treatment needs, level of care, and service recommendations.
• Develop and coordinate individualized treatment linkage plans.
• Monitor engagement and provide clinical updates to the court as required.

Crisis Response & Diversion Services

• Respond to community crises at the request of individuals, families, law enforcement, or court officials.
• Conduct on-site mental health and substance use assessments.
• Promote voluntary engagement in treatment whenever possible.
• Divert appropriate individuals from arrest, emergency department utilization, and involuntary commitment when clinically safe.
• Provide consultation to law enforcement regarding behavioral health crises and de-escalation strategies.

Documentation & Administrative Responsibilities

• Complete all evaluations, assessments, and court documentation accurately and within required timelines.
• Maintain organized, legally defensible records.
• Participate in multidisciplinary staffing and case consultations.

• Track diversion outcomes and system impact data as required.
• Effectively interacts and corresponds with the court and accepts directives when appropriate.
• Assists with court services as needed and helps participants with supports needed to remain in compliance.
• Monitors consumers to secure placement in the least restrictive environment.
• Advocates on behalf of the consumer to engage in treatment and secure community resources.
• Effectively collaborates with the treatment team members and outside sources in the delivery of case management services

Supervision and Consultation

• Seeks clinical supervision and consultation as needed
• Accepts and employs suggestions for improvement
• Actively works to enhance case management skills

Courteous and respectful towards consumers, community partners, visitors, and co-workers:

• Treats consumers with care, dignity, and compassion
• Respects consumer’s privacy and confidentiality
• Is pleasant and cooperative with others
• Assists consumers and visitors as needed
• Personal values do not inhibit ability to relate and care for others
• Is sensitive to the consumer’s needs, expectations, and individual differences
• Is gentle and calm to consumers and families

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related behavioral health field from an accredited institution.

Licensure preferred:

• Active Alabama licensure (LMSW, LICSW, LPC, ALC, LMFT, or equivalent) preferred. Independent licensure preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2–3 years of clinical experience in mental health and/or substance use treatment.
• Experience conducting diagnostic assessments and risk evaluations.
• Experience working within court systems, crisis services, inpatient settings, or diversion programs preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of mental illness, co-occurring disorders, and substance use disorders.
• Working knowledge of involuntary commitment statutes and court procedures.
• Ability to provide expert testimony in a clear, professional manner.
• Skilled in crisis intervention and de-escalation.
• Strong clinical decision-making and independent judgment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with judges, attorneys, law enforcement, hospital staff, and community providers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to complete assessments and documentation in a timely and organized manner.
• Knowledge of psychiatric disorders in the adult population and/or knowledge of
• addiction as a primary/secondary illness
• Knowledge of cultural diversity
• Knowledge of behavior management, crisis intervention and interventions common to
• acute psychotic consumers, and/or consumers with substance abuse issues as well as,
• to non-violent crisis intervention practice
• Knowledge of available community resources
• Knowledge of educational methods appropriate to adults with severe and persistent
• psychiatric disorders
• Knowledge of rules and regulations regarding appropriate benefit entitlements, such as
• social security, Medicaid, and Medicare
• Knowledge of Mental Health Court and it’s goals
• Knowledge of Stepping Up and it’s goals
• Knowledge of criminogenic needs, definition, and risk factors
• Knowledge of Law Enforcement protocols
• Knowledge of court services