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:  The starting salary for a Forensic Liaison is covered in a Collective Bargaining Agreement (Union Contract).  The starting salaries are based on education:  BA:  $54,515 or MA:  $56,150. These salaries are not negotiable.

* FANTASTIC BENEFITS: All newly hired employees in this position walk through the door earning:

• Over 40 paid days off a year, including holidays.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Hyrbrid schedule: Two days at home and 3 in-office and community)
• A great government Pension through Ohio PERS.
• Low Cost Major Medical insurance.
• Free Dental, Vision Life, and Temporary disability Insurance
• Professional Development Reimbursement each year.
• Membership dues reimbursement each year.
• Mileage Reimbursement at the IRS rate.
• Working here qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Flexible Spending Account
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Annual Pay Increases, and so much more.

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

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.  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.  This means there is an onsite expectation for all of our positions.  If you need a fully remote position, this position is not for you. We curently do not offer any 100% remote positions.

• BA Degree in Special Education, Psychology, Social Work or related field.
• Three years work experience in a DD program.
• Experience in criminal justice system and/or serving forensically involved individuals preferred.
• Obtain the SSA certification from the DoDD upon hire and maintain this certification while employed.
• 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 encouraged to upload a cover letter that outlines your interest in this position.  Resumes and letters are uploaded on your profile page once you apply for this position.  Failure to provide a resume that outlines your work history will remove you from consideration.  
• Current Cuyahoga DD employees are required 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.

If you are a person with a disability or are unable to use or access this site as a result of your disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation by calling 216-241-8230.