The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or any combination of these. As Georgia’s public safety net, DBHDD operates six field offices and five hospitals throughout the state within three program areas: behavioral health, developmental disabilities and hospital services.

The main office for DBHDD is located in downtown Atlanta.

Job Description

Job Title: 988 Community Liaison

Pay Grade: L

Job Summary:

THIS IS A GRANT FUNDED POSITION GUARANTEED THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2026. THE TIMEFRAME MAY BE EXTENDED, BUT NO GUARANTEES.

The 988 Community Liaison is responsible for working within the Office of Communications to provide targeted education and build partnerships among community members who will benefit from using 988. The 988 Community Liaison will share information about 988 planning and implementation as well as obtain feedback from community stakeholders and share that feedback with the 988 Planning Team. Other duties include serving as a member of the 988 Planning Team as an advisor and participant; collaborating with law enforcement, EMS, and other community partners who interface with the crisis service system and helping educate the community about mental health problems and resources to decrease stigma associated with behavioral health problems and seeking assistance for a crisis situation.

The 988 Community Liaison, under the direction of the Director, Office of Communications will work with senior management, department leaders, and the public to educate people about 988 and other resources, assist in planning for 988 mass marketing, and provide community partner feedback to the Office of Communications to identify and address system gaps.

Position Requirements

·Participate in 988 Planning Team

·Liaise between community partners and 988 Planning Team.

·Speak and provide education related to 988 at community events.

·Obtain feedback from constituents related to 988 and crisis services to be shared with DBHDD leadership.

·Participate in Office of Communications strategic planning initiatives.

·Organize and lead community-focused 988 workgroups.

·Plan, organize, and facilitate internal and public facing events.

·Engage in community organizational activities to address stigma and other factors that impact engagement in behavioral health services.

·Remains current on national and state industry regulations, trends, technology.

·Other duties as assigned.

·Performs job responsibilities with minimal supervision.

·Statewide travel (50-75% of time)

Qualifications:

·High skill level of oral, written and technology communication and comfortable with utilizing technology

·Excellent public speaking skills

·Community Organization skills

·Ability to lead and collaborate with internal and external constituents

·Skill in using relevant computer software (Including Microsoft Office Products: Word, Excel (advanced level), PowerPoint, Access, Publisher, Visio, etc.) 

·Ability to clearly communicate work assignments and expectations.

·Ability to make decisions in compliance with agency specific rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

·Skill in critical thinking, interpersonal communication, organization, judgment, decision making, and problem solving.

·Skill in working in multi-system operations

·Attention to details and ability to work with time-sensitive matters

Preferred Experience: Bachelor’s degree in public relations, public health, psychology, criminal justice, or related fields with four to eight years’ experience. Master’s degree in public relations, public health, psychology, criminal justice, or related fields with two to three years’ experience in your professional field. Experience in working with law enforcement, healthcare, and behavioral health stakeholders. Experience with community organization and public speaking. Documented experience in relationship development within a healthcare system. Knowledge of public sector healthcare with emphasis on behavioral healthcare.