Forensic Services Specialist

Job Description

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

JOB SUMMARY:

The Forensic Support Specialist is a professional who works with criminal offenders in addictions, mental health and correctional settings. This position provides professional case management and services for individuals diverted from jails. Upon referral the Forensic Support Specialist meets with individuals and complete a needs assessment and develop treatment plan and follows the individual to their hearing date. The Forensic Support Specialist provides case management services to promote stability of symptoms and stability within the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides case management and advocacy to people receiving forensic services. Provides assessment of the person’s functional capacity, determine needs, identify any risk factors of the person, and develop preliminary treatment goals.
• Functions as a coordinator of service delivery to ensure that the people receiving forensic services are linked to appropriate community-based treatment services that support stability of symptoms and community integration.
• Provides assistance, linkage, and referrals to people in forensic programs. This could include serious mental illness (SMI) and substance use disorder (SUD) counseling, psychiatric services, primary care physician, transitional housing, photo ID assistance, medication assistance, eligibility for entitlements, transportation, and emergency food and clothing and transportation.
• Coordinates and serves as collateral contact with regional jails, pre-trial services, probation/parole, Commonwealth Attorney, Public Defender’s office, courts, etc., regarding participation and progress of people released on bond. Participate in court hearings to provide support to the person and to report to all parties involved.
• Participates in meetings with stakeholders, as needed. Participates in forensic team meetings and coordination of compliance with grants and other forensic service guidelines. Actively participates in meetings such as supervision, clinical staffing meetings, and committees, as assigned. Utilizes these meetings for active problem solving and to enhance a team approach to decision making. Keeps mandatory trainings up-to-date and attend trainings which enhance case management knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Documents all service delivery and statistical data, in electronic health record and other databases; comply with policies and procedures established by the Agency, Licensure, Medicaid, and other regulatory bodies; adheres to confidentiality standards.
• Maintains strict confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and procedure. Know, understand, and follow all Virginia statues and established agency and regional protocols.
• Develops and implements individualized treatment plans. Establishes measurable goals and objectives, based upon individuals’ needs. Identifies and implements appropriate interventions through evidence-based treatment modalities.

OTHER DUTIES:

• If working with certain forensic populations, such as NGRI or restoration, maintains active and timely communication with necessary parties through letter writing, email, and required written reports.
• Perform such other duties as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of SMI and SUD in adults.
• Knowledge of SMI and SUD programs/services.
• Knowledge of treatment modalities and interventions such as service coordination, behavior management, independent living skills training, supportive counseling, family education, discharge planning, and crisis interventions.
• Knowledge of consumer rights.
• Skills in interviewing, assessment, and service planning development and implementation.
• Effective oral and written communication; knowledge of general principles of record keeping.
• Functions and contributes as a member of a treatment team.
• Trained or must become trained in provision of NGRI and Restoration Services.

Job Requirements

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION REQUIRED:

Bachelor's Degree in social work, psychology, or a Human Services related field preferred or equivalent education and/or experience.

Eligible for Qualified Mental Health Professional certification.

Valid Driver's License with a safe driving record.