Job Summary

The purpose of this classification is to coordinate with attorneys representing indigent clients with mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities and to assist with the disposition of cases, including placement, alternative sentencing options, and mitigation.

Essential Functions

Essential Functions: These are intended only as Illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments with clients in jail, office, or by phone, evaluating mental health, substance use, cognitive functioning, and social support.

Gather information on housing, family support, work history, SSI, Medicaid, and other resources.

Obtain necessary release forms and collaborate with community providers, including interviews with family members for additional insights.

Prepare detailed reports and discuss clinical recommendations with attorneys.

Develop holistic treatment plans aimed at reducing recidivism.

Facilitate referrals for mental health and substance abuse treatment, including coordination with providers and completion of pre-release SSI applications.

Manage SSI application process, monitor progress, and ensure submission to SSA.

Assist with placement in nursing homes, assisted living, or vocational programs; support job training and GED completion.

Coordinate services for clients with developmental disabilities, including Medicaid Waivers and vocational rehabilitation.

Assist attorneys during court proceedings by presenting treatment plans, coordinating with providers, performing in-court assessments, and supporting legal representation.

Research mental health issues related to legal cases and identify new community providers.

Accompany attorneys on local and statewide client visits and attend Mental Health Division meetings.

Maintain and monitor records through a centralized database, ensuring accurate tracking and accountability of mental health cases.

Archive files and organize court-ordered evaluations for misdemeanors and felonies, ensuring confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.

Promote best practices within the Mental Health Division through professional development and ongoing training.

Develop holistic legal approaches for clients with mental health and developmental disabilities.

Participate in community outreach, speaking engagements, and stakeholder education on the Public Defender's services and client challenges.

Prepare year-end reports and attend required training to maintain licensure.

Collect and summarize records, including mental health, medical, and school records.

Contact community providers, fax, deliver releases, and retrieve records.

Process and deliver subpoenas; follow up to ensure receipt and accuracy of records.

Review and summarize records to create treatment timelines and assess levels of functioning.

Additional Duties:

An employee in this classification may be expected to perform any related duties as required by proper authority.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of legal procedures and processes.

Possess effective interview and interrogation techniques.

Knowledge of case management tools, techniques, technology and software.

Exercise sound judgment and decision-making skills.

Demonstrates proficiency in the performance of the essential duties and responsibilities to function in the position effectively.

Ability to build and maintain professional relationships.

Ability to demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills with diverse populations and groups, including superior written and spoken communication.

Effectively manages own time to ensure adequate service is provided to all clients.

Displays a high level of commitment toward work and a high standard of ethical conduct.

Knowledge of and ability to use best practices in assessing and evaluating clients for substance abuse, mental illness and developmental disabilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Preference