Forensic Specialist

Top reasons to work for SMA Healthcare:

• Career growth and advancement potential
• Great benefits such as: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, & Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Personal Leave and Paid Holidays
• 403b Retirement Plan (matches one to one of employee contribution for the first 3%, then a 50% match on the next 6% of employee contribution)

Essential Job Functions:
-Ensures the client's record is up to date, accurate, and meets all documentation requirements in accordance with CARF, LSF, Medicaid, DCF, and SMA standards.
-No later than 72 hours of admission to the State Hospital, the Forensic Specialist will complete an "admission" within SMA's electronic medical record (EMR) system to ensure that all required forms are completed, and the client is open to services.
-The Forensic Specialist will maintain monthly contact with State Hospital staff regarding each client and participate in each client's treatment team/discharge meeting either in person, email, phone conference or video call. The Specialist will update the monthly contact dates on the census sheet and in the client's chart.
-The Forensic Specialist will schedule and visit forensic hospitals quarterly to monitor and document the client's progress.
-The Forensic Specialist will complete State Hospital documentation while at the State Hospital and document progress notes within SMA's EMR system.
-The Forensic Specialist will carry a minimum caseload of 15 clients which includes but not limited to opening forensic state hospital clients, forensic conditional release clients and prison releasee clients.
-The Forensic Specialist will schedule DC Aftercare appointments for prison release clients in the Okta System and meet with the prison releasee to link them to aftercare services.
-The Forensic Specialist will seek and secure appropriate community placement for clients placed on discharge status and link the client to SMA services if the client is discharged to Circuit 7.
-The Forensic Specialist will complete face-to-face contact with forensic clients discharged from the state hospital and transported to a jail in Circuit 7 to offer aftercare services once charges are resolved.
-The Forensic Specialist will attend court hearings within Circuit 7 as requested.
-The Forensic Specialist will discharge a client from SMA's EMR system within 14 days of last contact, when the client has been ordered competent to proceed.
-The Forensic Specialist will send the state hospital records to the SMA provider so that they are available at the time of the clients' first visit.
-The Forensic Specialist will meet face-to-face with forensic clients at the jails in Circuit 7 to determine if the client is appropriate for diversion.
-The Forensic Specialist will maintain a monthly average of required impact hours.
-The Forensic Specialist will participate in staff development and training as required and is responsible for knowledge pertaining to the mental health population served.
-The Forensic Specialist will maintain an awareness of proper safety procedures and guidelines and will apply it in performing daily activities and tasks.
-The Forensic Specialist will perform related work as required or assigned.
-Makes commitment to SMA's mission and core values the SMA Way
-Abides by principles of EEO compliance and a workplace of dignity and respect.
-Works cooperatively in a group/team setting and shows respect for others.
-Take guidance and direction from supervisors.
-Arrives/Reports to work on time and ready to work.

Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities:
- Good knowledge of community resources;
- good knowledge of code of ethics;
- knowledge of mental illnesses and human behavior, especially as it relates to the severely and
persistently mentally ill population;
- knowledge of current practices and documentation requirements regarding the care and
treatment of the severely and persistently mentally ill population;
- knowledge of psychotropic medications;
- knowledge of CARF standards.
- Skill in time and organizational management; ability to prioritize and complete work under
strict timelines, while maintaining flexibility to assist with client issues/concerns;
- Ability to quickly assess situations and use sound judgment in defusing potentially risky
situations; ability to identify services needed by clients during the rehabilitation process;
- Ability to follow both written and oral instructions and complete tasks as instructed;
- Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely both orally and in writing;
- Ability to prepare clear and concise written reports;
- Ability to communicate clearly and with authority to clients and develop a supporting and
trusting relationship with client;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, medical and
clinical professionals, the educational systems, court systems, and the general public.