Court Liaison (Program Coordinator II) - Recovery from Addictions Program

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Taunton, MA

18d

About The Position

The Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP), operated by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) in collaboration with the Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, seeks a Court Liaison to obtain legal information for clients admitted to its Section 35 program. The role coordinates legal matters with patient attorneys, clinical treatment teams, court personnel, and the appropriate Sheriff’s Department, including transportation and custody coordination for patients who may have pending criminal charges. The position must comply with federal regulations 42 CFR Part 2 and Part 8 and HIPAA regulations. RAP provides acute detoxification and early clinical stabilization to individuals civilly committed by the courts for substance use treatment for up to 90 days. It supports community-based linkages to outpatient care and substance use disorder treatment after discharge, and provides administrative, medical, clinical, and non-clinical services focused on client-centered, recovery-oriented care. The position works 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday off. Candidates must meet the stated minimum entrance requirements: three years of qualifying professional, administrative, or managerial experience in business or public administration involving program management, administration, coordination, planning, or analysis, or an equivalent combination of experience and specified education substitutions. Education and licenses or certifications will be verified. A criminal background check is required before hiring. Applicable staff must attest to COVID-19 and influenza vaccination status or required mitigation measures.

Requirements

Demonstrated understanding of boundaries and ethics.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions and directions.
Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships and deal tactfully with others.
Knowledge of fundamental types and problems of co-occurring disorders.
Knowledge of interviewing principles and practices.
Knowledge of legal forms and their use.
Knowledge of an Electronic Medical Record System.
Ability to gather information through questioning, observation, and examination of records.
Ability to organize multiple tasks and priorities.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with professionals and representatives of other agencies.
Ability to understand, explain, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing assigned activities.
Ability to analyze data, determine its applicability, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.
Ability to write concisely, express thoughts clearly, and develop ideas in a logical sequence.
At least one year of experience working with clients with primary substance use disorders, and knowledge of substance use and treatment systems.
Meet the minimum entrance requirements: three years of full-time or equivalent part-time qualifying professional, administrative, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, or public administration involving program management, administration, coordination, planning, or analysis, or an equivalent combination with the specified education substitutions.
A bachelor's degree in business administration, business management, or public administration may substitute for up to two years of the required experience; a graduate degree in one of those fields may substitute for the required experience; a bachelor's or higher degree in another major may substitute for up to one year. Education toward a degree is prorated based on completed requirements.
Undergo a required criminal background check before hiring.
Acknowledge and attest to COVID-19 and influenza vaccination status or required mitigation measures.

Nice To Haves

Paralegal experience.
Certificate from a recognized paralegal training program.
Two years of professional experience working with local courts, knowledge of court processes, and experience with court personnel such as judges, probation officers, District Attorneys, Court Officers, Assistant District Attorneys, and the Sheriff’s Office.
In-depth knowledge of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts legal system and DMH regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to demonstrate a positive, non-judgmental, accepting attitude toward individuals with substance use disorder.
Self-motivation, strong organizational skills, and superior attention to detail.
Bilingual or multilingual fluency.
Knowledge of confidentiality requirements applicable to substance use treatment, including 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA.

Responsibilities

Coordinate collection of information about cases referred by civil and criminal courts, including police reports, Section 35 commitment orders, criminal charges, and bail status when indicated.
Review legal and other admission information from different sources for accuracy.
Assist DMH legal staff, aftercare staff, and clinicians with preparation of legal documents as needed.
Coordinate client and belongings transportation with the Sheriff’s Department, confirm transportation daily, and resolve discrepancies involving the Sheriff’s Office, courts, or hospital schedules.
Review civil Section 35 commitment orders and criminal charges for completeness; enter commitment dates, expiration dates, and other information into established databases to track dispositions and upcoming court dates.
Communicate with designated District Attorneys, defense attorneys, Court Clerks, DMH attorneys, court clinics, and judges to coordinate legal aspects of cases involving criminal legal issues.
Participate in RAP legal rounds, provide clinical staff with information about individual patients’ criminal and civil court matters, and follow through on legal tasks.
Coordinate with assigned DMH attorneys regarding case status and identified follow-up tasks.
Enter and maintain information in established information systems.
Ensure medical records are professional, complete, thorough, and entered in a timely manner.
Attend mandatory trainings and meetings.
Perform other duties assigned by the Clinical Director that are consistent with professional standards, program goals and objectives, and RAP and DMH policies.