Court Liaison

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Harlingen, TX

4d•$2,694 - $3,946•Onsite

About The Position

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. Psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below. The court liaison will represent Rio Grande State Center at OPC hearings. File requests for OPC hearings with the applicable DA's office. Will attempt to educate the individual served and family on the Mental Health Code and court procedures for Cameron and Hidalgo County. The Court Liaison will collect information from the chart, providers, and family which could assist the court in determining if the individual needs court ordered treatment. Documents on the results of the court hearings. Provides updates to the admissions department, social workers and treating clinicians on the outcome of court hearings. Will review all application for Orders of Protective Custody to ensure that they are correctly completed and that they clearly indicate why the treating clinician is requesting court ordered treatment. Perform other duties as assigned. The Court Liaison may be asked to work on holidays because the hospital is closed but the court is open. Employee actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Compliance with DSHS Immunization Policy required: serologic evidence of immunity to, or documented evidence of vaccination against, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), Tdap, annual vaccination against influenza (and hepatitis B if applicable).

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
1 (one) year experience in an office setting/ clerical experience.
Experience with medical documentation.
Experience using Microsoft Office Products
Must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle.
Applicants with an out of state driver license must provide an original certified driving records from the state of driving licensure.
Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, and List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required.
KNOWLEDGE OF: Office practices and administrative procedures, Treatment of the seriously mentally ill, Ethical principles, Psychiatric Disorders, Aggressive/assaultive behavior in psychiatric population, Treatment Milieu
SKILLS IN: The use of standard office equipment and software, Individual and family education regarding Mental Health Code, Effective communication orally and in writing across the organization, Managing rapidly changing priorities and dealing with a diverse case load
ABILITY TO: To handle and safeguard sensitive and confidential information, To plan and organize work., To interpret rules, regulations, policies and procedures., To implement administrative procedures., To follow verbal and written instructions., Function effectively as a treatment team member, Serve as liaison between RGSC, the court system, individuals served and their families, Provide excellent customer services., Abide by the HHSC Standards of Conduct and Work Rules., Abide by the Texas Laws Relating to Mental Health.
Speak in the English and Spanish languages (bilingual).

Nice To Haves

Experience working with the public in a customer service capacity preferred.

Responsibilities

Represents Rio Grande State Center at OPC hearings.
Files requests for OPC hearings with the applicable DA's office.
Educates the individual served and family on the Mental Health Code and court procedures for Cameron and Hidalgo County.
Collects information from the chart, providers, and family to assist the court in determining if the individual needs court ordered treatment.
Documents the results of court hearings.
Provides updates to the admissions department, social workers and treating clinicians on the outcome of court hearings.
Reviews all applications for Orders of Protective Custody to ensure they are correctly completed and clearly indicate why the treating clinician is requesting court ordered treatment.
Performs other duties as assigned.
May be asked to work on holidays because the hospital is closed but the court is open.
Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Interviews clients or authorized representatives to gather information to help determine if the individual needs court order treatment.
Coordinates hearing with the court to ensure the court has needed documents and testimony to determine if the individual needs court order services.
Serves as a liaison between the hospital, clients, client families, and the court.
Maintains records of court hearing and the result of the court hearing in the individual's record.
Works with the applicable district attorney’s office to file for hearing.
Provides court testimony as to why the patient needs to be detained on an Order of Protective Custody.
Provides excellent customer service.
Assists in preparing and conducting presentations and orientations to individuals and family on the court process.
Complies with all facility Continuous Quality Improvement programs (TJC, Medicare, ADA, etc.) supporting growth in operations which are performed under applicable agency regulations.
Complies with all CTD mandatory training requirements and participates in ongoing training to maintain and develop skills.
Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.