Forensic Specialist 1 - Underfill

State of Nevada•Sparks, NV

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Public and Behavioral Health, Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services / Lakes Crossing Center (LCC), is recruiting Forensic Specialist 1 trainees for a maximum-security forensic psychiatric hospital in Sparks, Nevada. Forensic Specialists combine security and client-care duties while supporting the treatment and evaluation of people with mental disorders who have been charged with crimes and/or whose competency requires evaluation. The position is a hybrid of Nevada POST-certified Category III peace officer and mental health professional. Incumbents must attend POST certification training and receive close supervision and review as they learn the work and follow facility security and standards-of-care requirements. The role supports clinical staff and treatment teams, develops therapeutic relationships with clients, helps clients understand legal proceedings and charges, assists with competency-hearing preparation, and participates in or facilitates therapeutic and legal-process groups. Client support includes assistance with activities of daily living and transportation. Security work includes monitoring facility areas and clients, conducting counts and searches, responding to emergencies, controlling access, and using facility security equipment. Progression to Forensic Specialist 2 or 3 may be possible upon meeting minimum qualifications, completing required certification training, performing satisfactorily, and receiving appointing-authority approval. Minimum qualifications for progression include obtaining Mental Health Technician (MHT) certification through online college coursework.

Requirements

Meet one of the following minimum qualification pathways: high school graduation or equivalent and two years of general work experience, including one year in a mental health, medical, correctional, law enforcement, or related setting; or one year of college coursework including health, behavioral science, or criminal justice courses and one year of general work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Attend POST certification training for certification as a Nevada POST Category III peace officer.
Pass the POST Category III physical fitness examination: 15-inch vertical jump; agility run in 20.4 seconds; 20 untimed push-ups; 300-meter run in 74 seconds; and 1.5-mile run in 17 minutes and 37 seconds.
Complete an extensive background investigation, pre-employment drug screening, medical examination including a tuberculosis test, and psychological examination.
Obtain Mental Health Technician (MHT) certification through online college coursework as part of the stated minimum qualifications for progression in the series.
Demonstrate general knowledge of grammar and punctuation for reports, basic arithmetic, psychotropic medications and their effects and side effects, behaviors associated with mental illness, assaultive-behavior interventions, and laws, regulations, and policies related to client rights.
Be able to work alone and as part of a team under supervision; learn facility custody and security procedures; establish rapport with clients and maintain appropriate therapeutic boundaries.
Be able to accompany clients to appointments, therapy sessions, and activities; learn and participate in client mental-health or medical treatment; and record information clearly and accurately.
Be able to stand and walk for extended periods, potentially for an entire shift; communicate orally and in writing; safely drive a motor vehicle using defensive-driving techniques; and understand and follow instructions, policies, and procedures.

Responsibilities

Support clinical staff as a member of a treatment team; observe and report client behavior; assist with identifying problems, developing and revising treatment plans, documenting progress, and discharging clients as assigned.
Enter data into appropriate databases or software applications and maintain clear, accurate client chart records.
Develop therapeutic relationships with assigned clients, orient them to the unit or facility, spend one-on-one time with them, and facilitate or co-facilitate group sessions as directed.
Chart clients’ progress, interactions, and significant events; assist with token economy activities, telephone calls, work assignments, recreation, group referrals, and understanding legal processes.
Support therapeutic treatment aimed at helping clients attain competency to stand trial; prepare clients for competency hearings and help them understand the nature and seriousness of filed charges.
Operate the control room; monitor staff and clients, track staff locations, manage access and departures, and account for keys, fobs, and other assigned items.
Use two-way radios, intercom and telephone systems, video recording equipment, and alarm systems, including fire and motion detectors.
Perform facility perimeter checks, respond to emergencies such as fires, evacuations, bomb threats, riots, and hostage situations, and assist with scheduled fire drills.
Conduct head counts and special watches, visually check clients’ whereabouts and condition, document findings, and report significant medical, safety, clinical, or procedural concerns.
Conduct room, area, client, and visitor searches to detect contraband, controlled substances, weapons, hazards, and security problems.
Supervise clients in facility and activity areas, search areas before and after client use, and monitor activity to protect clients and staff.
Manage aggressive or maladaptive client behavior using appropriate verbal or physical interventions, crisis intervention, time-out, and token-economy techniques while considering client rights; obtain medical orders for seclusion or restraints as required.
Provide basic first aid, CPR, and the Heimlich maneuver in emergencies.
Assist clients with eating, bathing, shaving, oral hygiene, grooming, dressing, movement, ambulation, and other activities of daily living; provide specialized treatment assistance only under medical supervision and after appropriate training.
Follow health and safety laws, regulations, infection-control policies, and related procedures; handle and dispose of bodily waste and potentially hazardous materials; maintain sanitary facilities and report maintenance needs.
Transport clients to medical appointments, hospitals, and other locations as assigned.
Inventory client property upon admission and discharge, monitor property release, ensure clients have funds to mail property when discharged, and mail property as required.
Oversee shift activities as assigned, including assigning work, ensuring timely reports, and responding to incident reports and emergencies.
Attend required training and perform related duties as assigned.