Forensic Specialist 1 - Underfill

State of Nevada•Las Vegas, NV

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Public and Behavioral Health, Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services (SNAMHS), is hiring Forensic Specialists at the Stein Forensic Unit in Las Vegas. The facility provides inpatient competency restoration for people with alleged criminal charges who have been committed by the courts and must remain in secure forensic custody. Forensic Specialists combine security and client-care duties, including transportation, community outings, community housing inspections, legal processes, investigations, ambulation, and supervision of activities of daily living. Forensic Specialist 1 is the trainee level in the series. Incumbents work under close supervision of professional staff or higher-level Forensic Specialists, receive training, and have their work closely reviewed for compliance with security standards and standards of care. The first 12 months include completion of a Category 3 Peace Officer Academy and Mental Health Certification courses. Progression to Forensic Specialist 2 or 3 may occur after required certification training and minimum qualifications are met, performance is satisfactory, and the appointing authority approves. Incumbents must meet current Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements established in N.A.C. 289 and N.R.S. 289. Candidates who meet the minimum education and experience qualifications will be invited to an examination process that includes a POST Category III physical fitness exam, extensive background investigation, pre-employment drug screening, medical exam including a tuberculosis test, psychological examination, and a Forensic Officer Structured Interview. The position supports clinical staff and treatment teams; develops therapeutic relationships with clients; provides security and supervision; monitors and documents client behavior and safety; responds to emergencies; assists with personal care and treatment activities; and transports clients as assigned. Duties are performed according to agency policies, procedures, and applicable health and safety laws and regulations.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent education 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.
Meet current Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements established in N.A.C. 289 and N.R.S. 289.
Pass the POST Category III physical fitness exam: 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.
Pass an extensive background investigation, pre-employment drug screening, medical exam including a tuberculosis test, psychological examination, and Forensic Officer Structured Interview.
General knowledge of proper grammar and punctuation for preparing reports, basic arithmetic, psychotropic medications and their desired effects and side effects, behaviors associated with mental illness, assaultive-behavior interventions including self-defense and non-violent control of aggression, and laws, regulations, and policies related to client rights.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team under a supervisor; learn facility custody and security policies and procedures; establish rapport and positive relationships with clients; and distinguish personal from therapeutic relationships.
Ability 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 in client charts.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, potentially 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 treatment-team member; report client behavior; assist with identifying problems, developing and revising treatment plans, documenting progress, and discharge activities; and enter data into databases or software applications.
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 groups as directed by professional staff.
Document clients’ progress across activities, interactions, and significant events; assist with the token economy store, telephone calls, work assignments, recreation, group referrals, and understanding legal processes.
Assist with mental health and security duties focused on therapeutic treatment and competency restoration, including preparing clients for competency hearings and facilitating groups about legal processes and charges.
Operate the control room; monitor staff and clients through video monitors; track staff locations; check staff in and out; account for keys, fobs, and other assigned items; control personnel entry and departure; and use facility communication, video, and alarm systems.
Perform facility perimeter checks; respond to emergencies such as fires, evacuations, bomb threats, riots, and hostage situations according to established procedures; and assist with scheduled fire drills.
Conduct head counts and special watches, visually verify clients’ whereabouts and condition, document findings, and report significant medical, safety, clinical, or procedural problems.
Conduct room and body searches for controlled substances, contraband, and weapons; search clients and visitors entering secure areas; and conduct random searches of rooms and other facility areas to identify hazards.
Supervise clients in facility activity and living areas, search areas before and after client use, monitor client activity, and help maintain the safety of clients and staff.
Manage aggressive or maladaptive client behavior using appropriate verbal or physical interventions, including crisis intervention and time out, 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, and other activities of daily living; assist with transportation, movement, and ambulation; and assist with specialized treatment following training and under medical supervision.
Maintain knowledge of and comply with applicable health and safety laws, regulations, and infection-control policies; handle and dispose of bodily waste, cleaning agents, 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 releases according to policy, ensure clients have funds to mail property upon discharge, and mail property to required locations.
Oversee shift activities, assign work, ensure required reports are completed on time, and respond to incident reports and emergencies.
Complete training for the duties of the position and perform related duties as assigned.