Jail-Based Mental Health Professional/Forensic Specialist

Beacon Mental Health•Kansas City, MO

26d

About The Position

The primary objective of the jail-based competency restoration service provider is to deliver competency restoration and behavioral health services utilizing Evidence Based Practices to defendants that are committed to the Department of Mental Health as Incompetent to Proceed.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in an applicable field required.
LMSW or LPC or provisional licensed preferred.
CPR/First Aid certification required.
Must own and maintain reliable transportation.
Driver’s license and minimum state-mandated auto insurance.
1-3 Years of Position-Related Experience Minimum
Knowledge gained through prior employment and education including assessment, treatment planning, and crisis management.
Knowledge of the criminal justice system.
Knowledge of Trauma Informed Practices.
Trained in assessment and treatment of behavioral health conditions and disorders.
Knowledge of the legal system and local resources including, but not limited to, the operation of the community providers and psychiatric resources.
Knowledgeable about competency restoration services.
Knowledge of trauma-informed principles to support individuals recovering from trauma, violence, and/or adverse life experiences.
Knowledge of Evidence Based Practices for behavioral health conditions.
Ability to safely build rapport with individuals during or following a behavioral health crisis.
Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of individuals and handle confidential information appropriately.
Able to effectively utilize software systems and basic office equipment, including EMR systems, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).

Nice To Haves

3-5 Years of Position-Related Experience Preferred

Responsibilities

Provides competency restoration and behavioral health services utilizing Evidence Based Practices to defendants that are committed to the Department of Mental Health as Incompetent to Proceed.
Carries out competency education groups designed to improve reasoning skills and increase legal knowledge.
Assesses behavioral health needs and implements group or individual programming relevant to assessed needs.
Assists in developing appropriate and jail-specific programming related to competency education and based on the Department of Mental Health’s current materials.
Attend all conference calls, webinars, and face‐to‐face meetings/trainings, and conferences for professional development.
Coordinates services and maintains communication with the Forensic Mobile Team and Jail Service Providers.
Establishes ongoing relationships with defendants, county jail, and courts including: o County jail staff and administration o Circuit Court judges and court staff o Local law enforcement o Local legal counsel including prosecutors, public defenders, and private defense counsel. o Community Behavioral Health Liaisons (CBHLs), jail navigators, or other community-based treatment staff working in county jails.
Supports the Jail Based Case Manager in providing case management and link to resources.
Coordinates with other CBHL Team members, as needed.
Provides crisis community support services and intervention to high risk population according to assessed needs, utilizing professional and independent judgment. Interventions include linking clients to internal and provider network as well as community resources.
Acts as a liaison with jail staff, law enforcement and courts to ensure care coordination with High risk consumers upon release.
Assists with jail screening process as needed.
In coordination with the CBHL Manager, assists law enforcement, CIT and the courts with assessing individuals in need of behavioral health services and assists potential consumers with obtaining services.
Facilitates intake assessments for those anticipating release into the community including clients in the treatment court program as identified by the court monitor.
Participates in Assessment team meetings and any ongoing assessment training.
Provides followup with individuals post release, as needed.
Collaborates with Beacon’s Jail Liaison.
Provides support and education to close family and concerned others of those incarcerated individuals.
Demonstrates competent usage and data entry in AVATAR, the agency’s electronic medical record.
Other duties and/or responsibilities may be assigned by supervisor.