Pre-Commitment Investigator, Behavioral Health Division

Multnomah County • Portland, OR

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Pre-Commitment Investigator serves a critical function at the intersection of clinical behavioral health and the legal system. In this role, you will conduct in-depth evaluations of individuals involuntarily detained in a hospital setting who are alleged to be a danger to themselves or others due to a behavioral health disorder, or are unable to meet their essential needs. Your professional determination guides the judicial process by recommending the appropriate course of action, which may include No Hearing, a 14-day Diversion, or a formal Civil Commitment Hearing.

Requirements

• Masters degree
• Must meet the standards of Qualified Mental Health Professional-C (QMHP-C) with the Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) - more information can be found at MHACBO website , and/or licensed Board of Oregon (LPC, LCSW, PHD, etc)
• Graduate degree in psychology or Graduate degree in social work or counseling or Graduate degree in a behavioral science field
• Can pass an examination regarding Oregon statutes and administrative rules relating to the civil commitment of mentally ill persons.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire , an active and valid registration as a Mental Health Investigator Certification from the Oregon Health Authority .
• This position requires a background investigation, which may include being fingerprinted.
• This position requires a Valid Driver's License.
• Requires use of a personal vehicle to travel to assigned hospital sites.
• Depending upon assignment, candidates may be required to pass an additional criminal background check, and/or be required to obtain additional training, licenses, or certificates.

Nice To Haves

• Leadership experience in the crisis field
• Leads with race through actions and advocacy with internal programs, with community partners and across departments throughout the county.
• Demonstrate the ability to flex style when faced with myriad dimensions of culture in order to be effective across cultural context.
• Respect and appreciation for ethnic and cultural diversity.
• Knowledge of challenges and barriers faced by those with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) and the systems they encounter in Residential Services, Adult Protective Services and Crisis Services.
• Ability to collaborate and build relationships to achieve positive work outcomes.
• Ability to maintain a safe and healthful workplace.
• High degree of resilience, is outcome driven and can thrive in an environment of rapid change while effectively managing pressure in an effective and professional manner.

Responsibilities

• Conduct civil commitment investigation according to legal mandates in Oregon Revised Statute chapter 426 and Oregon Administrative Rule 309-033.
• Interview alleged mentally ill persons in hospital settings.
• Conduct thorough assessment of alleged mentally ill persons to include mental status and diagnostic impressions, crisis assessment, and risk assessment.
• Review hospital records; obtain and review other pertinent records/documents such as police reports.
• Interview family members of alleged mentally ill persons, their treatment providers, and witnesses of alleged dangerousness.
• Consult with psychiatric treatment providers regarding alleged mentally ill persons' potential for danger to self or other, up to and including life threatening danger, recommended treatment and person’s ability to engage in such treatment on a voluntary basis.
• Determine least restrictive mental health treatment options to mitigate potential danger.
• Monitor progress of inpatient treatment and its efficacy in mitigating risk of danger.
• Determine whether an alleged mentally ill person should be recommended for civil commitment hearing.
• Prepare a written report of findings of each investigation.
• Prepare and file legal documents to make recommendations to the circuit court for each investigation regarding whether legal criteria are met for the alleged mentally ill person to have a civil commitment hearing.
• Maintain clinical records per applicable State laws and County Behavioral Health Division policy.
• Complete data reporting forms for each investigation.
• Prepare cases for civil commitment hearings.
• File all documents with the Court.
• Communicate with attorneys, judicial staff, and judges.
• Attend civil commitment hearings.
• Coordinate witnesses to provide testimony at civil commitment hearings.
• May testify at civil commitment hearings.
• Represent Behavioral Health Division and Health Department policies regarding behavioral health issues and treatment to other public agencies and the community.

Benefits

• employer-funded retirement savings
• health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents
• paid parental leave
• wellness programs
• a focus on work-life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level