Program Specialist I

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Vernon, TX

8d•$3,581 - $5,372•Onsite

About The Position

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage. 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 Admissions and Commitments Court Coordinator acts as the court liaison in all commitment cases, including monitoring court commitments for validity and renewal of orders. This position monitors compliance with requirements, laws, regulations, policies and procedures for Admissions and County Discharges. Maintains and monitors a database of all commitment types and expiration dates. Coordinates all Bench Warrants for Competent to Stand Trial discharges to county authorities. Reviews court documents for potential admission to MSU, prepares folders and updates notes for medication compliance and acts of aggression. This position requires the knowledge of local, state and federal laws related to admission to state facilities. This position provides coverage in the absence of the Admissions Coordinator and Director of Admissions and Commitments. Performs other duties as assigned. 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.

Requirements

Knowledge of general office practices and procedures.
Knowledge of the laws relating to court commitments and impeccable communication skills to relate that knowledge to legal representatives and other stakeholders.
Ability to make decisions independently using good imitative and judgment.
Ability to be flexible and able to work in a high stress environment, maintaining a calm and professional demeanor.
Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
All areas of application must be complete.

Nice To Haves

Three (3) years’ experience working in a psychiatric hospital preferred.
Experience with AFP and MSU Admissions guidelines preferred.
Experience with commitment types appropriate for MSU and AFP preferred.
Experience of Recommitment process preferred.
Experience working with County Courts preferred.
Excellent communication skills preferred.
Experience with Microsoft Suite, with an emphasis in Excel and Word preferred.
Experience with RAD preferred.

Responsibilities

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.
Screens recommitment documents for MSU patients who require further inpatient care. Verifies completeness of physician’s certificates in addition to psychological evaluations. Ensures patient is recommitted before current commitment expiration. Mitigates any irregularities.
Maintains records on electronic database for each unit detailing step-by-step commitment time flow. Expiring commitments will be identified, communication with program staff and the courts will be documented throughout the process.
Coordinates Bech Warrants, schedules discharge dates and time for those found Competent to Stand Trial according to policy and procedure of the Admissions and Commitments Department.
Ensures all telephone calls are handled promptly and efficiently and that admission appointments and discharges are scheduled. Coordinates court requested appointments with patients. Ensures all necessary information is supplied to requesting agencies and unit personnel.
Employee actively participates and/or serves in a support role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery pr Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Serves as QIT member.
On assigned cases, checks all legal documents for validity for each potential admission to Vernon Sate Hospital (VSH). Attempts to rectify any discrepancies found with the appropriate court.
Provides assistance and back-up to the Hearings Coordinator, AFP Admissions, and Admissions intake Specialist during any absences.
Serves as back-up to the Admissions and Commitments Director and Admissions Coordinator.
Performs other duties as assigned. 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.