Job Information
Tri-County Mental Health Services Forensic Behavioral Health Specialist in Kansas City, Missouri
Forensic Behavioral Health Specialist
Summary
Title: Forensic Behavioral Health Specialist
ID: 5655
Department: Adult Community Support
Salary Range: N/A
Employment Status: Full-time
Description
POSITION SUMMARY
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.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND 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.
• 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 and public defenders.
o Community Behavioral Health Liaisons (CBHLs), jail navigators, or other community-based treatment staff working in county jails.
• Coordinates appropriate resources upon release from county jail and provides case management.
• 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.
• Provides ongoing followup with individuals post release, as needed.
• Serves as a liaison and resource for Beacon treatment team members when clients are incarcerated.
• 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES)
Education/Certifications:
• 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.
Experience Required:
• 1-3 Years of Position-Related Experience Minimum
• 3-5 Years of Position-Related Experience Preferred
Knowledge Required:
• 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.
Skills Required:
• 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).
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee is frequently required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to use their own vehicle to drive to various locations throughout the catchment area. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is typical of that of a jail environment, which can be moderate to loud at times.