FORENSIC TEAM LEADER

POSITION PURPOSE: 
The Forensic Team Leader will interpret instructions and issues arising and then implement actions according to administrative policies and procedures.


POSITION REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:    
Graduate from an accredited College or University with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science or related field. Counseling or related field or equivalent preferred as a direct service provider in a social work setting. Three (3) years minimum experience in healthcare program development, project planning and implementation. Proven experience in case management, treatment plan development, mental health/substance abuse therapy, quality improvement and training. Experience working with culturally diverse clients.
    
Licensure / Certification:    
Must obtain a certification of attendance from the Florida Forensic Examiner Training presented by the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute within one (1) year of employment. Maintain current CPR Certification from the American Heart Association. Must have a valid Florida Driver’s License.
    
Skills / Ability:
Knowledge of issues related to criminal justice, community mental health, case management and community resources. Knowledge of personal computer software, i.e. Word, Word Perfect, Excel, Internet Explorer. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Detail-oriented, goal-oriented. Ability to maintain complex records. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with co-workers, the judiciary, court administration, and other agencies. Ability to converse in Spanish and/or Creole a plus.


POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES (THIS IS A EXEMPT POSITION)

Must maintain close working relationships with the Community Mental Health Centers, Community Case Managers, Public Defenders, the Office of the State Attorney, and the Mental Health Administrator’s Office.

Must obtain a certification of attendance from the Florida Forensic Examiner Training presented by the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute within one (1) year of employment.

Review and track each completed Incompetent to Proceed or Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity commitment packet and alert the Regional Forensic Coordinator of any potential legal issues such as incorrect or improper orders to allow for appropriate and timely intervention by circuit DCF legal staff.

Attend all court hearings regarding the reports of behavioral issues or proposal of modification of Conditional Release when the assigned specialist cannot attend. They must be prepared at the hearing to present written summaries and discuss or advocate for alternative plans.

Ensure the State Mental Health Program Office receives a copy of the conditional release order and all subsequent orders of continuance, modification, revocation or termination.

Interpret instructions and issues arising and then implement actions according to administrative policies and procedures.

Consults with the Mental Health Administrator’s Office of the Courts to obtain further court ordered evaluations and also coordinate court dates regarding restorations and modifications as required.

Monitor client charts with daily documentation of tasks completed on behalf of the client on a weekly basis.

Must communicate with the Forensic Team regarding any pertinent issues with the Forensic clients immediately.

Attend monthly Discharge Tracking meetings to provide input on Forensic discharges.

Oversee the weekly submission of the Statewide Forensic bed census.

Attend and assist with preparation of agenda for quarterly Stakeholders meeting at Circuit Court.

Assist with discharge planning for MDFAC program and provide input on proposed discharges.

Attend bi-weekly treatment team at the STAR program and provide input on proposed discharges.

Facilitate bi-monthly Forensic Team staffing and submit to representative of Managing Entity.

Prepare an Annual Report on progress (data) of the Forensic Team for each fiscal year and submit to Managing Entity.

Coordinate, approve and oversee the submission of necessary documentation for Forensic Contingency Funds.

Maintain and update the Conditional Release Monitoring Log of all individuals who are in the community and monitored by the Forensic Team.

Maintain and update the Hospital Discharge Planning Log of all Miami-Dade County forensic individuals in statewide forensic or civil hospitals.

Review all propose District Transfers and prepare a written summary making recommendations for submission to the Managing Entity. Work with the Forensic Coordinator to facilitate proposed out-of-circuit placements, coordinating with counterparts in the receiving circuit to ensure continuity of care.

Ensure timely responses and update proposed Discharge list received from Florida State Hospital with the status of each discharge from/to Miami-Dade County (statewide and local individuals).

Review all reports/updates to court received from Florida State Hospital, Treasure Coast and South Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center. Upon review, prepare a written synopsis with recommendations and forward to the Managing Entity. Ensure appropriate action is taken when necessary.

Assist the Hospital Discharge Specialist with the transition of clients from Forensic to Civil Status. This includes attending the staffing with Community Providers, Community Case Manager and the assigned Forensic Specialist.

Assist the Diversion Specialist with the ensuring that the amount of time between referrals and admission is reduced for individuals entering statewide beds. Ensuring that the goal is to reduce the amount of time between referrals and the client’ admission into the program.

Participate with the Forensic Team during quarterly screening trips and prepare a written report that includes the following: Name of client, discharge status, barriers to discharge, and plan to assist hospitals with barriers to discharge.

Complies with required certification for CPR/CPI.

Complies with established facility Policies and Procedures.

Participates in staff meetings; responsible for obtaining information in not in attendance.

Approaches patients/families, and visitors with a respectful, caring manner to convey a sense of concern and warmth.

Maintains confidentiality of patient information and records, staff interrelationships, and communication of sensitive information.

Communicates and problem solves via the chain of command.

Communicates with staff, patients, families, and visitors with courtesy and respect.

Delivers care in a non-judgmental and non-discriminatory manner, sensitive to patient diversity.

Seeks constructive criticism and has the ability to evaluate suggestions objectively

Participates and utilizes opportunities for personal growth and development.

Maintains flexibility and adaptability to expect or unexpected changes in work environment.

Attends in-services and educational training as necessary.

Reports to work as assigned.

Completes daily tasks as assigned.

Promotes a favorable/positive work climate.

Attends in-service and educational training as necessary

Participates in BHCC’s Performance Improvement Activities.

Participates in committee as directed by the BHCC Vice-President and Clinical Coordinator.

Maintains 80% productivity monthly.

Reports to work on time and ready to work with minimal absenteeism.

Adheres to Confidentiality Policies and Procedures / HIPAA Regulations.

Performs other duties as assigned.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER