Mental Health Case Worker

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, include the responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics listed below. This list of responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Summary
Under the general direction of the County Court at Law Mental Health Court Judge and direct supervision of the Mental Health Court (MHC) Administrator, the Mental Health Court Case Worker performs coordination, administrative and technical work of high complexity and variety, requiring excellent independent judgment and prudent decision making based upon knowledge of the laws of the State of Texas, Texas Commission of Mental Health,, County Court-At-Law requirements and procedures, and general requirements of the Hays County Mental Health Court. The incumbent will collaborate with the Mental Health Court team, prosecutors, local mental health authority, defense counsel, and mental health treatment providers, , to facilitate case flow and the activities of participating agencies, monitor program participant’s progress, and provide quality assurance while maintaining appropriate documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develops, organizes, and implements day to day activities and processes of the Mental Health Court.
• Interviews potential court participants and conducts intake evaluations; collects and completes required documentation and assists in determining eligibility for Mental Health Court participation based on the nature of charge(s), history, and Mental Health Court requirements. 
• Reviews and tracks all incoming referrals submitted by different sources, including but not limited to the jail, attorneys, judges, prosecutors, service providers, and the community.  
• Contacts potential candidates for Mental Health Court  with counsel approval to provide program information and schedule intake evaluations. 
• Evaluates and participates in the development of Mental Health Court program guidelines, policies, procedures, goals, and budget. 
• Collaborates with service providers including the local mental health authority, contracted providers, and private providers to determine appropriate intensity of services, facilitate service coordination, and linkage to resources. 
• Communicates and consults with defense attorneys, prosecutors, court judges, court administrators, law enforcement officers designated as mental health officers/crisis officers, and jail staff.
• Counsels and de-escalates clients in crisis situations. 
• Monitors progress of participant for compliance with court-imposed sanctions, treatment programs, required drug and alcohol or other testing, or other case-related requirements.
• Prepares detailed reports on participant progress and potential candidates for staffing meetings and court hearings.
• Coordinates with Mental Health Court team and participates in team meetings, attends, and participates in court proceedings, and serves as liaison with treatment providers and staff. 
• Ensures that appropriate materials and documentation has been prepared for Court sessions and briefs the Judge and Mental Health Court team on appropriate issues. 
• Identifies community resources and providers to expand services to the court participants.
• Educates peers, colleagues, and judiciary about the efficacy of Mental Health Court. 
• Establishes and maintains associated documentation and records. 
• Engages in community outreach, to include promotion of events and workshops in the community and facilitates and co-facilitates trainings and presentations for a variety of audiences.
• Engages with court participants to complete case management tasks and complete required documentation in the government center, Hays County Jail, within the community, at their home or treatment facility, or at social service organization within the community.
• Attends panels, workshops, and conferences applicable to treatment courts, service provision, case management, to increase knowledge of best practices and trauma informed care.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

• Knowledge and understanding of disorders included in the DSM IV.
• Prefer a minimum of four (4) years of social work working with adults in the mental health and social services field.
• Preferred Professional licensure in counseling or social work.

Salary : $44,170 - $45,495