Court Evaluator Behavioral Health

Job Description

Description

PeaceHealth is seeking a Court Evaluator Behavioral Health for a Full Time, 1.00 FTE, Day position. The general salary range for this job opening at PeaceHealth is $37.45 – $56.17. The actual hiring rate is dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to, the job/position responsibilities, location, terms of the applicable collective bargaining agreement, education, training, work experience, seniority, work performance, etc.

Job Summary

Performs clinical assessments and evaluations of patients admitted on a civil commitment for involuntary detention to a psychiatric facility. Co-authors petitions with the attending provider, recommending Restrictive Treatment for patients in compliance with the court rules. Provides expert witness testimony in court proceedings through a combination of patient evaluation, medical chart review, discussions with treatment providers and witnesses, and direct examination/cross-examination from prosecution/defense attorneys.

Details of the position

• Opens the investigation as the petitioner, in order to determine if the respondent (an involuntarily detained behavioral health patient) meets the criteria according to State and/or Federal guidelines, for filing a petition for a 14-day, 90-day or 180-day more restrictive order, or a 90-day or 180-day less restrictive alternative court order.
• Requisitions/compiles all pertinent documents relating to the respondent’s mental health history, assesses current mental status and behavior, reviews and assesses all documents and evidence, contacts, and interviews (telephonically or face-to-face) persons who are able to provide information pertinent to the investigation and interviews the respondent including a review of their rights at the time of the interview.
• Consult with the co-petitioner (a physician or a psychiatric advanced registered nurse practitioner) to determine if there are grounds for further detention of the respondent for a 14-day, 90-day, or 180-day court order.
• Composes and provides the petition in a typewritten form in order to prove the need for further detainment of the respondent on the grounds of grave disability, danger to self, or danger to others.
• Collaborates with the County Deputy Prosecutors regarding court strategies and testimony and reviews decisions to dismiss or convert cases to Less Restrictive Orders prior to the hearing.
• Prepares documents for court hearings and services these packets to the appropriate recipient. Sets court dates and contacts the parties involved to inform them of the court date.
• Prepares the court room, educates witnesses to court process prior to the hearing, and testifies when called to by attorneys.
• Presents testimony on all relevant chart entries in past and current medical records and relevant aspects of the patient’s history, patient’s course of treatment during the initial detention period that supports recommendation for further treatment, consideration that was given to less restrictive options and rationale for the necessity of more restrictive treatment, and consideration of voluntary hospitalization and rationale for the necessity for continued involuntary status.
• Tracks legal timelines for respondents in the Behavioral Health Unit that are on an initial detention,14-day, 90-day, and 180-day court orders as well as LRO revocations.
• Supports a system-wide understanding of trauma prevalence, impact and trauma informed care, fosters healing, hopeful, honest and trusting relationships for consumers and employees, values consumer voice, choice and self-advocacy, and promotes a safe, calm and secure environment with supportive care and client-focused services that are trauma specific and promote recovery and wellness.
• Orients new staff to the mental health court process and requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What you bring

• Master’s degree in behavioral health sciences OR equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the incumbent the requisite knowledge, skills, and ability to successfully perform this job.
• Requires License, Registration and/or Certification as required by State for clinical practice in Behavioral Health.
• Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required at date of hire.
• Minimum of two years’ experience specifically in crisis mental health intervention field.
• Demonstrated experience in determining mental health diagnoses using the DSM-V-TR.
• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable State and/or Federal requirements and laws regulating involuntarily detained behavioral health patients.
• Meets standards for Mental Health Professional as required by the State for practice.
• Acquainted with evaluation and treatment centers and hospitals for area where services are provided.
• Acquainted with local and state medical and social systems related to mental health care. Proficient in reading and interpreting medical documentation.
• Proficient in interpreting, writing and editing legal documentation.
• Adept in conducting mental health evaluations and mental status exams in diverse settings with a wide spectrum of respondents (an involuntarily detained mental health patient) and witnesses.
• Practiced in mental health court procedures including protocols of Public Defender’s Office, Prosecutor’s Office, Superior Court and Police/Sheriff’s Departments.
• Practiced in testifying as an expert witness under cross examination.

For a full description of the position, or for questions, please contact Moussa Sangare at [email protected]

PeaceHealth is committed to the overall wellbeing of our caregivers: physical, emotional, financial, social, and spiritual. We offer caregivers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. Some of the many benefits included in this package are full medical/dental/vision coverage; 403b retirement plan employer base and matching contributions; paid time off; employer-paid life and disability insurance with additional buyup coverage options; tuition and continuing education reimbursement; wellness benefits, and expanded EAP and mental health program.

See how PeaceHealth is committed to Inclusivity, Respect for Diversity and Cultural Humility.

For full consideration of your skills and abilities, please attach a current resume with your application. EEO Affirmative Action Employer/Vets/Disabled in accordance with applicable local, state or federal laws.

PeaceHealth requires a completed Primary Vaccine Series (e.g., 2 dose monovalent Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax series or 1 dose J&J vaccine series) or be Up to Date (receiving the most recent Pfizer/Moderna bivalent vaccine/booster) for COVID-19 vaccination prior to their start date. PeaceHealth has a medical and religious exemption request process for those that are unable to receive the COVID-19 primary vaccine series due to medical/religious reasons. For caregivers that will be working in Oregon there is a personal vaccine exemption form that may be requested.