Jail In-Reach QMHP

Denton County MHMR Center employees are committed to fostering an open, inclusive, and supportive environment that welcomes and embraces diversity in all forms. Denton County MHMR Center defines diversity broadly to include race, ethnicity, abilities (mental/physical), gender, gender identity, immigrant status, language, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, age, and other groups.

Denton County MHMR Center employees are to strive to maintain a trauma sensitive workplace, to embrace trauma sensitive and informed practices, and to foster a supportive and welcoming environment of care.

Under the direction of the Program Manager of Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) and within federal, state and local guidelines performs moderately complex case management and outreach work.

The Jail In-Reach QMHP is responsible for providing Risk of Harm (ROH) assessments to individuals within Denton County Jail and City Jails within the boundaries of Denton County. Job duties include collaborating with individuals and with community agencies to carry out the least restrictive environment and placement of clients in imminent danger to themselves and others. The Jail In-reach QMHP oversees coordination of clinical and forensic services between county jails and State Hospital staff for individuals with mental health concerns who have been committed by a criminal court for competency restoration services. Additionally, the Jail In-reach QMHP conducts follow up calls for individuals recently released from jail previously placed on a mental health hold. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training and Experience (including licensure and certification)

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a human service field as required to qualify as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) and one (1) year prior experience in a mental health field required. Master's Degree in a human services field and previous experience working within the justice system preferred. English/Spanish bilingual preferred.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE OR OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Skill in interviewing, listening, providing case management services to individuals.
• Knowledge of competency restoration services, court systems, and legal services preferred.
• Ability to screen and evaluate individuals, provide appropriate referrals/resources, prepare reports, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to work with individuals who may display some symptoms of mental illness including poor hygiene, difficulty controlling anger and low frustration tolerance, difficulty or inability to display appropriate social behavior, and who may present with symptoms of psychosis or may be suicidal or homicidal.
• Ability to convey instructions and explanations to individuals and interested parties, explain available services.
• May train others.
• Highly effective in working objectively with a diverse group of people and be able to demonstrate communication, organizational, administrative and office managerial skills.
• Computer skills required specifically Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, and the Center's electronic health record system.
• Ability to make decisions based on education and or clinical experience, which reflects consistency with Center's Guiding Principles, Policies and Procedures, and Standards of Care.
• Adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures and/or guidelines of Health and Human Service Commission (HHSC) and Denton County MHMR as well as SAMHSA.
• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

• Completes ROH assessments with individuals in Denton County Jail and City Jails within Denton County.
  • Including but limited to Magistrates Orders (16.22s), Commitment Orders (46bs), and Conditional Orders (17.032s).
• Discusses treatment recommendation at the end of every ROH Assessment.
• Attempts to contact all collaterals to gather or corroborate information provided during ROH Assessment, prior to staffing with management.
• Staffs as needed with appropriate manager.
• Collaborates with individuals and with community agencies to carry out least restrictive environment and placement.
  • Arrange transportation as needed.
• Facilitate ensure safety as needed.
• Coordinate/confirm admission to inpatient facility as needed.
• Completes follow ups, aftercares, and modified intakes with individuals in Denton County Jail, as assigned.
  • Follows up with correspondences received from individuals in Denton County Jail.
• Conducts follow up calls, aftercares, and modified intakes to ensure a connection to mental health services has been made following release from Denton County Jail.
• Completes follow up phone calls to individuals who received a jail phone triage prior to release, within given deadline.
• Completes all other follow ups, aftercares, and modified intakes as assigned; to be completed both virtually and face to face.
• Monitors forensic waitlist and coordinates with other agencies involved to determine treatment options for individuals awaiting a forensic bed at a state hospital when the Jail In-reach Coordinator is out.
  • Updates forensic waitlist tracker daily or as needed, adding pertinent information in a timely manner.
• Coordinates with local forensic team to ensure all treatment options are being explored for individuals awaiting a bed at a state hospital for competency restoration.
• Schedules and leads meetings as needed, at least monthly, with the local forensic team.
• Communicates with members of the local forensic team and Denton County Sheriff's office regularly for coordination of care purposes.
• Completes interviews and assessments with individuals on the forensic waitlist as needed to determine level of risk and explore mental health treatment needs.
• Attends and participates in all scheduled meetings.
  • If a meeting is missed, staff will get with supervisor within one week to review the information.
• Provides courteous, professional services at all times.
  • Maintains professional boundaries.
• Interacts with center staff, individuals served, and community members in a professional manner.
• Enters time worked accurately each day and submits time sheet by deadline given.
• Is familiar with all applicable TAC, fidelity tools, HHSC contract information, SAMHSA CMHC grant requirements, and Center policies and procedures.
  • Documentation is completed within 2 business days and uploaded into the electronic health record, if applicable.
• Complete all 24 hour follow up documentation the same business day.
• Corrections completed within 2 business days.
• Responds to emails within a timely manner.
• Completes incident reports according to Center policy and procedures.
• Completes any SAMHSA grant reports as directed.
• Contact supervisor or designated backup for clarifications of procedures or clinical assistance as needed.
  • Staff communicates urgent clinical and logistical needs with appropriate manager.
• Contacts Program Manager for clarification of protocols or needed direction or assistance.
• Shares knowledge and resources by collaborating with teammates and sharing community resources.

[DH1]Took this out because we are creating this from an MCOT position so it is not grant funded.