Forensic Specialist/ENCC

JOB SUMMARY:   The Forensic Specialist/Exceptional Needs Care Coordinator (ENCC) position is responsible for working with court-ordered Aid & Assist clients, facilitating Legal Skills Education, and performing CMHP Community Consults for Aid & Assist clients. Also includes working with clients with Civil Commitments or those on 14-Day Diversions.  The ENCC part of the position includes learning and becoming proficient in referrals throughout the state system of community-based mental health housing, including RTF-Residential Treatment Facilities, SRTF-Secure Residential Treatment Facilities, and Adult MH Group and Foster homes regionally and state-wide.  The Forensic Specialist, under supervision of the MH Crisis Supervisor, will also interface with the Oregon State Hospital on behalf of the CMHP.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Facilitates Legal Skills Training, as prescribed by the Oregon Health Authority, to court-ordered Aid & Assist clients. Tracks participation and progress and provides written progress reports/updates on a regular basis;
2. Provides Forensic Peer Support Specialist services to Aid & Assist clients as well as Civilly Committed and 14-Day Diversion clients;
3. Completes CMHP Community Consultations for Aid & Assist clients and provides written summaries of recommendations for the Court;
4. Assists CMHP Mental Health Investigators with any aspect of the process, where appropriate;
5. When appropriate and requested by supervisory staff, attends Court and/or client staffings;
6. Becomes familiar with in the state-wide system of mental health residential programs, including learning about MH residential programs and becoming highly proficient in the referral system. This includes residential programs, SRTS’s (Secure Residential Treatment Facilities), RFT’s (Residential Treatment Facilities, along with MH group homes and adult foster care homes regionally and throughout the state;
7. Assists individuals with severe and persistent mental illness in managing transitions between residential services with the project goal of living in the least restrictive setting possible;
8. Assesses needs, determine eligibility for residential services;
9. Gathers information to assist in the evaluation and plan for individuals needs in the community; in collaboration with individual, ensures residential service plan (plan of care) is implemented to assist in accessing appropriate community-based services and supports;
10. Assists supported housing individuals in reaching stated treatment goals, gaining skills to be successful in community settings, including providing supportive skills training to meet daily personal needs and access all appropriate benefits and services available;

1. Participates in residential and outpatient team meetings at which goals/interests/ needs are identified;

2. Facilitates, monitors, and tracks use of residential beds including coordinating referrals and placements to best utilize local residential resources;
3. Provides consultation and support around treatment and discharge planning for adults and admitted to State hospitals. Monitors Individual progress and actively tries to create plans for community integration and care. Coordinates with OSH social workers and IDT teams regarding Individual progress in treatment;
4. Builds and maintains strong relationships internally with the treatment teams, as well as the regional CCO, local hospital, and residential providers statewide;
5. Maintains clinical documentation within agency-stated timelines;
6. Participates in training (agency, state, regional, etc.) that will assist the employee in their position.
7. Other related duties as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performs work in alignment with the BestCare’s mission, vision, values;
2. Supports the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering a culture of open-mindedness, cultural awareness, compassion, and respect for all individuals;
3. Strives to meet Program/Department goals and supports the organization’s strategic goals;
4. Adheres to the organization’s Code of Conduct, Business Ethics, Employee Handbook, and all other relevant policies, procedures, and other compliance needs;
5. Understands and maintains professionalism and confidentiality per HIPAA, 42 CFR, and Oregon Statutes;
6. Attends required program/staff meetings and completes assigned training timely and satisfactorily;
7. Ensures that any required certifications and/or licenses are kept current and renewed timely;
8. Works independently as well as participates as a positive, collaborative team member.
9. Performs other organizational duties as needed;

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field or

Any equivalent combination of training, education and experience that provides the required knowledge and competencies to perform the job

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a behavioral health setting with direct client care
• For individuals in recovery from substance-use disorder, must have maintained continuous recovery for the previous two years at the time of hire;

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of QMHA-I required or ability and commitment to obtain certification within six (6) months required;

• Must maintain a valid Oregon Driver License or ability to obtain one upon hire, and be insurable under the organization’s auto liability coverage policy (minimum 21 years of age and with no Type A violations in the past 3 years, or three (3) or more Type B violations)

PREFERRED:

• QMHP or QMHP-R preferred
• 1 year of experience working directly with individuals with serious mental illness preferred
• Bilingual in English/Spanish a plus