FORENSIC DIVERSION SPECIALIST

POSITION PURPOSE: To interface primarily with agencies assisting persons with mental illness involved with the 11th Judicial Circuit Court. To assist these agencies, including the Court and Department of Children and Families in linkage with all community agencies and manage cases of these individuals.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice, psychology, social work, sociology, public health, or related fields and four (4) years of experience working with the severe and persistent mentally ill person who is involved with the criminal justice system.. Experience in conducting psychosocial interviews, administering assessment and screening tools, and report writing. Strong verbal and writing skills. Master’s degree and SOAR training preferred. Ability to converse in Spanish and/or Creole a plus.

Licensure / Certification: 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, WordPerfect, 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.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES (THIS IS A NON-EXEMPT POSITION)

• The Forensic Diversion Specialist 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.

• The Forensic Diversion Specialist may attend all scheduled court hearings regarding the reports of behavioral issues or proposal of modification of Conditional Release.

• Must be prepared at the hearing to present written summaries and discuss or advocate for alternative plans.

• The Forensic Diversion Specialist will receive, log and identify appropriate community resources for all referrals received from the Mental Health Administrator’s Office.

• The Forensic Diversion Specialist shall attend all scheduled court hearings regarding the proposed conditional release plans identified for individuals referred as ITP or NGI.

• The Forensic Diversion Specialist will interview/screen individual referred in the jails, in both Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, for possible diversion into community programs.

• The Forensic Diversion Specialist is responsible for the Utilization Management of the Forensic Beds in the Citrus Health Network, Inc.’s STAR Program.

• Specialist must communicate with the Forensic Team Leader regarding any pertinent issues with the conditional release clients immediately.

• Provide information to the court regarding program participants as necessary.

• 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.