Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college with a major in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Criminal Justice or a related Human Services field (a related Human Services field in which major course work includes the study of human behavior or development) required OR Master's degree in Human Services, Counseling, Social Work or related field preferred.  At least one year of experience working with SMI individuals required.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs and use of the Internet. Proficiency in the Avatar Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Patient Information System demonstrated within three months of employment. Knowledge of Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), Coordinated Entry, and available housing resources. Working knowledge of MANDT De-Escalation techniques to adequately handle crisis situations.

Responsibilities

• Serious Mental Illness (SMI) in an effort to provide counseling with a focus on competency restoration and diversion from the forensic hospital system.
• Based on screenings, identify eligible participants with mental illnesses and provide a more thorough assessment to include arrest and psychiatric histories. 
• Respond to referrals received from jail staff and law enforcement and follow up with identified individuals.
• Provide re-entry services such as treatment services, intensive case management, benefits coordination, vocational services, housing, and systemic collaboration with the justice system until participants are well stabilized. 
• Track and ensure follow-up and monitoring for individuals identified for potential competency restoration.
• Work closely with all providers to ensure individuals are referred for immediate and appropriate interventions that may include psychiatric medication.
• Provide education to individuals on their illness and, if on medication, the necessity of taking the medication as prescribed to reduce symptoms.
• Provide screening, engagement, referral, treatment and/or rehabilitation to individuals who are potentially or deemed by the court to be Incompetent to Proceed (ITP) or Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGI).
• Understand the Sequential Intercept Model and coordinate transitions to later intercept points whenever possible.
• Ensure continuity between the jail, shelter staff, treatment providers, the SAO, and the Court.
• Provide regular reports to the State Attorney Office (SAO).
• Work with community evaluators to provide options to the Court.
• Effectively provide diversion, supervision, and treatment services to reduce the cycle of re-arrest and exacerbation of symptoms.
• Utilize Evidence Based Practices that include motivational interviewing and recovery-oriented engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with other community agencies to address immediate individual needs.
• Assess individual risk for danger to self, danger to others, and other safety related concerns and respond accordingly.
• Offer input and assist in discharge planning for any participant released from custody. 
• Participate in inter-agency team staffing's to discuss challenging situations.
• Maintain close working relationships with the community Forensic Specialists, State Attorney, Public Defender, Court Services, state hospitals to best navigate the participant's cases through the legal system.
• Performs other duties as required to meet program and departmental goals and objectives.
• Assures the accuracy, completeness and confidentiality of clinical records.
• Makes commitment to SMA's mission and core values the SMA Way.
• Abides by principles of EEO compliance and a workplace of dignity and respect.
• Works cooperatively in a group/team setting.
• Shows respect to others.
• Takes guidance and direction from supervisors.
• Arrives/Reports to work on time and ready to work.