Mental Health Services Coordinator (General Sessions Court Judges)

Position Summary

Works under general supervision of the Deputy Administrator – Mental Health Court to coordinate recovery services and provide assistance for clients with a serious mental illness transitioning from the criminal justice system back into the community in support of the Shelby County Mental Health Court.

Pay Grade: 51

Salary Commensurate with Experience and Education



Minimum Qualifications

• Three (3) years' experience in the mental health field (psychology, psychological field, clinical social work, mental health counseling or closely related field); AND
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in sociology, social welfare, psychology or closely related field; OR
• An equivalent combination of related education and/or experience.
• Master's Degree in sociology, social work/social welfare, psychology or closely related field preferred.
PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.

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Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops relationships with local criminal justice system, community services and mental health providers.
• Develops community resources and coordinates existing resources for adults with mental illnesses who are incarcerated in local jails or at risk of incarceration.
• Identifies screens and assesses persons with a mental illness and facilitates continuity of care while being held in jail.
• Develops program plans and carries out specialized programs for clients and coordinates transition plans for adults with a serious mental illness being released from the criminal justice system that includes referrals and linkages back into the community.
• Collaborates with client and family members to work towards the attainment of recovery goals and to avoid further contact with the criminal justice system, hospitals or crisis services.
• Works with other agencies, individuals and groups in promoting welfare of clients in program.
• Develops and collaborates with other agencies to develop linkage plans for clients.
• Conducts follow-up activities with the persons when released from jail into community programs and services to insure successful integration into the community from incarceration.
• Fosters a better understanding of the needs and rights of persons with mental illness and the needs and requirements of the criminal justice system through education and training activities.
• Partners with clients to develop an individual plan of services and support that enable each client to live as independently in the community as possible.
• Advocates for individuals with mental illness who are incarcerated or at risk of incarceration to assure the protection of the clients' rights and privacy.
• Submits weekly reports on the progress of clients.
• Works with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) personnel to develop performance measures for the Project and ensures compliance and plans for future community projects that will address criminal justice and mental health needs.
• Attends and participates in network meetings and trainings as scheduled by TDMHSAS.
Performs other related duties as required or directed.

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KSA's

• Thorough knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Thorough knowledge of mental health systems procedures and provider agencies to assist the mentally ill.
• Ability to work with mental health professionals to develop transition plans for clients.
• Ability to coordinate and direct activities of agencies associated with provision of services.
• Ability to compile composite reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain system of records.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations.
• Ability to make presentations.
• Ability to cooperate and work with other departments and service providers.
• Ability to deal with clients; co-workers; and the public with courtesy and tact.
Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

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Disclaimer

This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Shelby County Resident Disclaimer

All employees hired after September 1, 1986, must be residents of Shelby County and shall continue to reside in the County as a condition of their employment. The residency requirement shall not apply to certain public safety/civil service employees. This means exemption from this policy is in effect for the following departments and positions: (1) Sheriff Deputy Patrol Officers, Deputy Jailers and Dispatchers, employed by the Sheriff Department, (2) Correction Officers employed by the Division of Corrections, (3) Firefighters, Paramedics and Dispatchers employed by the Shelby County Fire Department. The residency exemption for public safety/civil service employees does not include Appointed positions with Sheriff’s Office, Division of Corrections or the Fire Department.