Forensic Services Coordinator IV

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Brief Job Description:

The Texas Health and Specialty Care System (HSCS) is seeking a skilled and experienced Forensic Services Coordinator IV (FSC IV) to join the Office of Forensic Services and Coordination (OFSC). The FSC IV works under the direction of the Director of Clinical Forensic Services and ultimately the State Forensic Director, in the OFSC. 

The FSC IV performs advanced technical assistance and support for persons on the forensic wait list, county stakeholders, and Texas State Hospitals and State Supported Living Centers via forensic wait list monitoring and services offered through the Jail In-Reach Program and OFSC's forensic initiatives and projects. The FSC IV's work involves monitoring the performance of OFSC programs and planning, developing, and implementing projects, activities, and resources within and related to the Jail In-Reach Program and other team projects and programs. The FSC IV also identifies needs of external stakeholders, program participants, as well as Texas State Hospitals and SSLCs and develops resources about various topics relating to forensic behavioral health and the forensic continuum of care. This position requires the ability to provide high-level advice related to forensic system or program barriers, policies, and procedures; develop and present creative options to policy and programmatic issues; leverage clinical and programmatic knowledge to analyze complex system issues; and develop options for leadership using independent judgment. 

The salary will be offered in accordance with the salary range posted for this position. Salary requests outside of the range in the posting will not be considered and is non-negotiable. For internal applicants, salary negotiations must align with the HHS Human Resources Manual and align with the salary range for this posting. For internal applicants, salary requests beyond the salary range in this posting or that require higher level approvals will not be considered.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Performs a variety of technical assistance activities to support the Jail In-Reach Program and other OFSC programs including trainings on various forensic related topics, coordinating with community stakeholders to obtain and complete extensive record review and completing specific screenings and write ups such as the Clinical Security Reviews (CSR), Expedited Admission Reviews, and the Standardized Clinically Based Competency Screens (SCCS) to determine most appropriate and least restrictive program placement and determine how the program can meet the needs of the individuals served. 20%

Monitors the forensic wait list and performance reports of the Jail In Reach Program and works as liaison between the OFSC, jail staff, the judiciary, LMHA/LBHAs, attorneys, state hospitals, SSLCs, and other internal and external partners to identify needs for persons with mental health and/or IDD diagnoses who have been found by the court to be incompetent to stand trial and may also benefit from interventions and services the OFSC can offer. 15%

Provides high-level advice and guidance on barriers, issues, or questions related to program policies, procedures, or performance reporting and consults on issues related to forensic mental health and ways in which the OFSC and it's programs can assist with these barriers, issues, or questions. 15%

Consults with internal and external stakeholders and program participants involved in Jail In-Reach Program and other programs within the office to identify and resolve forensic clinical and non-clinical problems, identify and provide forensic mental health training needs, and discuss overall program effectiveness. 10%

Tracks, analyzes, and reports on program operations and data and prepares written and oral reports to leadership and county stakeholders as appropriate. 10%

Coordinates and conducts facility site visits for survey, review, and support of new Forensic Services Subcommittee initiatives and programs to assess and identify barriers in implementation, evaluate compliance, and to provide support to address and resolve any barriers. 10%

Develops program policies, procedures, activities, resources, and trainings in accordance with the Jail In-Reach Program's objectives and goals. 10%

Collects, organizes, and prepares materials in response to internal and external requests for program information. 5%

Analyzes complex forensic system issues and program performance data and develops and presents creative options on programmatic issues as well as action plans for improvement. 5%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to forensic services in the state of Texas.

Knowledge of challenges facing the community, jails, and state hospitals related to the forensic wait list.

Knowledge of psychiatric disorders.

Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Skill in organization and documentation of program data, progress, and outcomes. 

Skill in identifying measures of program performances. 

Skill in operating computers and applicable computer software such as Microsoft programs. 

Ability to work with and communicate effectively to a wide array of both internal management and external stakeholders including legislative and governmental officials and other agency staff.

Ability to effectively plan, prioritize, and organize areas of responsibility. 

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze program data.

Ability to prepare reports related to project status and final outcomes.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

One of the following licensures is required to perform this job: 
Licensed Master Social Worker;
Licensed Clinical Social Worker; or
Licensed Professional Counselor 

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in behavioral sciences, social sciences, humanities, or a related field. At least two years of job experience in mental health field. 

Additional Information:

N/A

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.