Court Liaison

Position Summary:

Responsible for the coordination and implementation of the Involuntary admission process. To provide efficient, quality services to patients regarding mental health warrants from the initial intake admission process, or change in status following admission, to discharge; coordination of getting the certificate of medical examinations completed timely, filing the applications for involuntary status and working with the court system to ensure compliance with state rules and regulations; to serve as a member of interdisciplinary team supporting the organization's treatment program and philosophy and assure the deliverance of quality treatment to patients who are involuntary Participates in performance improvement activities. Attends 80% of staff meetings. Coordinates care for patient through communication with Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Services, Nursing, Attorneys, Judges, Assessment and Referrals Department.


Position Responsibilities:

Clinical / Technical Skills (40% of performance review)

• Evaluate new patient warrants every morning to check for accuracy.
• Prepare Involuntary list daily to send to Directors and CEO.
• Evaluate the involuntary paperwork on new patients charts each morning to ensure paperwork is available for the psychiatrists completion
• Timely filing of paperwork at court each day and keeping up with the Court closings and holidays to ensure compliance
• Constant communication with psychiatrists to complete 2nd medical filings in accordance with requirements for involuntary status
• Communication with attorneys for continuances of cases dependent upon discharge status of patients
• Notification to psychiatrists regarding probable cause and final hearing dates
• Fax discharge drop letters to the court within 24 hours of discharge
• Maintain an accurate account of all CMEs (Certificate of Medical Examinations) monthly for the CFO
• Explain the Involuntary process to all patients and their families as requested
• Plans patient care in collaboration with all members of the healthcare team.
• Consults with other departments, as appropriate, to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities. Collaborates with other departments to identify operational problems and develop solutions/resolution.
• Works with all members of the healthcare team to assure a collaborative approach is maintained in care and treatment of the patient.
• Works closely with psychiatrists and Director of Clinical Services to ensure the timeliness of paperwork, treatment and discharge
• Participates in education on and implementation of Involuntary process with Intake Department
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Coordinates with team members all phases of the involuntary process by communicating any needs for the court process during their stay, (i.e. forced meds petition, pending expiration of warrant, etc.)
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Safety (15% of performance review)

• Strives to create a safe, healing environment for patients and family members
• Follows all safety rules while on the job.
• Reports near misses, as well as errors and accidents promptly.
• Corrects minor safety hazards.
• Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.
• Attends all required safety programs and understands responsibilities related to general, department, and job specific safety.
• Participates in quality projects, as assigned, and supports quality initiatives.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.

Teamwork (15% of performance review)

• Works well with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
• Responds willingly to colleagues and serves as an active part of the hospital team.
• Builds collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians.
• The ability to retrieve, communicate, and present data and information both verbally and in writing as required
• Demonstrates listening skills and the ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word.
• Demonstrates adequate skills in all forms of communication.
• Adheres to the Standards of Behavior

Integrity (15% of performance review)

• Strives to always do the right thing for the patient, coworkers, and the hospital
• Adheres to established standards, policies, procedures, protocols, and laws.
• Applies the Mission and Values of SUN Behavioral Health to personal practice and commits to service excellence.
• Supports and demonstrates fiscal responsibility through supply usage, ordering of supplies, and conservation of facility resources.
• Completes required trainings within defined time periods, as established by job description, policies, or hospital leadership
• Exemplifies professionalism through good attendance and positive attitude, at all times.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and staff information, following HIPAA and other privacy laws.
• Ensures proper documentation in all position activities, following federal and state guidelines.

Compassion (15% of performance review)

• Demonstrates accountability for ensuring the highest quality patient care for patients.
• Willingness to be accepting of those in need, and to extend a helping hand
• Desire to go above and beyond for others
• Understanding and accepting of cultural diversity and differences

Education:

• Required: High school diploma, or GED. CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification.
• Preferred: Bachelor degree in mental health related field preferred.
• Maintains education and development appropriate for position.

Experience:

• Required: One or more years acute hospital, inpatient mental facility experience required
• Preferred: Prior mental health commitment experience preferred.