Under the direction of the Program Manager of Liaison Services and within federal, state and local guidelines performs moderately complex case management and outreach work.

The Jail In-Reach QMHP is responsible for providing Risk of Harm (ROH) assessments to individuals within Denton County Jail and City Jails within the boundaries of Denton County. Job duties include collaborating with individuals and with community agencies to carry out the least restrictive environment and placement of clients in imminent danger to themselves and others. The Jail In-reach QMHP oversees coordination of clinical and forensic services between county jails and State Hospital staff for individuals with mental health concerns who have been committed by a criminal court for competency restoration services. Additionally, the Jail In-reach QMHP conducts follow up calls for individuals recently released from jail previously placed on a mental health hold. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training, and Experience

·Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a human service field as required to qualify as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) required.

·One (1) year prior experience in a mental health field preferred.

·Master's Degree in a human services field and previous experience working within the justice system preferred.

·English/Spanish bilingual preferred.

Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications

• Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile insurance.

o Individuals with an out-of-state driver's license must be able to obtain a driver's license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.

·Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

·Knowledge of the justice system, court systems, and legal services preferred.

·Ability to interview, listen and evaluate individuals, provide appropriate referrals/resources, prepare reports, and communicate effectively.

·Ability to work with individuals who may display symptoms of mental illness including poor hygiene, difficulty controlling anger, low frustration tolerance, difficulty or inability to display appropriate social behavior, and who may present with symptoms of psychosis or may be suicidal or homicidal.

·Ability to convey instructions and explanations to individuals and interested parties; explain available services.

·Ability to train others.

·Highly effective in working objectively with a diverse group of people and be able to demonstrate communication, organizational, administrative and office managerial skills.

·Computer skills required specifically Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, and the Center's electronic health record system.

·Ability to make decisions based on education and or clinical experience, which reflects consistency with Center's Guiding Principles, Policies and Procedures, and Standards of Care.

·Adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures and/or guidelines of Health and Human Service Commission (HHSC) and Denton County MHMR as well as SAMHSA.

·Ability to display regular and reliable (in-person, if required) attendance.

·Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

1.Completes ROH assessments with individuals in Denton County Jail and City Jails within Denton County.

o Including but limited to Magistrates Orders (16.22s), Commitment Orders (46bs), and Conditional Orders (17.032s).

o Discusses treatment recommendation at the end of every ROH Assessment.

o Attempts to contact all collaterals to gather or corroborate information provided during ROH Assessment, prior to staffing with management.

o Staffs with appropriate manager.

2.Collaborates with individuals and with community agencies to carry out least restrictive environment and placement.

o Arrange transportation as needed.

o Facilitate ensure of safety as needed.

o Coordinate/confirm admission to inpatient facility as needed.

3.Monitors forensic waitlist and coordinates with other agencies involved to determine treatment options for individuals awaiting a forensic bed at a state hospital when the Jail In-reach Forensic Coordinator is out.

o Updates forensic waitlist tracker daily or as needed, adding pertinent information in a timely manner.

o Communicates with members of the local forensic team and Denton County Sheriff's office regularly for coordination of care purposes.

o Completes interviews and assessments with individuals on the forensic waitlist as needed to determine level of risk and explore mental health treatment needs.

4.Attends and participates in all scheduled meetings.

o If a meeting is missed, staff will get with supervisor within one week to review the information.

5.Provides courteous, professional services at all times.

o Maintains professional boundaries.

o Interacts with center staff, individuals served, and community members in a professional manner.

6.Enters time worked accurately each day and submits time sheet by deadline given.

7.Is familiar with all applicable TAC, fidelity tools, HHSC contract information, and Center policies and procedures.

o Documentation is completed within 2 business days and uploaded into the electronic health record, if applicable.

o Complete all 24 hour follow up documentation the same business day.

o Corrections completed within 2 business days.

o Responds to emails within a timely manner.

o Completes incident reports according to Center policy and procedures.

8.Contact supervisor or designated backup for clarifications of procedures or clinical assistance as needed.

o Staff communicates urgent clinical and logistical needs with appropriate manager.

o Contacts Program Manager for clarification of protocols or needed direction or assistance.

9.Shares knowledge and resources by collaborating with teammates and sharing community resources.

10.Completes tasks in a manner that fosters principle of creating a safe place for both staff and individuals served.

o Identify and report safety hazards to the appropriate manager.

o Complete Incident Reports according to Denton County MHMR Policies and Procedures.

11.Ensures individuals charts are in compliance with HHSC contract requirements and standards.

o Responds to all chart audits by assigned deadline.

o All paperwork will be signed in black ink or in the electronic health record with credentials and date.

12.Works in a team setting and provides support and assistance to other team members as needed.

13.All assignments given are completed in a timely manner.

14.Has the ability to work independently and make decisions but seeks guidance when needed.

15.Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.

o Supports individuals experiencing a crisis by promptly connecting them with appropriate Center programs, such as the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), Psychiatric Triage, Crisis Prevention services, and/or other applicable resources. Ensure seamless coordination to facilitate timely intervention.

o Remains with individuals, when deemed safe, to provide support and maintain a calm environment until specialized crisis staff or emergency personnel arrive to take over intervention efforts. Adheres to safety protocols to prevent escalation of the crisis situation.

o Participates in debriefing sessions with the immediate supervisor or designated staff following a crisis event. Collaborate with the team to review the incident, identify lessons learned, and ensure all HHSC guidelines and Center policies are followed.