General Description

Denton County MHMR Center employees are committed to fostering an open, inclusive, and supportive environment that welcomes and embraces diversity in all forms. Denton County MHMR Center defines diversity broadly to include race, ethnicity, abilities (mental/physical), gender, gender identity, immigrant status, language, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, age, and other groups.

Denton County MHMR Center employees are to strive to maintain a trauma sensitive workplace, to embrace trauma sensitive and informed practices, and to foster a supportive and welcoming environment of care.

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 Outreach QMHP is responsible for serving as the primary case manager and providing case management to individuals with mental illness and/or co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder who are currently or have been recently justice involved. The Jail Outreach QMHP is responsible for maintaining contact with individuals, completing jail and 16.22 Magistrate ordered assessments, completing triages, ensuring continuity of care by providing resources and assisting with coordinating appointments, provide necessary transportation, and providing case management and skills training services. This position will office out of the Denton County Jail.

Education, Training and Experience (including licensure and certification)

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field (qualifying as a QMHP) required. Requires experience working with individuals diagnosed with a mental illness and experience with crisis intervention services. Master's Degree in a human service-related field preferred. Prefer experience in a community MHMR and/or jail setting.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE OR OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

1. All job specific training must be completed within 30 days of hire.

1. Must maintain a valid Texas driver's license, auto liability insurance and a driving record acceptable to the Centers insurance requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas. Knowledge and background in mental health services. Knowledge of serious and persistent mental disorders, personality disorders and substance use/dependence disorders encompassed in the DSM-5-TR. Knowledge of common psychoactive medications used to treat neurobiological diseases of the brain. Moderate mathematics skills. Proficient reading, writing, interpersonal relations, and communicative skills; ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.

Skills in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems and in operating computers and applicable computer software.

Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and in group situations. Highly effective at working objectively with a diverse group of people and must demonstrate communication, organizational, administrative skills. Computer skills required for both clinical and clerical programs. Ability to make decisions based on education preparation and/or clinical experience, which reflect consistency with Agency philosophy, policies and procedures, and standards of care for both Denton County MHMR and the Denton County Sheriff’s Office.

Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

Provide moderately complex case management/skills training to individuals currently or recently involved in the justice system.

• Assist with intake procedures for Denton County MHMR Center while the individual is still in the custody of Denton County Jail. If intake is done, ensure that all essential elements of intake are included in the assessment.
• Obtain appropriate release of information documentation to share information with other community partners and entities, as appropriate to coordinate care and help access appropriate resources.
• Work with Center Case Managers to foster a therapeutic relationship prior to release.
• Work with Case Managers to identify needs of the individual, such as:

1. Obtaining state and/or federal identification
2. Applying for SNAP and/or Disability
3. Obtaining medical records
4. Transportation
5. Skills training
6. Other referrals
7. Complete all documentation and additional assessment tasks (email, ANSA, etc.) for risk of harm assessments within one hour of meeting with the individual.
8. Asist with facilitating least restrictive treatment options (hospitalization or outpatient treatment).

• Help educate Case Managers regarding the importance of the individual maintaining compliance with conditions of bond and reporting to the Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) regarding compliance.
• Coordinate with Case Managers regarding attending mental health docket as needed.
• Develop Person Centered Recovery Plans with individuals currently in Denton County Jail so that they may begin working towards goals prior to release from custody.
• Collaborate with Case Managers and the Community Diversion Coordinator to find alternative treatment options, such as:
• Group home
• Nursing home
• Rehab services
• Crisis stabilization services
• Partial hospitalization
• Intensive outpatient programs
• Other appropriate treatment options
• Communicate with the courts regarding alternative treatment option recommendations.
• Ensure follow up/resource connection for individuals released from Denton County Jail who have been identified as individuals with mental illness and/or substance use disorders.
• Help coordinate scheduling Psychiatric evaluation or follow up as appropriate for individuals released from Denton County Jail who have been identified with having a mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Assure appropriate jail discharge paperwork or medication information is communicated at the time of scheduling psychiatric evaluation or follow up appointment.
• Create and maintain a tracking system for individuals seen.
• Complete Risk of Harm Assessments with individuals in Denton County Jail to include:
• Assessments with individuals identified by a Magistrate as possibly having a mental illness (16.22 assessment)
• Assessments ordered as a condition of bond (17.032 assessment)
• Assessments with individuals who have reported risk (suicidal thoughts, homicidal thoughts, deterioration placing themselves or others at risk).
• Assessments with individuals who are going to a state hospital for competency restoration (46B assessments).

• Complete 24-hour follow-ups as needed with individuals who have received a risk of harm assessment.
• Documentation should be entered within one hour of completion of the appointment.
• All documentation outside of risk of harm assessments and 24-hour follow up documentation is entered within 2 business days, per center procedure.
• Provide or facilitate transportation as deemed necessary.
• All other duties as determined necessary by supervisory staff.

Zero Suicide Initiative

• Participates in the Center’s Zero Suicide Initiative
  • Assists individuals served during a crisis episode by ensuring they are linked to appropriate Center programs (MCOT, Psych Triage, CPT, etc.).
• Remains with individuals experiencing a crisis as needed.
• Completes CSSRS Since Last Visit at each contact with individuals served to determine risk level and ensure appropriate referrals.
  • Openly ask questions regarding Suicide to ensure accurate and thorough information is obtained.
• Provides additional support to individuals identified as at higher risk for suicide.
  • Educates individuals on the Suicide Care Pathway.
• Provides additional phone calls/support as required or requested.
• Debriefs with supervisor when there is a suicide death of an individual served or Center staff.