General Description

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

•   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, 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 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. 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. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:

  i.  Obtaining state and/or federal identification

  ii.  Applying for SNAP and/or Disability

  iii.  Obtaining medical records

  iv.  Transportation

  v.  Skills training

  vi.  Other referrals

• 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.
1. 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.
2. 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
3. Communicate with the courts regarding alternative treatment option recommendations.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Create and maintain a tracking system for individuals seen.
7. 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).

  i.  Complete all documentation and additional assessment tasks (email, ANSA, etc.) for risk of harm assessments within one hour of meeting with the individual.

  ii.  Asist with facilitating least restrictive treatment options (hospitalization or outpatient treatment).

1. 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.
2. All documentation outside of risk of harm assessments and 24-hour follow up documentation is entered within 2 business days, per center procedure.
3. Provide or facilitate transportation as deemed necessary.
4. All other duties as determined necessary by supervisory staff.

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.

Full Time: Non-Exempt

Work Model: Denton County Jail

Monday through Friday: 8AM-5PM

Pay Range: $23-$24.50/hr