Houston, Texas, USA
1 day ago
Court Liaison - Dunn Behavioral Sciences Center/HCPC at UTHealth Houston

What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.

Once you join us you won't want to leave. It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:  

100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees   Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)  The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue!  Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service)  Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan! 

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees’ wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as... 

Free financial and legal counseling  Free mental health counseling services  Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs  Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.  Resources for child and elder care  Plus many more! 

Join a growing team!   With the opening of Dunn Behavioral Sciences Center/HCPC  at UTHealth Houston, we will soon have the largest academic psychiatric hospital in the country, serving the region with an 500+ bed facility.  Our dedicated health care employees will have the opportunity to be exposed to a variety of mental health specialties and cutting-edge research.    With exposure to a variety of specialties such as Acute, Subacute, and Intensive Outpatient, Continuum of Care, Mood Disorders, ECT, Early Onset Treatment , Adult General Psychiatry, Competency Restoration, Child and Adolescent, Juvenile Justice, Geriatric Psychiatry, Treatment Mall and Unit-Based Programming.

 This dedicated team will work in an integrated campus to bring world class resources to the community.  Apply today to be a part of this committed team serving the mental health needs of the area.

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 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 the 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 100% of staff meetings. Coordinates care for patient through communication with Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Social Service Clinicians, Nursing, Attorneys, Judges, Assessment and Referrals Department.   

Location:  Dunn Behavioral Sciences Center/HCPC  at UTHealth

Dept.:       BSC Programming

Status:      Full-Time

FLSA:         Non-Exempt

 Position Key Accountabilities:

1.    Evaluates new patient warrants every morning to check for accuracy.
2.    Prepares involuntary list daily to send to Social Services Department Leadership Team.
3.    Evaluates the involuntary paperwork on new patient’s charts each morning to ensure paperwork is available for the psychiatrist’s completion.
4.    Files paperwork at court each day and keeps up with the Court closings and holidays to ensure compliance.
5.    Communicates with psychiatrists to complete 2nd medical filings in accordance with requirements for involuntary status.
6.    Communicates with attorneys for continuances of cases dependent upon discharge status of patients.
7.    Notifies psychiatrists regarding probable cause and final hearing dates
8.    Submits discharge drop letters to the court within 24 hours of discharge.
9.    Maintains an accurate account of all CME’s (Certificate of Medical Examinations) monthly for the Director and Assistant Director of Social Services.
10.    Explains the involuntary process to all patients and their families as requested.
11.    Plans patient care in collaboration with all members of the healthcare team.
12.    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.
13.    Works with all members of the healthcare team to assure a collaborative approach is maintained in care and treatment of the patient.
14.    Works closely with psychiatrists and Social Service Clinicians to ensure the timeliness of paperwork, treatment and discharge.
15.    Participates in education on and implementation of Involuntary process with Intake Department.
16.    Documentation meets current standards and policies.
17.    Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
18.    Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
19.    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.).
20.    Explains the involuntary process to all patients and their families as requested.
21.    Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Minimum Experience:

One (1) year of acute hospital, inpatient mental facility experience required. Prior inpatient mental health commitment experience preferred. 
 

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.

 

Security Sensitive:

This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.

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