Court Liaison (Program Coordinator II) - Recovery from Addictions Program

The Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP), operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH), is seeking a Court Liaison to obtain needed legal information regarding clients admitted to the Recovery from Addictions (RAP) Section 35 Program. The selected candidate coordinates with patient attorneys, clinical treatment teams, and court personnel to ensure coordination of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment and legal issues. Our ideal candidate coordinates with appropriate Sheriff’s Department for transportation and custody of patients who are committed to SUD Section 35 Civil Commitment and may have pending criminal court charges.  This position must comply with Federal Regulations, 42 CFR Part 2 and Part 8, and HIPPA Regulations.

Work Schedule: The selected candidate will work 40 hours per week from 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. The days off are Sunday and Saturday.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Coordinates the collection of data regarding cases referred by the civil and criminal courts including police reports, section 35 commitment orders, and criminal charges including bail status if indicated.  
• Review all legal and pertinent admission information from different sources for accuracy Assists DMH legal, aftercare and clinicians in the preparation of legal documents as needed. 
• Coordinate with the sheriff department involving issues of transportation of clients and their possessions as needed.  Confirm Sheriff’s transportation daily, problem-solve identified Sheriff’s Office / Court / hospital discrepancies in transportation schedule 
• Reviews legal documents for completeness regarding Civil Section 35 Commitment Orders and Criminal Charges and performs data entry into established data bases, including date committed, expiration dates and other pertinent information for disposition tracking, and/or upcoming court dates as needed
• Communicates with designated District Attorneys, client defense attorneys, Court Clerks, DMH attorneys, court clinics and judges to coordinate identified legal aspects of cases involving criminal legal issues.  
• Participates in RAP legal rounds, provides information to clinical staff pertaining to criminal and civil court issues for individual patients, and follows through on legal tasks.
• Coordinates with the assigned DMH attorneys regarding status of cases and follow through on identified tasks.
• Performs data entry and maintenance of established information systems. 
• Ensures medical records are completed and that all records are to be professional, complete and thorough with entries made in a timely manner.
• Attends mandatory trainings and meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Clinical Director that are consistent with professional standards, the goals and objectives of the program and with the policies of the Recovery from Addictions Program and the Department of Mental Health.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated understanding of boundaries and ethics
• Skilled in the ability to follow oral and written instructions/directions.
• Talent for establishing and maintaining harmonious working relationships and deal tactfully with others.
• Knowledge of fundamental types and problems of co-occurring disorders.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of interviewing.
• Knowledge of the types and use of legal forms.  
• Knowledge of an Electronic Medical Record System
• Ability to gather information through questioning and observing individuals and by examination of records.
• Ability to organize multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to establish effective work relationships with various professionals and representatives from other agencies.
• Ability to understand, explain and apply the law, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing the assigned unit activities. 
• Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of data, to draw conclusions and to make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions. 
• Ability to write concisely to express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical sequence. 

Program Requirements:

• Minimum of one (1) year experience working with clients with primary substance use disorders; knowledge of substance use and treatment systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Paralegal experience.

• A certificate from a recognized paralegal training program.

• Must have 2-years professional experience working with the local courts, knowledge of the court process, experience with various court personnel (Judges, Probation Officers, District Attorneys, Court Officers, Asst. District Attorneys, and Sheriff's Office).
• In depth knowledge of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Legal System and DMH Regulations, Policy and Procedures
• Ability to demonstrate a positive, non-judgmental, and accepting attitude toward individuals with substance use disorder.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and superior attention to detail.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.
• Knowledge of confidentiality requirements applicable to substance use treatment, including 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA

About the Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP):
The Department of Mental Health (DMH) in collaboration with the Department of Public Health (DPH) Bureau of Substance Addiction Services operates a statewide Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP) for individuals civilly committed by the courts for substance use treatment for up to 90 days (“Section 35 commitment”).

The program model will provide acute detoxification and early clinical stabilization services as we help clients develop community-based linkages to outpatient supports and substance use disorder treatment providers. The individuals treated within this program will be linked upon discharge to a range of services within the DPH continuum of care for substance use conditions. RAP provides administrative, medical, clinical, and non-clinical services. Its mission to provide quality client-centered care and recovery-oriented treatment.

DMH Vision and Mission:
The Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research. This critical mission is accomplished by working in partnership with other state agencies, individuals, families, providers, and communities.

Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-mental-health

Pre-Hire Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants."

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122, Option 4.