Job Description

Job Code: 45080 Salary Grade: 19 Salary: $57,125 - $91,971 FLSA: Exempt

The purpose of this classification is to coordinate with attorneys representing indigent clients with mental health, substance abuse and developmental disabilities & assist with disposition of cases including alternative sentencing options and mitigation.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Conducts comprehensive psychosocial assessments with clients at the jail, office, home, or over the phone; manages ongoing clinical assessments for competency and stability, and level of functioning; determines primary issues by obtaining mental health, medical, substance abuse and cognitive history; determines resources including housing, family support, work history, SSI, Medicaid and Medicaid Waiver; obtains release of information for records and collaboration with community providers; interviews family members for collateral information by phone, in office, or in the field; writes reports; assesses and submits lay affidavit for Probate Court to facilitate admit to a mental health facility; and meets and discusses clinical recommendations with attorneys.

Develops holistic treatment plans in an effort to reduce recidivism; processes referrals for mental health counseling; completes and submits pre-release SSI application; completes all SSA forms with client; coordinates with SSA and delivers packet; monitors SSI pre-release process to ensure completion with SSA; follows up with SSA and the Adjudicator's office; processes referrals for substance abuse treatment; calls providers with social history; coordinates interviews with providers and clients at the jail; provides medical records required for placement; reviews Intellectual Disabilities-Medicaid Waiver; processes referrals regarding developmental disabilities; coordinates with guardians; connects with vocational rehabilitation; and provides nursing home and assisted living placement, job training, and GED assistance.

Records collection and summary of all records; contacts providers in the community for records; faxes; delivers releases of information and picks up records; processes subpoenas for mental health, medical, and school records; delivers subpoenas; follows up on status; checks accuracy of records; summarizes records to create a timeline of treatment history; and determines a level of functioning.

Networks and collaborates with community providers to maintain continuous contact and obtain resources for clients; organizes statewide meetings of forensic Social Workers; and advocates for change with local, state and federal agencies.

Assists attorneys in all court proceedings; presents treatment plan; coordinates treatment providers for court; performs in-court assessments to determine level of stability and treatment plan options; assists attorneys with legal representation; transports clients and family members to and from court hearings; researches and identifies new community providers; researches mental health issues as they relate to the legal process; accompanies attorney on client visits locally and statewide; and attends Mental Health division meetings.

Maintains records; develops, maintains, and monitors the social worker database to increase accountability and measure outcomes; centralizes filing of mental health cases; and archives files and records.

Maintains professional development of Mental Health Division to ensure best practices; centralizes all misdemeanors and felony court-ordered evaluations to monitor status throughout legal process; maintains procedures for confidentiality of client communications; complies with HIPAA requirements and National Board-specific licensure code of ethics; creates a holistic approach to legal representation for clients with mental health and developmental disabilities; participates in speaking engagements to educate stakeholders, community partners and general public about services provided by the Public Defender and the needs and challenges; attends trainings to maintain license; and develops year-end reports.

Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling or a related field required; one year of experience in

clinical assessments, social work or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.