The Mental Health Unit (MHU) represents clients who suffer from a mental health disorder, traumatic brain injury, or intellectual disability. The Mental Health Advocate position is a part of the social service team that works collaboratively with attorneys assigned to Civil Commitment hearings and attorneys assigned to the Mental Health Court Unit. Civil Commitment Hearings are held 5 days a week and the attorneys and social workers assigned represent patients who are subject to involuntary commitment hearings at various hospitals in the City and County of Philadelphia. This position requires a thorough understanding of the overall functioning of Mental Health DSM V diagnoses and Civil Mental Health Court and will support attorneys in interviewing patients at various hospitals both in person and virtually. This individual is also responsible for reviewing medical charts, reports, and gathering information to aid the attorney in representing clients at the hearings. Performance in this position requires acting as a liaison and an advocate in coordinating cases and information with attorneys, hospital social workers, psychiatrists, clients, family members and individuals involved in all aspects of the civil commitment system as well as the city’s Department of Behavioral Health. This position serves as an active partner in the Defender Association’s efforts to obtain the most favorable legal outcome for our clients which includes ensuring that Courts have fulfilled the legal criteria for involuntary placement, look for court-approved alternatives to placement, and linkages to effective community-based services.

Major Areas of Responsibility

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  Ability to take responsibility for a caseload of clients with varying needs and case-related deadlines, ensuring timely action and intervention.
• Assist attorneys in ensuring that cases are fully prepared for hearings.
• Attend client prep sessions and Civil Mental Health court hearings.
• Interview clients at various hospitals around the city, both in person and by way of zoom. Hospitals include Philadelphia County and surrounding area community mental health placements.
• Gather all documentation relevant to the case which included making sure all attorneys have current ADAPT reports (for long term placement) as well as hospital chart notes and information gathered from clinical personnel.
• Read and assess petitions for timeliness, to evaluate if the behavior reaches the legal standard for commitment, and to ensure that the correct petition has been filed.
• Work as a liaison between case managers and attorneys, and to communicate client status updates.
• Maintain Unit databases, including DCM, and contact criminal attorneys on updates on clients currently civilly committed to hospitals and placements.
• Work closely with the Chief and Assistant Chief of the MHU in collecting data for outside projects.
• Ability to write detailed and persuasive reports as necessary
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree is required. B.S.W. or M.S.W., with social work experience in the area of psychiatry and/or dealing with severely mentally ill individuals is preferred.

Skills/Experiences:

• Minimum two year’s work experience working with clients in criminal justice or civil commitment proceedings, preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Organized with attention to detail.
• Patience and empathy.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients and conduct comprehensive interviews.
• Ability to communicate with and develop trusting relationships with clients and family members, employers, and community members to ensure that client has support throughout the court process.
• Ability to interact professionally with attorneys, clients, hospital personnel, office, and court personnel, oftentimes under considerable pressure.
• Ability to discuss treatment with hospital psychiatrists, social workers and all hospital and facility staff.
• Must have analytical and interpretive skills, which are necessary to make important decisions regarding clients’ well-being and status, as well as the initiative, accuracy, maturity, and motivation necessary to reach these decisions and to follow through when applicable.
• Proficient in Defender Case Management system and Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with the operations of the court system, mental health system, and local procedures, preferred.
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Procedures Act and local rules 7109 used in civil mental health commitment hearings.
• Knowledge of basic mental health systems and procedures, including medical and psychiatric terminology
• Knowledge of the DSM-5-TR (handbook used to diagnose psychiatric illnesses).
• Knowledge of psychiatric medications and treatment modalities used to treat mental illnesses.
• Familiarity with inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residences, and outpatient facilities in Philadelphia County and surrounding areas

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Travel to Courtroom, prisons, Norristown State Hospital, and other community placements as needed.
• Requires full Covid vaccination or approved exemption request.