Court Evaluator Behavioral Health - Psychiatry Admin

Peace Health is seeking a Court Evaluator Behavioral Health for a Per Diem/Relief, 0.00 FTE, Day position. The salary range for this job opening at Peace Health is $42.06 – $63.10.

The hiring rate is dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to education, training, work experience, terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreement, seniority, etc.

Performs clinical assessments and evaluations of patients admitted on a civil commitment for involuntary detention to a psychiatric facility. Co-authors petitions with the attending provider, recommending Restrictive Treatment for patients in compliance with the Whatcom County Superior Court rules. Provides expert witness testimony in court proceedings through a combination of patient evaluation, medical chart review, discussions with treatment providers and witnesses, and direct examination/cross-examination from prosecution/defense attorneys.

• Opens the investigation as the petitioner, in order to determine if the respondent (an involuntarily detained behavioral health patient) meets the criteria according to State and/or Federal guidelines, for filing a petition for a 14-day, 90-day or 180-day more restrictive order, or a 90-day or 180-day less restrictive alternative court order.
• Requisition s/compiles all pertinent documents relating to the respondent’s mental health history, assesses current mental status and behavior, reviews and assesses all documents and evidence, contacts and interviews (telephonically or face-to-face) persons who are able to provide information pertinent to the investigation and interviews the respondent including a review of their rights at the time of the interview.
• Consult with the co-petitioner (a physician or a psychiatric advanced registered nurse practitioner) to determine if there are grounds for further detention of the respondent for a 14-day, 90-day, or 180-day court order.
• Composes and provides the petition in a typewritten form in order to prove the need for further detainment of the respondent on the grounds of grave disability, danger to self, or danger to others.
• Collaborates with the Whatcom County Deputy Prosecutors regarding court strategies and testimony and reviews decisions to dismiss or convert cases to Less Restrictive Orders prior to the hearing.
• Prepares documents for court hearings and services these packets to the appropriate recipient. Sets court dates and contacts the parties involved to inform them of the court date.
• Prepares the court room, educates witnesses to court process prior to the hearing, and testifies when called to by attorneys.
• Presents testimony on all relevant chart entries in past and current medical records and relevant aspects of the patient’s history, patient’s course of treatment during the initial detention period that supports recommendation for further treatment, consideration that was given to less restrictive options and rationale for the necessity of more restrictive treatment, and consideration of voluntary hospitalization and rationale for the necessity for continued involuntary status.
• Tracks legal timelines for respondents in the Behavioral Health Unit that are on an initial detention,14-day, 90-day, and 180-day court orders as well as LRO revocations.
• Supports a system-wide understanding of trauma prevalence, impact and trauma informed care, fosters healing, hopeful, honest and trusting relationships for consumers and employees, values consumer voice, choice and self-advocacy, and promotes a safe, calm and secure environment with supportive care and client-focused services that are trauma specific and promote recovery and wellness.
• Orients new staff to the mental health court process and…