Judicial Mental Health Advocate

Woodbury County benefits include: IPERS. Great Health Insurance Benefit, Free Dental, Life & LTD Insurance, Sick leave benefits, Vacation, 10 Paid Holidays, 2 Personal Days, and a moving allowance is negotiable.

The Code of Iowa, section 229.19, governs the Judicial Mental Health Advocate position. Each County is required to appoint a mental health advocate to represent the interests of clients involuntarily hospitalized by the Court. The advocate is to act as the liaison for all persons in their assigned county involved in involuntary hospitalization proceedings and their follow-up treatment. The advocate’s responsibilities begin when notice is received in compliance with Code section 229.9A.

The advocate shall be supervised by the County Board of Supervisors. The advocate is a county employee and shall follow all county personnel policies. The county of employment shall provide adequate office space and equipment, computer and phone devices, Internet and phone services and office supplies.

For each person the advocate is assigned to, the advocate is required by law to perform the activities listed below. This is a general list and is not fully descriptive of every detail of the MH advocate's responsibilities.

• Attend the hospitalization hearing of any respondent for whom the advocate has received notice of a hospitalization hearing pursuant to 229.9A.

• To communicate with the client within 5 days of the client's commitment; and periodically thereafter.

• To attempt and offer face to face contact with the client within 15 days of the commitment and periodically thereafter.

• To communicate with the mental health providers treating the client and review the client's mental health records as necessary;

• To act as a resource and support to mental health providers with patients who are court-ordered to mental health treatment.

• Review the applications, reports, and Court orders submitted for the client pursuant to Chapter 229 of the Code of Iowa.

• Act as a liaison between the client, their court-ordered mental health provider, and the Court for purposes of supporting the client through the Chapter 229 commitment process.

• To file Court reports as the advocate determines necessary or as required/requested by the court.

• Offer resources and referrals for supportive services for clients without case management or care coordination services.

• Advise the Court at any time if it appears that the services of an attorney are needed to safeguard the client's interests.

Maintain a client database and/or tracking system:

• Client information shall be entered into the Community Services Network (CSN) or alternative database in a timely manner

• Monthly caseload activity totals shall be tracked and provided to the County’s financial department

• HIPPA confidentiality of client records shall be maintained

Related Duties:

• All advocate records are the property of the county, which is responsible for the provision of confidential storage, transfer, and destruction of client files, including those maintained on electronic and digital devices, with access limited according to the county’s policy on confidentiality and rules including HIPAA.

2. Inform the client of their rights and responsibilities, including but not limited to the following activities:

• Review with the client their responsibilities under commitment and consequences of actions or lack thereof.

• Act as a spokesperson for the client, encouraging self-advocacy as appropriate and provide support to empower the individual as needed.

• Facilitate understanding of client rights among the various providers and agencies collaborating with the treatment of the respondent.

3. Collaborate with the Court as appropriate, including:

• Provide written reports and requests as necessary;

• Assist the Clerk in locating clients, to include current address or incarceration;

• Advise the Court regarding transfer of venues or transfer of providers

• Advise court regarding dismissal of committal when appropriate.

4. Attend subsequent hearings as necessary, whether in person or video conference.

5. Travel to facilities or locations as necessary and/or for periodic client visits.

• May visit facilities unannounced…