Forensic Specialist 1 - Underfill

Job Summary

The Division of Public and Behavioral Health, Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services / Lakes Crossing Center (LCC), a maximum-security forensic facility/psychiatric hospital for mentally disordered criminal offenders in Sparks, Nevada is recruiting for several Forensic Specialist 1 positions. Forensic Specialists perform a combination of security and client care duties in a secure mental health facility for treatment/evaluation of the mentally disordered criminal offender and/or offenders whose competency requires evaluation.

Incumbents perform in a trainee capacity and acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities required in this occupation. A Forensic Specialist is a hybrid position, serving as a Nevada POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) Certified Category III Peace Officer, and a Mental Health Professional. This exciting position offers incumbents the opportunity to serve the community in the health care and law enforcement settings, providing clinical support while maintaining safety and security.

Incumbents in this series will be required to attend POST certification training. Forensic Specialists at LCC perform mental health and security duties with an emphasis on providing therapeutic treatment for clients in order to attain competency and be evaluated to stand trial for criminal charges. The Forensic Specialists also prepare clients for competency hearings and facilitate groups regarding legal processes;

participate in therapeutic treatment groups and client sponsor ships; assist clients in understanding the nature and seriousness of the charges that have been filed; assist assigned clients with eating, bathing, shaving, oral hygiene, grooming, dressing, movement and ambulation, and other basic activities of daily living; perform Peace Officer duties that include but are not limited to transportation of clients and community outings, and perform other duties as assigned.

The Forensic Specialist 1 is the entry-level in the Forensic Specialist series, progression to Forensic Specialist 2 and 3 may occur with the recommendation of the appointing authority when minimum qualifications are met, and the incumbent is performing satisfactorily. Part of those minimum qualifications require obtaining Mental Health Technician (MHT) Certification through online college coursework.

Examination Process:
Candidates that meet the minimum education and experience requirements of the position will be invited to enter the examination process as follows:

Graduation from high school or equivalent education and two years of general work experience, one year which was in a mental health, medical, correctional, law enforcement or related setting; OR one year of college coursework which included courses in health, behavioral science or criminal justice and one year of general work experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.

Support clinical staff by serving as a member of a treatment team to optimize client care and treatment as assigned; report normal and abnormal behavior; assist in identifying problems, developing treatment plans, documenting client progress, revising treatment plans and discharging clients as assigned; provide data entry into appropriate databases and/or software applications as needed. Develop therapeutic relationships with assigned clients; orient the client to the unit/facility;

spend one-on-one time with the clients; facilitate or co-facilitate group sessions as directed by professional staff; chart clients' progress across activities, interaction with others and significant events; assist clients with the token economy store, telephone calls, work assignments, recreation, group referrals and understanding legal…