The Court Evaluator works in collaboration with Mental Health Professionals, Substance Use Disorder Counselors, Physicians, and Nurses to perform clinical assessments and evaluations of clients admitted on a civil commitment system-wide for involuntary detention to a psychiatric facility. The Court Evaluator provides testimony and writes petitions recommending 14-Day Petitions, Restrictive Treatment for clients admitted on initial detention orders and revocations of restrictive orders in compliance with the Chelan County Court Rules and the involuntary/civil commitment proceedings as outlined in the Revised Code of Washington 71.05

Position Functions & Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Strong clinical assessment skills including ability to assess and identify psychosocial, educational, developmental, and behavioral functioning of the client/family system utilizing evidence-based practices.
• Evaluate clients to establish whether there is a presence of mental disorder and substance use disorder and a danger to self, others, property, or grave disability to adequately care for health and safety needs.

• Review available past and current records.
• Interview clients and review the medications prescribed and assess the client’s level of cooperation in taking the medications.
• Review any diagnostic procedures or lab work performed and discuss with the physician.
• Collaborate with physicians, social work and nursing staff who have been caring for the clients and familiar with the treatment team’s recommendation.
• Communicate effectively with attorneys, health care team, family members, and community providers regarding client status and progress.
• Review decisions to dismiss or convert cases to Less Restrictive Orders prior to the hearing or during the hearing.
• Complete required legal forms and written documentation of investigation activities.
• Continued professional development training.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Ability to accept direction and adhere to organization policies and procedures.

Presents testimony on:

• All relevant chart entries in past and current medical records and relevant aspects of client’s history.
• Clients’ course of treatment during the initial detention period supports recommendations for further treatment.
• Consideration given to less restrictive options and rationale for the necessity of more restrictive treatment..
• Consideration of voluntary hospitalization and rationale for the necessity for continued involuntary status.
• Support a system-wide understanding of trauma prevalence, impact and trauma informed care.
• Foster healing, hopeful, honest, and trusting relationships for consumers and employees.
• Value consumer voice, choice, and self-advocacy.
• Promote a safe, calm, and secure environment with supportive care and client-focused services that are trauma specific and promote recovery and wellness.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Sociology and / or, Social Work.
• Preferred, Licensed as a psychologist, , independent clinical social worker, or mental health care counselor in the State of Washington.
• One-year recent experience working with acutely ill psychiatric clients’ specifically involving evaluation of psychiatric safety, level of function, and psychiatric diagnoses.
• Professional interest and commitment to working with the mentally ill and substance use disorder and in development of care systems.
• Able to interact with clients with sensitivity, tact, and respect, as well as firmness, when necessary.
• National Provider Identifier (NPI) or ability to obtain before first day of employment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Expertise with the Washington Involuntary Treatment Act (RCW 71.05).
• Knowledge of and experience with chemical dependency or addiction assessments and available services.
• Ability to work varied shifts, in a high stress environment.
• Ability to quickly interview, assess and mediate conflict while maintaining calm during highly volatile situations.
• Skilled in eliciting client’s cooperation and in defusing hostile/violent behavior.
• Ability to multi-task and stay organized.
• Ability to be flexible and quickly change direction when needed.
• Ability to testify coherently in Involuntary Treatment Court as an expert witness.
• Ability to tolerate a high level of scrutiny of work product.
• Must be detail oriented.
• Ability to act as a team player as well as work independently.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including the ability to make presentations to diverse audiences and compose clear, concise clinical file notes and documentation.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of and skill in the use of personal computer and related software and systems.
• Skill in time management and ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to willingly accept responsibility.
• Ability to set priorities and use good judgment.

ABHS Benefits:

• Employees (and their families) can enroll in Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Life and AD&D
• Employees can enroll in Short Term Disability
• Employees can enroll in the company’s 401(k) plan or Roth IRA
• During the first year, employees will receive 24 hours of PTO after 6 months of employment
• Upon eligibility, employees will receive 10 paid holidays plus one personal day a year
• Employees will receive 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked from the date of hire
• Upon Approval, ABHS will cover 50% of your credential renewal cost for clinical employees

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Wenatchee, WA 98801: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Master's (Required)

License/Certification:

• WA Mental Health Counselor/Professional license (Required)

E.O.E.