ABOLISHED 06/19/2014 PER PAY LETTER 14-09 - Hospital Coordinator of Forensic Services
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: KI55
Class Code: 5202
Established: 09/10/1985
Revised: 08/04/1998
Title Changed: --
Definition
Under general direction in a State hospital, to assume coordinative responsibility for the State hospital's Forensic Services Program, and to provide program guidance to professional staff to ensure the implementation and application of laws, rules, and regulations affecting the patient population under the control of the Lanterman- Petris-Short (LPS) Mental Health Act and the Penal Code system.
Typical Tasks
Serves as the Forensic Services Program specialist within the hospital; organizes and coordinates the State hospital's Forensic Services Program; provides liaison with courts, public defenders, district attorneys, and city and county agencies on interpretation and implementation of LPS and other related laws affecting the total hospital population; provides consultation to clinical and administrative staff regarding legal issues and/or problems that include Penal Code patients, LPS certification, and conservatorship patients; coordinates certification review hearings; ensures training of staff relative to forensic program policy and protocol of legal issues; acts as liaison with county mental health officials and Headquarters staff regarding implementation of policies that impact the patient population; acts as liaison with the Attorney General's Office and all interested officers of the court in the process of lawsuits that affect patients, former patients, employees, or former employees of the hospital; acts as consultant to county officials in the placement of Penal Code patients; and performs other related duties.
Minimum Qualifications
Either I
Two years of experience in the Department of Mental Health performing forensic services* duties at a level of responsibility equivalent to an Associate Mental Health Specialist.
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* Forensic services are defined as application of mental health services based upon authority derived from judicial action.
Or II
Three years of experience in State service performing forensic services* duties at a level of responsibility equivalent to Psychiatric Social Worker.
Or III
Experience: Three years of increasingly responsible consultative experience in forensic services* which includes at least one year of administrative responsibility for a forensic services* function. Experience should include dealing with both clinical and administrative issues relating to forensic programs and clients, and serving mentally ill offenders of a variety of legal classes, including juveniles and adults in detention facilities. and
Education: Possession of a Master's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Psychology, Social Work, or Nursing.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Federal and State laws governing treatment of the mentally ill; implementation and evaluation of forensic services programs, adult commitment processes, and treatment program operations; specific legal classes of patients; techniques and practices of administration, organization, and evaluation.
Ability to: Plan, coordinate, and assess the performance of forensic programs; work cooperatively with county, city, and State agencies, and the courts and legal staff; implement policies effectively; evaluate and systematize procedures; analyze data and draw logical conclusions; communicate effectively; provide testimony in court.
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* Forensic services are defined as application of mental health services based upon authority derived from judicial action.
