The Mental Health Unit represents clients who suffer from a mental health disorder, traumatic brain injury, or intellectual disability. With our staff of attorneys, social workers, mitigation specialists, paralegals, and investigators, we represent our clients in a variety of settings; Municipal Court Mental Health Court, Court of Common Pleas Mental Health Court, Veterans Court, Civil Commitment Hearings, Compassionate Release Hearings, and vertical representation in complex cases where mental health is a predominant factor. We are looking for an experienced attorney to lead our mental health team.
What You’ll Do:
Supervise, manage, and provide leadership for Municipal Court Mental Health Court, Common Pleas Mental Health Court, Veteran’s Court, Civil Commitment Hearings, and the vertical representation of clients represented within the Unit.
Supervise, evaluate, and provide feedback to all staff within the unit.
Liaison with the Court Mental Health Unit and the State Mental Hospitals
Be the subject matter expert for internally and externally on Mental Health law and the Mental Health Procedures Act, as well as be up-to date on the current state of the law and science surrounding Intellectual Disabilities and Traumatic Brain Injuries, and maintain familiarity with the DSM-V.
Prepare and present mental health trainings to internal and external audiences
Liaison with the Chief and Assistant Chief of Pre-Trial as needed, including during off hours, for custody emergencies regarding clients threatening self-harm or in need of physical or behavioral health medication.
Screen new arrests of a serious or high profile nature for possible diversion to Mental Health Court, Veteran’s Court, or for vertical assignment within the unit.
Represent the Defender Association at local, state, and national events addressing issues of mental health.
Collect and collate data on psychiatric detainers, caseloads, dispositions, and other data sets relevant to the mental health practice.
Travel to relevant courtrooms, state mental hospitals, local and state prisons and other community placements
Other duties as assigned