Mental Health Hearing Officer (Attorney Mediator) - Extra Help

About the role

The Hearing Officer must be an active member of the California State Bar. This position is responsible for a limited hearing schedule serving in conjunction with other part-time Hearing Officers as back-up to the primary Hearing Officer.

Responsibilities

• Conducts informal hearings applying the appropriate rules of evidence and civil procedure, and consistent with the Mental Health Hearing Program Procedures as established by the Superior Court at designated facilities in the county.
  • Welfare and Institutions Code 5250 (certification reviews) to determine whether probable cause exists to detain person for intensive treatment related to a mental disorder or impairment by chronic alcoholism,
  • Welfare and Institutions Code 5352 et seq. (Capacity Hearings) to determine whether a patient detained for treatment lacks the mental capacity to consent or withhold consent to antipsychotic medication.
• To ensure that all notices and decisions that pertain to matters heard by the Hearing Officer are appropriately completed, and filed or delivered to the Superior Court/County Clerk.
• To attend meetings as arranged with the primary full-time Mental Health Hearing Officer.
• To maintain hearing logs as needed to support monthly claims and to assist in the collection of program statistics.

Qualifications

• Active membership* in the State Bar of California, and; A minimum of ten (10) years post-bar experience in a private practice or for a legal service provider or a governmental agency**.
• Knowledge Of Legal principles and methodology, and; California State Mental Health Laws.
• Knowledge may have been obtained in a recognized clinical agency, or mental health clinic, psychiatric hospital, etc.
• Representing clients at hearings related to conservatorship, social security benefits, Habeas Corpus proceedings, etc.
• Ability To Conduct fair and impartial hearings in a manner that will obtain all pertinent evidence and secure confidence and respect;
• Understand and extract pertinent facts from clinical testimony and patient case records;
• Interpret complex legal and psychiatric regulations;
• Analyze, appraise and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to legal issues;
• Present clear and logical statements of fact, law and arguments in oral and written form;
• Contribute effectively to the formulation and administration of the Mental Health Hearing Program;
• and, Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Superior Court Bench, members of the Bar, mental health facilities, various governmental agencies and Court staff.
• Maintain a valid drivers license and vehicle insurance.

Working Conditions

• The work environment is generally clean inside buildings with limited exposure to dust, fumes, odors, and noise.
• Incumbents will be working under sometimes difficult and stressful conditions; with frequent deadlines and expectations for high quality work; and with periodic contact with angry and confrontational individuals.
• The ability to work independently as well as closely with others is required.

Supplemental Information

• The Court is an equal opportunity employer.
• All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.
• The Court provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.