Mobile Competency Restoration and Support Team

The Mobile Competency Restoration and Support Team (MCRST) Specialist will provide direct and indirect services for clients involved in the Criminal Justice System who are found not competent to stand trial that are supported by the Mobile Competency Restoration and Support Team (MCRST) through Centurion Healthcare Services. Day to day services include intensive service coordination , communication with courts/legal system, extensive collaboration with MCRST colleagues and partners, connection to community resources, release planning, and coordination with out of county court and behavioral health entities when applicable. The MCRST Specialist acts as a resource person, liaison, advocate, and coordinator for clients between the Courts, the Office of Behavioral Health, and various agencies: District Judges, Pre-Trial Services, Law Enforcement, Allegheny County Jail (ACJ) personnel, Behavior Assessment Unit, Sheriff’s Department, Adult Probation/Parole, Torrance State Hospital, Centurion Healthcare, and Mental Health Service Providers.

MOBILE COMPETENCY RESTORATION AND SUPPORT TEAM

The Mobile Competency Restoration and Support Team (MCRST) through Centurion Healthcare will provide mobile behavioral health treatment and competency support services to all adult individuals found not competent to stand trial in Allegheny County utilizing an ACT model approach to services. The Mobile Competency Restoration and Support Team (MCRST) is a multidisciplinary team that will provide individualized services, wherever the participant is residing (including community and treatment settings for both mental health and/or substance use, mental health residential placements, and the County Jail). The MCRST team will provide continuity of care for participating individuals throughout the course of their court proceedings and until longer-term community services are in place. The outreach must be assertive, with a team that persists in attempting to engage individuals, build rapport and encourage participation in treatment even when the individual expresses unwillingness.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Implements and provides services based on client need:
   1. Be the “go-to” resource for the client served.
   2. Assure that there are effective “safety net” resources for the client served.
   3. Clearly communicate to the client what they can expect from the system and what the system will expect of them.
   4. Assure there is periodic assessment and cross system planning to meet the client’s needs while utilizing their strengths.
   5. Prepare for, convene/facilitate service planning meetings and provide follow-up after meetings.
   6. Assure there is cross-system coordination of services and that services are being provided.
   7. Assist the client in developing and using natural supports.
   8. Be a persistent advocate for those served and give feedback on systemic problems.
   9. Provide a consistent positive outlook that encourages recovery and full inclusion in the community.
2. Provide support and advocacy to clients through court proceedings.
3. Meets productivity and complies with all policies and procedures of Justice Related Services.
4. Effectively and efficiently manages a caseload as evidenced by adhering to all standards, maintaining current records, turning all reportable notes in daily, completing all court service plans, and authorizations as per established time frames, and is present and prepared for supervision.
5. Complete assessment and service plan which includes assessing the function level to determine appropriateness for placement in the community.
6. In collaboration with treatment and court partners, develop a written service plan that determines how case management, housing and treatment services will be provided.
7. Collaborate with the client’s team in a multi-disciplinary approach (Centurion Healthcare, Torrance State Hospital Regional Forensic Psychiatric Center, Allegheny County Jail Mental Health Unit, Probation, Court of Common Pleas, and other service providers in a multi-disciplinary approach).
8. Assist in the diversion of individuals from going to State Hospitalization at Torrance State Hospital when appropriate.
9. If applicable, participate in discharge planning from Torrance State Hospital Regional Forensic Psychiatric Center and/or Allegheny County Jail to ensure appropriate referrals and appointments are obtained.
10. Assist the consumer in locating and obtaining needed services.
11. Monitoring service delivery.
12. Contact provider agencies on a periodic basis to determine status of progress with the service plan.
13. Participate in ongoing training in the mental health and criminal justice field.
14. Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

1. Ability to work in a team-oriented atmosphere.
2. Ability to be attentive to detail.
3. Demonstrated organizational skills and meet all deadlines with all paperwork.
4. Ability to be a self-starter and creative in identifying solutions to problems; knowing when to inform supervisor when obstacles arise.
5. Knowledge of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
6. Ability to adapt to learn new software products.
7. Ability to collaborate with people from a variety of diverse agencies, backgrounds, resources, and communities.
8. Effective communication skills.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Possess Act 33 and 34 Clearances.
2. Upon hire employee must obtain Institutional Clearances through the National Crimes Informational Center (NCIC) conducted by The Internal Affairs Dept of the Allegheny County Jail.
3. Obtain yearly Institutional Clearances through the National Crimes Informational Center (NCIC) conducted by The Internal Affairs Dept of the Allegheny County Jail.
4. Have a valid Pennsylvania motor vehicle license, access to a personal vehicle, and have maximum auto insurance on an employee driven vehicle.
5. Ability to work independently.
6. Full-time position requiring 40 hour per week.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s Degree and one year work experience working directly with persons with behavioral health needs or persons involved in the criminal justice system, OR a bachelor’s degree and two years’ work experience working directly with persons with behavioral health needs or persons involved in the criminal justice system.