Chief Mhmc Attorney

Closing Date: 15th July, 2024

Description:

A Governmental Entity is seeking candidates for the position of Chief Mental Health Managed Counsel (MHMC) Attorney. The Chief MHMC Attorney directs operations of the A Governmental Entity Court Appointed Indigent Representation Department and the Mental Health Managed Counsel for the District Courts and County Courts at Law. The Chief MHMC Attorney will also:

• Develop and implement policies and procedures for the operation of the department and plan for future development.
• Manage the coordination and assignment of court appointed attorneys and the Mental Health Managed Counsel Attorney Wheel.
• Approve pay sheets for attorneys on the MHMC Attorney Wheel.
• Manage grant employees and ensure timely grant reporting for the HHSC Grant, the Adult Mental Health Court Grant, and any additional grants awarded to the department.
• Interact with attorneys on the Indigent Defense wheel and also the MHMC wheel, serve as a liaison with judges for issues and questions raised by wheel attorneys regarding the Indigent Defense Plan and general procedures.
• Manage applications from attorneys to be on the wheel and communicate issues and questions with wheel attorneys, court staff, and judges.
• Monitor cases involving requests for competency evaluations to ensure prompt notice to courts when competency hearings are needed, identify defendants at risk for deterioration, and monitor state hospital status.
• Promote defendant advocacy with the goal of increasing case dismissal for non-violent offenders with mental illness, decreasing average length of stay in jail for offenders with a mental illness, and ensuring clients receive quality representation. Coordinate with jail staff, Case Coordinator, and outside agencies to develop treatment plans.
• Network with local police and fire departments, hospitals, and service providers to assist with the continuity of care once the client is released into the community.
• Supervise Case Coordinators, Indigent Eligibility Specialist, Secretary, and Legal Clerk I positions. May provide leadership and support to other positions as needed. Complete hiring process, Conduct performance reviews, perform payroll duties, and provide training to staff.
• Plan, monitor and manage department's budget. Provide final approval for all department expenses.
• Participate in county committees and work groups as assigned including Jail RFP, CAAPS pay portal, weekly medical meetings
• Participate in trainings and meetings such as the Chief Defender group.
• Monitor and manage competency cases and status. Keep the courts and counsel up to date on the status.
• Communicate with doctors who handle competency to provide necessary records and ensure reports are timely completed. Submit invoices for processing.
• Prepare information for monthly Judge's meetings as needed.
• Plan and conduct annual attorney meeting.
• Oversee annual Mental Health Symposium, planning and conference.
• Other duties as assigned.

Juris Doctorate required. Ten (10) years licensed attorney work experience in diverse civil/criminal matters, including five (5) years of mid to senior level supervisor or management experience OR ten (10) years licensed attorney work experience in diverse civil/criminal matters, including five (5) years of experience in the prosecution or defense of criminal offenses. Valid Texas Drivers' License. Currently licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.

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