(1940) Rehabilitation Specialist – Jail-Based Competency Restoration

A competency restoration program may be considered when an individual charged with a crime is found by the court to be incompetent to stand trial, typically due to an active mental illness or intellectual disability. A defendant is evaluated for competency when the defendant is not capable of properly participating in their own defense due to symptoms of mental illness or intellectual disability.

Jail-Based Competency Restoration (JBCR) is an alternative to state hospital-based competency restoration programs with long wait lists which delay treatment. The newly established Williamson County JBCR unit removes defendants from general population and provides concentrated services addressing mental illness, while focusing on training and educating individuals charged with a crime. The benefits of participation include education on legal processes and increased mental health functioning to restore persons to competency so that legal proceedings can resume.

Position Overview

The JBCR Rehabilitation Specialist (RS) is one member of a multidisciplinary treatment team offering psychiatric evaluation, medication evaluation and management, cognitive behavior therapy, curriculum-based competency restoration education, motivational interviewing and treatment planning. The RS is responsible for:

• Facilitating Person-Centered Recovery Planning and routine Needs Assessments
• Providing skills training using evidence-based curricula in individual and group formats
• Working closely with JBCR staff to co-facilitate competency restoration group services
• Coordinating specialty services, such as substance use assessments and services
• Providing regular progress updates to the JBCR Care Coordinator
• Coordinating aftercare plans in preparation for jail release and/or transition back to general population

This position requires the development and maintenance of effective, professional working relationships with jail and court personnel. A high level of detailed electronic documentation is required and adherence to company and state guidelines is expected. The person in this position must possess a passion and aptitude for working with individuals who have chronic and severe behavioral health needs and are involved in the criminal justice system. Knowledge of jail diversion and intensive case management functions, psychotherapeutic medications, substance use treatment, crisis services, community resources, and evidence-based practices in the mental health and criminal justice systems are required.

Qualifications

This position necessitates innovative thinking, patience, resiliency, skills in advocacy, service coordination, mental health assessment and evaluation, collaborative person-centered recovery planning and dual-diagnosis treatment. The person in this position will effectively work independently and on a team, prioritize needs during crisis situations, and engage in regular training opportunities. This is an in-person, Monday-Friday position with weekend rotation coverage, based in the Williamson County Jail.

Location

Williamson County Jail; Georgetown

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum number of hours that is equivalent to a major in psychology, social work, medicine, nursing, rehabilitation, counseling, sociology, human growth and development, physician assistant, gerontology, special education, educational psychology, early childhood education/intervention. Education and experience in behavioral healthcare and/or the criminal justice system. Must have a valid Texas Driver's License, meet Bluebonnet Trails Community Services driving requirements, and maintain approved driving status throughout employment.

*If degree is not in a Human Services field, a minimum of 24 college credits in a Human Services are required.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one year of prior experience working in a jail diversion, behavioral health, or criminal justice program
• Advanced degree in a human services field
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Compensation and Benefits

BTCS Values our team members and believes it is important to reward and compensate our team members for their contribution to our success. BTCS offers competitive salaries, an excellent benefits package and generous leave accruals.

Medical Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage for you and your eligible dependents with access to network and non-network health care providers. Coverage for employees and eligible dependents begins on the first day of the month following 60 days of employment.

Dental Insurance: Two coverage plans for dental care, to include preventative, basic and major services. Coverage for employees and eligible dependents begins on the first day of the month following 60 days of employment.

Vision Insurance: Vision coverage to include discounts on everyday vision needs, such as eye exams and glasses and/or contacts. Coverage for employees and eligible dependents begins on the first day of the month following 60 days of employment.

Prescription Plan: Discounts on generic, preferred or brand-name drugs as well as non-preferred drugs at pharmacies or through a convenient home delivery program. Coverage for employees and eligible dependents begins on the first day of the month following 60 days of employment.

Flexible Spending Accounts: Optional pre-tax contributions for medical reimbursement and dependent care plans.

Retirement Plans: 401A: Through this governmental plan, we offer a 7% match to employee contributions. 457/403(b): Through these governmental plans, employees may contribute pre-tax earnings for retirement. Employees may participate on the first day of employment.

Sponsored Insurance: Basic life insurance of $5,000 with optional supplemental coverage, as well as spouse and eligible dependent policies available to purchase. Optional insurance coverages at a competitive rate. Coverage for employees and eligible dependents begins on the first day of the month following 60 days of employment.

Family and Medical Leave: Job protection to provide care related to a child’s birth or adoption, or for yourself or a family member’s serious health condition.

Employee Assistance Program: A confidential employee assistance program as a resource to resolve personal, family, financial and legal problems for employees and their dependents.

Professional Development: Joining Bluebonnet Trails is about joining a culture of inclusiveness, collaboration, trust, and the invitation and expectation to have a voice. Bluebonnet offers employees the opportunity to participate in professional development that is skill-based and offers continuing education courses to enhance knowledge and performance via online courses and instructor-led webinars.

Additional Perks

• Employee Referral Awards
• Licensure Supervision
• Licensure Renewal Fee Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Programs
• Educational Leave
• Competitive Pay Differentials for Applicable Positions

Bluebonnet Trails Community Services as a recipient of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant dollars either directly from FTA or through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), will comply with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d), the U.S. Department of Transportation implementing regulations, FTA Circular 4702.lB, and TxDOT PTN requirements as specified in Master Grant Agreement, and State Management Plan.