Mental Health Hearing Officer (Attorney Mediator) - Extra Help

Overview

This part-time Hearing Officer position requires active membership in the California State Bar. The role involves conducting a limited hearing schedule, serving alongside other part-time Hearing Officers as backup to the primary Hearing Officer.

Compensation & Schedule

• Compensation is $310 per scheduled "Hearing Block."
• Mileage and parking expenses related to hearings and attendance at one quarterly administrative meeting are reimbursed upon submission of receipts.
• A "Hearing Block" typically consists of approximately four hours in the morning or afternoon during the workweek but may vary depending on caseload.
• Hearing Blocks may also include presentations or training as requested by the Supervising Judge.
• Initial agreements will be prorated to reflect services through the current fiscal year.
• This is an extra-help, non-regular position to provide coverage during calendar overlaps, vacations, illness, holidays, or increased workload.
• Typical schedule includes Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and as needed for coverage; subject to change based on court needs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct informal hearings applying appropriate rules of evidence and civil procedure consistent with Mental Health Hearing Program Procedures.
• Conduct Certification Review Hearings under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5250 to determine probable cause for detention related to mental disorder or chronic alcoholism.
• Conduct Capacity Hearings under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5332 to determine a patient's capacity to consent to antipsychotic medications.
• Conduct hearings virtually via Microsoft Teams at mental health facilities throughout the county.
• Ensure all notices and decisions are properly completed, filed, or delivered to the Superior Court/County Clerk.
• Attend meetings as arranged with the primary full-time Mental Health Hearing Officer.
• Maintain hearing logs to support monthly claims and assist in collecting program statistics.

Qualifications

• Active membership in the State Bar of California.
• Minimum of 10 years post-bar legal experience in private practice, legal service provider, or governmental agency.
• Admission to the State Bar of California is required; current active status is not mandatory.
• Submission to a background investigation upon conditional offer of employment.
• Valid driver's license and vehicle insurance.

Knowledge and Skills

• Legal principles and methodology.
• California State Mental Health Laws.
• Experience working with persons with mental disorders, possibly obtained in clinical agencies, mental health clinics, or psychiatric hospitals.
• Experience representing clients in conservatorship, social security benefits, Habeas Corpus proceedings, or related hearings.
• Ability to conduct fair and impartial hearings, extract pertinent facts from clinical testimony and records, interpret complex legal and psychiatric regulations, and present clear oral and written arguments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the court bench, bar members, mental health facilities, government agencies, and court staff.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Work environment is generally clean indoors with limited exposure to dust, fumes, odors, and noise.
• Work may involve difficult and stressful conditions, frequent deadlines, and contact with confrontational individuals.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Frequent use of computer terminals for advanced clerical functions and communications.
• Periodic contact with court employees, government agencies, the public, and vendors.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 10 lbs, including files and documents.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods.
• Regular driving to facilities throughout the county.

Examination and Application

• A screening panel will select qualified applicants for written and/or oral examinations.
• Application requires online submission including a resume attachment and completion of a supplemental questionnaire.
• Only information submitted in the application will be considered.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodations

The employer is an equal opportunity organization. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities upon request.

Employment Verification

Employment offers are contingent upon verification of identity and employment authorization in compliance with the Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986.