Intake Officer/Mental Health - Circuit Courts - 822403355

Department:                                 Ninth Division Circuit Court
 
Position Control Number:             0436-002
 
FLSA Status:                                Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime
 
Safety Sensitive Designation:      This position is designated as safety-sensitive.
 
Random Drug/Alcohol Test:         Yes
 
Opening Date:                             July 15, 2025                         
 
Closing Date:                              July 21, 2025 at 11:59 PM
 
This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  It is intended to identify the essential functions and minimum qualifications of this job.  The incumbent(s) may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign job-related responsibilities and tasks to this job at any time.  Certain functions are understood to be essential; these include, but are not limited to, attendance, getting along with others, working a full shift, and dealing with and working under stress.  Any essential function of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant only to the extent medically
and reasonably feasible.
 
 
 
An Equal Opportunity Employer
 
JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for screening petitioners for the purpose of filing a civil commitment petition to involuntarily commit an individual to a hospital for mental illness or a rehab facility for drugs and alcohol abuse.
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
    * Conducts initial intake interview to determine the needs of the petitioners.
    * Prepares petitions with the information provided by the petitioner; files petitions and schedules court date; prepares summons for the respondent to be served.
    * Enters client information into a database; maintains respondent’s files and database.
    * Provides assistance over the telephone to provide information and direct calls to the appropriate facility.
    * Completes intake paperwork and assigns to the appropriate division of Circuit Court and assigns a case number.
    * Works with hospitals, clinics, facilities, and the clinical team to manage requests for services from members and/or providers.
    * Assists the doctors, social workers and other clinical staff regarding 72-hour holds of patients, ensuring petitions are done in a timely manner.
    * Assists the Judges and Court Staff with copies of dockets and petitions.
    * Maintains an effective relationship with the Deputy Prosecutor, Deputy Public Defender, Process Servicers, and Circuit County Clerk’s office.
    * Assists police officers needing assistance regarding citizens with mental illness and/or substance abuse; schedules appointments for police officers to complete a petition.
    * Contacts Administrative Office of Court (AOC) to arrange for interpreters as needed for court.
    * Contacts other County Clerk Offices throughout the State regarding orders, petitions, and transfers of records.
    * Coordinates with the Mental Health Facilities regarding placement of patients; forward paperwork to the facility.
    * Verifies Arkansas Statute Codes to ensure petitions are being filed correctly.
    * Receives and files all documents regarding clients.
    * Prepares requisitions for office supplies, and repairs/maintenance of the building.
    * Scans and e-files all petitions, summons, orders, and all other documents related to each case heard before the court.
    * Maintains schedule of Judge assigned for each court day; faxes court docket to the appropriate Judge the day before court.
    * Prepares for court by placing the court docket and case files on the Judge’s Bench the day before court.
 
 
 
SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
    * Performs other related duties as required.
 
 
 
PERSONNEL SUPERVISED:     None
 
 
 
WORKING CONDITIONS:  Work is performed in a smoking-restricted office environment with occasional interaction with hostile or aggressive individuals.
 
 
 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
 
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:
    *
         + Considerable knowledge of interviewing methods and techniques.
         + Good knowledge of mental health terms.
         + Good knowledge of Arkansas Statute Codes for petitions regarding involuntary commitments.
         + Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with outside agencies, and other County departments.
         + Ability to maintain detailed records.
         + Ability to work independently.
         + Ability to gather information through the interview process.
         + Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
         + Ability to attend work regularly and reliably. 
         + Skill in conducting interviews for information gathering.
         + Skill in the operation of a computer.                                      
 
 
 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
    *
         + Digital dexterity is necessary for keyboard operation.
         + Visual acuity is sufficient for the use of a computer screen.
         + Ability to effectively communicate orally.
         + Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner. 
         + Ability to concentrate for long periods of time. 
 
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
 
Completion of high school or GED equivalency; considerable clerical work experience with record keeping in a legal, court system, or related area; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.