Court Clerk-Psych

Job description

Performs all clerical duties associated with court involvement of psychiatric patients. Interviews patients and explains rights and procedures to them. Assists clinical staff in court related matters. Participates in quality assessment and continuous quality improvement activities. Complies with all appropriate Safety and Infection Control Standards. Performs all job duties and responsibilities in a courteous and customer-focused manner according to the Hurley Family Standards of Behavior. Works under supervision of Director of Behavioral Medicine or designee.
• Sets up and maintains files on all patients involved in any court action.
• Prepares applications and initiates petitions for involuntary hospitalization. Obtains physician certifications and other data from clinical staff needed for court proceedings.
• Sets up and maintains accurate, timely court docket and informs clinical staff, patients, patient families, and other interested parties of scheduled court proceedings as well as changes in scheduled court proceedings.
• Assists in the explanation of hospital, Department of Mental Health policies, also court procedures and answers questions about Michigan Mental Health code for patients, patient families, attorneys, clinical and other staff. Explains patient rights to patients. Documents in patient chart that explanations were provided.
• Distributes legal documents to patients, clinical staff and other staff involved in court proceedings.
• Provides clerical support for clinical staff with regard to discharge planning, record keeping, and referral activities.
• Processes patient admissions and discharges.
• Prepares reports and routine correspondence regarding patients and their court proceedings and/or their hospitalization.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Responsible clerical experience.
• Knowledge of Michigan Mental Health Code, Department of Mental Health policies and Probate Court procedures.
• Ability to accurately complete probate court documents.
• Ability to effectively communicate with persons from widely diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to read, interpret and comprehend legal documents.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, co- workers, other Medical Center employees, patients, and the public.