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Job Description
Description
The Mental Health Attorney II will attend involuntary civil commitment hearings, work with the jail, community diversion coordinator, and other stakeholders to divert mentally ill defendants from jail into appropriate psychiatric care. This position will prepare mental health court dockets, Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) dockets, and participate weekly in the continuity of care staffing for AOT participants. Additionally, it will conduct hearings, perform legal research, communicate with community partners and stakeholders, and train law enforcement officials on legal requirements.
Examples of Duties
Presents evidence in involuntary civil commitment hearings; evaluates, investigates, and prepares for cases in the Probate courts.
Assists in the preparation of mental health court dockets, Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) dockets, and participates in the continuity of care staffing for AOT participants.
Collaborates with others to divert mentally ill defendants from jail into appropriate psychiatric care.
Attend Mental Health dockets in both county Criminal Courts and the District Courts.
Review case filings and documentation to assess and recommend the legal appropriateness of placements, ensuring public safety.
Review and prepare direct and cross-examination of mental health experts.
Advises, assists, and trains law enforcement officials on legal requirements.
Attend various stakeholder collaboration meetings to assist in providing legal knowledge and recommendations regarding placements and continuity of care.
Assists criminal prosecutors with competency hearings and helps them fight against the insanity defense.
Regular and punctual attendance required.
Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Doctoral degree required for this position.
Minimum one year of experience in a related field required.
Must possess a license to practice law in the State of Texas.
Must be able to pass a State Criminal History background check.
Supplemental Information
THE ANTICIPATED START DATE AND SALARY FOR THIS POSITION IS OCTOBER 1, 2025.
To ensure proper delivery of emails please add jobs@dentoncounty.gov to your email safe list.
Denton County offers a full range of employee benefit programs for eligible employees, retirees, and their families. These programs include group health plans for medical and dental coverage; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); life; disability, and long term care insurance; and flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care reimbursements. The County also provides retirement benefits. Full time employees participate in the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS), and employees may also participate in a retirement savings program (Deferred Compensation). In addition to these "basic employee benefits" and retirement services, employees benefit from a variety of other programs including 12 paid holidays, Tuition Reimbursement, a Wellness Program, and more.
*Note: These benefits are not includedfor Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) employees, or any Denton County Part-Time employee.
Denton Countyis an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, mental or physical disability, age, national origin or veteran status.
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeosp.pdf
Family Medical Leave:Denton Countyemployees who have been employed for one year and who have worked 1250 hours in the preceding year may be eligible for up to twelve weeks of FMLA leave.
The FMLA provides for up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave- for the birth, adoption, or placement of a child for foster care
- to care for a child, spouse, or parent with a serious health condition
- for an employee with a serious health condition
https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlaen.pdf
https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlasp.pdf
Closing Date/Time: Continuous -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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Denton County
Show moreDenton County, Texas - Home With a population of just over 1 Million, we are one of the fastest growing counties in the country. With that comes a myriad of development and entertainment opportunities to serve our citizens, as well as the steady stream of visitors to the area.
Located at the apex of Dallas and Fort Worth triangle, Denton County is a hub of growth and development. We have a pro-business climate, as evidenced by our low tax rate. Our government officials welcome innovative, high-quality development and the opportunity to strengthen the current economic base and create job opportunities and are committed to an ongoing improvement in the quality of life for our citizens.
Home to two major universities and one junior college, Denton County’s focus on higher education is second to none. Not only does Denton County boast two major highways within close proximity to DFW International Airport, but we are also home to Alliance Airport, the world's first 100% industrial airport designed for cargo and corporate aviation.
Denton County is a growing hub of activity and is home to popular restaurants, nightlife, shopping and family friendly activities. The lakes and recreational areas offer ample opportunities to explore nature and enjoy the outdoors. Many artists, musicians and crafters reside in Denton County and help create the perfect environment for local festivals and fairs.
We welcome you to Denton County and invite you to experience all the great things Denton County has to offer – you will not be disappointed!
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