Chief Attorney - Managed Assigned Counsel/Mental Health Programs

Chief MHMC Attorney

Collin County is seeking candidates for the position of Chief Mental Health Managed Counsel (MHMC) Attorney. The Chief MHMC Attorney directs operations of the Collin County Court Appointed Indigent Representation Department and the Mental Health Managed Counsel for the District Courts and County Courts at Law. The Chief MHMC Attorney will also:

• Develop and implement policies and procedures for the operation of the department and plan for future development.
• Manage the coordination and assignment of court appointed attorneys and the Mental Health Managed Counsel Attorney Wheel.
• Approve pay sheets for attorneys on the MHMC Attorney Wheel.
• Manage grant employees and ensure timely grant reporting for the HHSC Grant, the Adult Mental Health Court Grant, and any additional grants awarded to the department.
• Interact with attorneys on the Indigent Defense wheel and also the MHMC wheel, serve as a liaison with judges for issues and questions raised by wheel attorneys regarding the Indigent Defense Plan and general procedures.
• Manage applications from attorneys to be on the wheel and communicate issues and questions with wheel attorneys, court staff, and judges.
• Monitor cases involving requests for competency evaluations to ensure prompt notice to courts when competency hearings are needed, identify defendants at risk for deterioration, and monitor state hospital status.
• Promote defendant advocacy with the goal of increasing case dismissal for non-violent offenders with mental illness, decreasing average length of stay in jail for offenders with a mental illness, and ensuring clients receive quality representation. Coordinate with jail staff, Case Coordinator, and outside agencies to develop treatment plans.
• Network with local police and fire departments, hospitals, and service providers to assist with the continuity of care once the client is released into the community.
• Supervise Case Coordinators, Indigent Eligibility Specialist, Secretary, and Legal Clerk I positions. May provide leadership and support to other positions as needed. Complete hiring process, Conduct performance reviews, perform payroll duties, and provide training to staff.
• Plan, monitor and manage department’s budget. Provide final approval for all department expenses.
• Participate in county committees and work groups as assigned including Jail RFP, CAAPS pay portal, weekly medical meetings
• Participate in trainings and meetings such as the Chief Defender group.
• Monitor and manage competency cases and status. Keep the courts and counsel up to date on the status.
• Communicate with doctors who handle competency to provide necessary records and ensure reports are timely completed. Submit invoices for processing.
• Prepare information for monthly Judge’s meetings as needed.
• Plan and conduct annual attorney meeting.
• Oversee annual Mental Health Symposium, planning and conference.
• Other duties as assigned.