Forensics Assistant Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

The Forensic QMHA provides case management, skills training, and care coordination to individuals involved in forensic behavioral health programs, including Jail Diversion, Aid & Assist, PSRB, Civil Commitment, Behavioral Health Court, and related outpatient forensic services. The Forensic QMHA works closely with the Forensic Manager and clinical providers to ensure that justice-involved individuals receive trauma-informed, person-centered behavioral health support that complies with OAR 309-019, MHACBO Code of Ethics, and agency policy.

Primary responsibilities include supporting Jail Diversion and Aid & Assist programs through case management, advocacy, skills training, court coordination, and tracking client progress. The position also supports all other forensic programs by assisting with service linkage, benefit coordination, community integration, housing/access support, and ongoing collaboration with justice partners.

Regular and reliable in-person attendance is essential.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Forensic Program Case Management

• Provide case management services for justice-involved individuals enrolled in Jail Diversion, Aid & Assist, and other forensic programs under OAR 309-019.
• Coordinate services with probation/parole, jail personnel, public defenders, district attorneys, courts, and other community partners.
• Assist individuals in accessing behavioral health, medical, housing, employment, benefits, and other needed supports.
• Support continuity of care and timely care transitions between jail, hospital, community, and outpatient services.
• Maintain accurate tracking of client status, progress, and program benchmarks.

2. Skills Training & Support Services

• Provide Skills Training consistent with OAR 309-019, including coping skills, self-regulation, problem-solving, and social/communication skills.
• Assist clients in developing and practicing skills that improve functioning within legal, community, residential, and outpatient settings.
• Implement safety planning, behavioral support strategies, and skill development for individuals with co-occurring conditions.
• Provide psychoeducation related to mental health, addiction, recovery, legal obligations, and court expectations.

3. Jail Diversion Support

• Support the Jail Diversion QMHP or Lead in screening, coordinating, and monitoring diversion pathways.
• Provide case management and navigation support for individuals diverted from custody into community-based treatment.
• Communicate with jail staff and law enforcement regarding release plans, behavioral health needs, and resource access.
• Assist with documentation, data tracking, and reporting for Jail Diversion outcomes.

4. Aid & Assist Program Support (ORS 161.370)

• Assist QMHP providers with Aid & Assist case management, including coordinating court orders, appointments, and progress monitoring.
• Track compliance with court requirements and ensure individuals remain engaged in services.
• Provide skills training that supports restoration efforts, court readiness, and adherence to legal conditions.

5. Care Coordination for All Forensic Programs

• Support all forensic program participants as assigned, including PSRB, Civil Commitment, Behavioral Health Court, DUII, and related programs.
• Coordinate collateral communication with hospitals, residential programs, primary care, community partners, and legal stakeholders.
• Attend meetings, staffing sessions, and forensic case reviews as required.

6. Collaboration & Interagency Communication

• Work professionally with courts, law enforcement, attorneys, community corrections, probation/parole, DHS, and other agencies.
• Maintain confidentiality and release-of-information procedures consistent with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case consultations.

7. Documentation & Compliance

• Complete all clinical documentation in compliance with OAR 309-019-0130, agency policy, and Medicaid standards.
• Submit progress notes, care coordination notes, service plans, and updates within required timelines (36-hour rule).
• Maintain accurate and complete records for audits, court reviews, and program reporting.
• Follow MHACBO Code of Ethics and all agency procedures regarding confidentiality, boundaries, and professional conduct.

8. Professional Conduct & Ethical Standards

• Maintain clear professional boundaries at all times.
• Adhere to MHACBO Code of Ethics, agency Code of Conduct, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Conduct oneself in a culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented manner.
• Represent the agency professionally with all community and legal partners.

9. Attendance & BOLI Requirements

• Regular in-person attendance is essential to meet program needs.
• Submit all vacation/personal time requests 30 days in advance.
• Take required BOLI meal and rest breaks according to OAR 839-020.
• Submit accurate timecards by the end of the scheduled deadline (typically Friday EOD).

Minimum Qualifications

• Meets QMHA requirements per OAR 309-019-0100 (bachelor?s degree in a behavioral health field OR equivalent combination of education/experience).
• Experience working in behavioral health, forensic, criminal justice, or related fields preferred.
• Ability to pass Oregon background check per OAR 407-007-0200 to 0370.
• Valid driver?s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with justice-involved individuals.
• Knowledge of Oregon?s forensic behavioral health system (Aid & Assist, Civil Commitment, PSRB, Jail Diversion, etc.).
• Training in trauma-informed care, de-escalation, or crisis intervention.

Working Conditions

• Work occurs in corrections, courts, community locations, client homes, hospitals, and agency offices.
• May involve exposure to individuals in crisis or with complex behavioral health symptoms.
• Travel within the community and occasional after-hours activities may be required.