Intake Officer/Mental Health - Circuit Courts (Personal Services)

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 managements 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 respondents 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 Clerks 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 Judges 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.