The Mental Health Resource Attorney (MHRA) will be responsible for providing support to the Bexar County managed assigned counsel (MAC) attorneys in mental health matters.

• Ensure panel attorneys are providing quality representation in mental health matters
• Support the Bexar County managed assigned counsel (MAC) panel attorneys in mental health matters
• Serve as the primary liaison between MAC office and the courts (mental health courts and all others)
• Assist panel attorneys as first or second chair counsel if feasible and no conflict of interest exists
• Monitor and manage legal resources made available through the MAC--physically and electronically--for panel attorneys in their work of appointed cases
• Monitor and manage intake assessment and appropriate assignment of attorneys to cases
• Review financial claims and monitor adherence to caseload guidelines
• Provide support, when needed, with pretrial matters, litigation, or trial issues
• Receive and respond to complaints about panel attorneys in mental health matters
• Monitor and review panel attorney performance, develop plans to improve attorney performance, and recommend removal of attorneys from the panel if performance does not meet expectations
• Assist the Director, the Trial Division Chief, and the Director of Professional Development & Holistic Services with training, publications, and other duties as needed

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence; must be a member of the State Bar of Texas in good standing and licensed by the State of Texas to practice law
• Must have at least two (2) years’ experience in the area of criminal law including representing indigent misdemeanor, felony and/or federal cases. Practice must be in the area of criminal defense
• Must have experience working with clients living with mental illness have represented indigent defendants in criminal law matters and practice client-centered representation
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Experience in administration management working directly with the judges or attorneys within a law firm setting, public defender’s office, office of managed assigned counsel office, conflict panel office, or an office of similar make-up
• Skill in supervising professional and clerical employees; skill in managing multiple projects simultaneously; skill in communicating effectively with diverse groups of individuals utilizing tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to adjust to rapidly fluctuating situations; ability to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, co-workers, County employees, Department Heads, Elected/Appointed Officials, outside organizations, attorneys, the news media and the public
• Must possess strong organizational and communication skills, as well as excellent computer literacy
• Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation and clearance
• Demonstrates technological intuitiveness
• Must clear a pre-employment physical
• May be required to work more than 40 hours during the workweek

Preferred Qualifications:

• A background in mental health services (casework or social work).

Working Environment and Physical Demands:

• Working conditions are in an office/telework environment
• Occasionally moves items weighing up to 10 pounds
• Occasionally move about the office/ telework office
• Frequently communicates with others using approved technological resources; must be able to exchange accurate information through designated systems within a timely manner
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery
• Positions self to perform essential functions of the job in an office/telework environment
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position
• Flexibility to achieve performance excellence in a telework arrangement
• Maintains County-issued equipment, software, data, and supplies