The Legal Services Program at Montana State Hospital is responsible for providing legal representation for patients in commitment proceedings, advocating on behalf of patients, periodically interviewing individual patients, reviewing patients’ treatment records, and ensuring that patients’ legal rights are protected. This position will provide legal assistance to the attorney to ensure an efficient delivery of legal services. This position will also perform administrative duties associated with daily office functions and management of the six-person Mental Disabilities Board of Visitors.

Essential Functions:

Assist in daily office functions for the Legal Service Program

- Prepare and draft various documents and letters.

- Organize and maintain case files.

- Perform office support functions, such as answering phones, mailing and opening correspondence, ordering supplies and making copies.

- File all necessary legal paperwork and court documents.

- Track all pending court cases.

- Update attorneys’ and court calendars and schedules appointments.

Assist lawyer, patients, and treatment units in the resolution process

- Maintain regular contact with all Treatment units.

- Review all requests for assistance with Lawyer.

- Review, complete, and compile all pertinent records and documentation.

- Interview appropriate hospital staff and patients.

- Ensure patients understand all issues relevant to their concerns by explaining policies and the law and answering questions to help patients understand and feel comfortable with the process.

- Respond promptly to all questions, complaints and requests for assistance from consumers, MSH patients or the public.

- Work with MSH staff to arrive at appropriate resolutions to concerns surrounding clinical treatment and legal rights and other issues.

Assist at grievance, forensic review, and involuntary medication review hearings

- Meet with patients prior to hearing and answer any questions.

- Prepare or present evidence at hearing.

Assist Board of Visitors Executive Director with assigned administrative duties

- Arrange travel, lodging, and meals for scheduled Board of Visitors (BOV) site inspections.

- Prepare folders and other materials as needed for site inspections.

- Assist in site inspections and interview appropriate staff and patients.

- Prepare and document findings from site inspections and staff/patient interviews.

- Assist with any other duties as designated by Executive Director.

This position requires the following:

- Knowledge of variety of legal resources including the State Law Library, university law libraries, and on-line resources.

- Working knowledge of major mental illnesses and treatment regimens for mental illnesses.

- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

- Ability to pro-actively respond to issues and work productively with little supervision.

Minimum Qualifications:

- A high school diploma or equivalent, prefer associate degree or two-year vocational training.

- Strong computer skills.

- Two years of professional directly related experience.

- Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

The Legal Services Program at Montana State Hospital is responsible for providing legal representation for patients in commitment proceedings, advocating on behalf of patients, periodically interviewing individual patients, reviewing patients’ treatment records, and ensuring that patients’ legal rights are protected. This position will provide legal assistance to the attorney to ensure an efficient delivery of legal services. This position will also perform administrative duties associated with daily office functions and management of the six-person Mental Disabilities Board of Visitors. Essential Functions: Assist in daily office functions for the Legal Service Program - Prepare and draft various documents and letters. - Organize and maintain case files. - Perform office support functions, such as answering phones, mailing and opening correspondence, ordering supplies and making copies. - File all necessary legal paperwork and court documents. - Track all pending court cases. - Update attorneys’ and court calendars and schedules appointments. Assist lawyer, patients, and treatment units in the resolution process - Maintain regular contact with all Treatment units. - Review all requests for assistance with Lawyer. - Review, complete, and compile all pertinent records and documentation. - Interview appropriate hospital staff and patients. - Ensure patients understand all issues relevant to their concerns by explaining policies and the law and answering questions to help patients understand and feel comfortable with the process. - Respond promptly to all questions, complaints and requests for assistance from consumers, MSH patients or the public. - Work with MSH staff to arrive at appropriate resolutions to concerns surrounding clinical treatment and legal rights and other issues. Assist at grievance, forensic review, and involuntary medication review hearings - Meet with patients prior to hearing and answer any questions. - Prepare or present evidence at hearing. Assist Board of Visitors Executive Director with assigned administrative duties - Arrange travel, lodging, and meals for scheduled Board of Visitors (BOV) site inspections. - Prepare folders and other materials as needed for site inspections. - Assist in site inspections and interview appropriate staff and patients. - Prepare and document findings from site inspections and staff/patient interviews. - Assist with any other duties as designated by Executive Director. This position requires the following: - Knowledge of variety of legal resources including the State Law Library, university law libraries, and on-line resources. - Working knowledge of major mental illnesses and treatment regimens for mental illnesses. - Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. - Ability to pro-actively respond to issues and work productively with little supervision. Minimum Qualifications: - A high school diploma or equivalent, prefer associate degree or two-year vocational training. - Strong computer skills. - Two years of professional directly related experience. - Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered. This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire. The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application. State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

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