Civil Mental Health Attorney

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The Mental Health Unit (MHU) represents clients who suffer from a mental health disorder, traumatic brain injury, or intellectual disability. The Civil Mental Health Attorney position is part of a smaller sub-unit within MHU, consisting of two attorneys and two social workers who work collaboratively to provide representation at Civil Commitment Hearings. Civil Commitment Hearings are held five days a week and the attorneys and social workers assigned represent patients who are subject to involuntary commitment hearings at various hospitals in the City and County of Philadelphia as well as the Prison Health Services Wing at the Detention Center. This position requires a thorough understanding of the DSM-5-TR mental health diagnoses as well as the Mental Health Procedures Act. The Civil Mental Health Attorney will meet with clients at various hospitals; currently, the hearings themselves are conducted virtually. Performance in this position requires developing solid working relationships with city solicitors, Mental Health Review Officers, hospital social workers and other hospital staff, psychiatrists, clients, family members, court administrators, and individuals involved in all aspects of the civil commitment system as well as the city’s Department of Behavioral Health. The Civil Mental Health Attorney must also be willing to assist in covering criminal mental health matters, as needed.

What You’ll Do
• Will zealously represent clients in civil commitment hearings throughout the county of Philadelphia. This representation will include conducting adversarial hearings.
• To meet with all civil mental health clients in person, where feasible. Our two social workers are also available to assist. Civil Mental Health clients are currently hospitalized at Girard Medical Center, Albert Einstein Medical Center, the Prison Health Services Wing, Episcopal Hospital, the VA Medical Center, HUP Cedar, Fairmount, Hall-Mercer, Belmont, and Jefferson. Additionally, there are several satellite hospitals, including Brooke Glen Behavioral Hospital, Horsham Clinic, Wernersville State Hospital, Haven Long Term Structured Residence (LTSR), and other area LTSR’s. Clients at these facilities are often there for the long term, but they should also be seen on a routine basis, in person or via Zoom.
• Will provide a list of outcomes of each hearing, so that our office can maintain statistics. Additionally, the Civil Mental Attorney may be required to keep and provide additional statistics and data, as needed and established by the Chief of the Mental Health Unit; including but not limited to data on hospital and site visits, active caseloads and client locations, and contested vs uncontested hearings.
• Will check DCM prior to each hearing so that they can be aware of clients who have open criminal matters or VOP’s. After the civil mental health hearings, DCM must be updated with appropriate notes. Our social workers will generally be responsible for checking and updating DCM, but it is the responsibility of the Civil Mental Health Attorney to make sure it is accurate, and to reach out directly to any specially assigned attorneys with updates.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including assisting in covering criminal mental health matters, as needed

Benefits & Perks
• Very generous and rich benefits plan with 100% employer paid options for medical and employer paid vision, dental, life insurance and long term disability
• Substantial paid time off (35 days of PTO plus all federal holidays)
• Six weeks of paid parental leave
• 403 (b) retirement savings with Employer Match
• Free Septa All Access Key card
• Meaningful & Impactful Work
• Collaborative, Inclusive & Learning Culture

Who is the Defender Association?
The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We’re the community’s lawyers. The Defender team – more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff – make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Follow us @PhilllyDefenders (Twitter, Instagram & TikTok) and on LinkedIn.