Adult Independent Clinical Reviewer / Hearing Officer

Location: Colton, CA

Level: Independent Contractor

Job Summary: The Certification Review Officer (CRO), also referred to as a Hearing Officer, is responsible for conducting certification review hearings for adult patients who have been detained under the Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act and certified for continued involuntary treatment under applicable adult LPS provisions. This role applies to the adult LPS population, including adults initially detained under WIC §5150 and subsequently certified for additional involuntary treatment under WIC §§5250 and 5270, as applicable. This role does not apply to minor detentions under WIC §5585.The CRO serves as an independent, neutral decision-maker within a quasi-judicial framework. The CRO applies the applicable probable cause standard, evaluates clinical documentation and testimony, and issues written determinations regarding whether continued involuntary detention is legally supported. The CRO must maintain strict independence from facility operations, clinical treatment decisions, and utilization review functions while ensuring hearings are conducted efficiently, consistently, and in alignment with San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) expectations and Patients' Rights oversight practices. This is a Certification Review Officer / Hearing Officer role. It is separate from any Independent Clinical Reviewer function and should not be combined with ICR responsibilities.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties: Conduct certification review hearings for adult LPS patients pursuant to applicable requirements, including WIC §§5250 and 5270, following initial detention under WIC §5150.Determine whether probable cause exists to support continued involuntary detention. Ensure all due process protections are upheld, including timely notice, access to a Patients' Rights Advocate, and opportunity for representation. Maintain neutrality and independence in all proceedings. Review certification documentation in advance to identify deficiencies or compliance concerns. Evaluate testimony, clinical evidence, and documentation for consistency and legal sufficiency. Issue written determinations that are clear, evidence-based, timely, and legally defensible. Complete and submit all required documentation in accordance with regulatory, county, and facility standards. Ensure compliance with Title 9 CCR, DHCS Patients' Rights requirements, applicable LPS standards, and San Bernardino County DBH policies. Coordinate with Patients' Rights Advocates and facility staff for scheduling and hearing logistics while maintaining independence from treatment and facility operations. Participate in audits or regulatory reviews as required. Maintain accurate records for legal and regulatory purposes. Identify patterns of documentation deficiencies and communicate concerns to designated administrative contacts without compromising independent case-by-case decision-making.

Education: A Juris Doctor (JD), a Master's degree, or higher in behavioral health, psychology, social work, public administration, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent professional experience in administrative hearings, behavioral health systems, patients' rights, or quasi-judicial proceedings may be considered in lieu of formal education, consistent with county eligibility requirements.

Experience: Minimum two (2) years of experience conducting or participating in LPS certification review hearings or similar quasi-judicial proceedings is preferred. Experience with adult behavioral health populations, adult inpatient psychiatric settings, PHFs, LPS-designated facilities, San Bernardino County Superior Court processes, Patients' Rights programs, or county behavioral health hearing processes is strongly preferred. Specialized Skills:· Knowledge of adult LPS standards, including WIC §§5150, 5250, and 5270.· Understanding of patients' rights and due process protections in adult involuntary psychiatric treatment settings.· Ability to interpret clinical documentation, certification paperwork, and legally relevant hearing materials.· Ability to evaluate testimony and apply the applicable probable cause standard.· Strong communication, listening, documentation, and decision-making skills.· Ability to maintain objectivity, neutrality, and independence from facility operations and clinical treatment teams.· Familiarity with San Bernardino County DBH expectations, Patients' Rights practices, and adult LPS hearing processes.· Ability to complete timely written determinations under time-sensitive conditions.

Physical Requirements: Prolonged sitting, computer use, document review, and participation in virtual or in-person hearings.

Licenses/Certifications: Active California professional license, if applicable, is preferred. All licenses must be active, unrestricted, and in good standing. Candidate must meet applicable eligibility requirements for designation, appointment, or recognition as a hearing officer for adult LPS certification review hearings in San Bernardino County, as required. Potential Job Hazards: Exposure to emotionally distressed or agitated adults and review of sensitive psychiatric, legal, and protected health information. Safety Precautions Required: Adherence to facility safety protocols, de-escalation expectations, confidentiality standards, secure handling of protected health information, and all applicable documentation and hearing procedures.