Mental Health Hearing Referee
Apply NowCompany: Los Angeles County Superior Court
Location: Los Angeles, CA 90011
Description:
Salary : $107,128.32 - $136,744.32 Annually
Location : Los Angeles, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: R9618H
Department: 22* - Mental Health Operations
Opening Date: 03/14/2025
Closing Date: 4/3/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Position Description
ABOUT THE COURT
Los Angeles Superior Court is the largest unified trial court in the United States. Its 580 judges and commissioners work in one of the 36 facilities within the Court's 12 judicial districts and are supported by more than 4,800 full-time Court employees. The Court has an annual budget of more than $1 billion. Located in Southern California, Los Angeles County is geographically one of the nation's largest counties, covering 4,752 square miles and, with over 10,400,000 residents, is also one of its most populous counties.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Mental Health Hearing Referees are responsible for conducting mental health facility-based hearings to determine probable cause for further involuntary detention and treatment of mentally disordered patients in psychiatric facilities and/or hearings to determine an individual's capacity to refuse psychotropic medications. The incumbents must exercise a broad knowledge of legal requirements regarding the mentally disordered and applicable provisions of the California Welfare and Institutions Code related to mental health.
Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles Mental Health Hearing Referees are prohibited by Court policy from practicing law during their employment. This includes prohibition from receiving fees and appearing in any court on behalf of another person.
For a detailed job description, please click here.
CURRENT VACANCY
The Court is seeking an experienced California Licensed Attorney with at least two (2) years of professional legal experience involving problems of the mentally ill and/or as a practicing attorney representing clients or conducting hearings related to conservatorship, Social Security benefits, habeas corpus proceedings, family law, or delinquency/dependency law, practicing law in California to oversee Medication Capacity Hearings.
TELEWORK OPPORTUNITIESThis position is eligible for some telework following an initial training period.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTSTo qualify, you must meet one of the following options at the time of application:Option I: Five (5) years of mental health experience, two (2) years of which must have been performing full-time work with patients who are in a California in-patient mental healthfacility as one of the following:
Option II: A California Licensed Attorney* with two (2) years of professional legal experience involving problems of the mentally ill and/or as a practicing attorney representing clients or conducting hearings related to conservatorship, Social Security benefits, habeas corpus proceedings, family law, or delinquency/dependency law, practicing law in California.
*An active membership of the California State Bar in good standing is required for this qualification.
Option III: A licensed California medical doctor.Note: Credit for experience is given based on a 40-hour workweek. Part-time experience is credited on a part-time ratio, i.e., working 20 hours per week for two months equals one month of experience. No additional credit is given for overtime.
REQUIRED APPLICATION ATTACHMENTSA copy of your California Medical/Clinical License and/or Current California Bar Card showing active status must be submitted with your online application Resume
LICENSES; CERTIFICATES; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
A valid California Class C driver's license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
EXAMINATION INFORMATIONQualifying evaluation of education, training and experience based upon submitted application materials and supplemental questionnaire at the time of application.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS
Applications may only be filed online. To learn how to apply online, please access the Los Angeles Superior Court reserves the right to verify all submitted documentation prior to appointment. The Court will only consider completed applications submitted, along with the required documents, and will reject incomplete applications. A resume will not substitute for a fully completed employment application. To facilitate the full and proper consideration of your work experience, clearly specify what professional experience meets the required job qualifications. When listing your work experience, please specify the beginning and end dates for each job you held and describe your experience for each position.
Please provide a current and accurate e-mail address for the Court to communicate with you about this job opportunity. Human Resources staff will notify all applicants of their application status via e-mail. We recommend that you add info@governmentjobs.com to your SAFE SENDERS list to avoid the notification being filtered as spam mail.
Los Angeles Superior Court is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants with disabilities who require reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment process can contact the email address provided below. For additional employment information, please click
WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT
We will notify you of the outcome after each step of the recruitment process has been completed. Applicants who successfully pass each (and all) examination part(s) will be placed on an eligible list which will remain valid for up to one (1) year. Other vacancies may be filled using this list.
Questions regarding this posting may be e-mailed to
Follow us on social media!
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Choices Benefit Plan
Benefits may be purchased using a tax-free monthly benefits allowance between $1,099.20 and $2,369.10 for the 2023 plan year (based on number enrolled in medical coverage). If the monthly cost of the benefits selected is less than the monthly allowance, the employee receives the difference as additional taxable pay, up to a maximum of $244.00. For detailed plan information, click
Insurance
The Choices plan includes a robust range of insurance options, including medical, dental, disability, life, and AD&D insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employees may contribute up to $237 per month into a tax-free Health Care Spending Account and up to $400 per month tax-free into a Dependent Care Spending Account. The Court contributes up to $375 per month to the Dependent Care Spending Account.
Leave Benefits
Vacation - All permanent and other designated categories of employees are eligible to earn paid vacation based on years of service. Vacation is based on continuous service and credited at the completion of each consecutive six-month period of employment.
Sick leave - Depending on the length of service and employment categories, up to one day of full pay per month of service is accrued monthly for qualifying service.
Holidays - 14 days per year.
Bereavement leave.
Retirement
- Optional tax-deferred supplemental retirement plan that includes a County match of up to 4% of employee's salary.
Retirement Pension Plan administered by the Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA).
If the candidate is a "new member" of the County's defined benefit plan (LACERA) on or after January 1, 2013, that person's pension will be limited under the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA). For these purposes, a "new member" is someone who first becomes a member of LACERA on or after January 1, 2013 - that is, someone first employed by the County on or after December 1, 2012 - unless she or he established reciprocity with another public retirement system in which she or he was a member before January 1, 2013. For further information, visit
Other Benefits
The Commuter Benefit Plan (CBP) - Allows employees to pay for eligible public transit expenses using pre-tax dollars (up to IRS limits).
Tuition Reimbursement- The Tuition Reimbursement Program provides eligible employees with tuition assistance (maximum $2000 per fiscal year) for courses toward a degree program at an accredited college and/or university. The program is intended to support the ongoing development of a highly effective workforce at the Court.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The information contained herein concerning the benefit package available to incumbents in this classification is based on an employee's appointment to a full-time, permanent position in the Court service in this class. The specific benefit package any individual employee may receive is subject to change based on that employee's particular employment status and payroll title.
01
INSTRUCTIONS: The information you provide on this online supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated. All questions must be answered. You are encouraged to respond as specifically and as completely as possible. Attaching or referencing a resume will not be considered responsive. Incomplete responses, false statements, omission of a material fact, and partial information can result in disqualification.
02
Which of the following best describes your qualifying experience?
03
Describe in detail your qualifying experience. If not applicable, indicate N/A. Use the following format:Name of the employer(s) Dates of employment Number of hours worked per week Describe the SPECIFIC DUTIES and LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY that supports your response.Please ONLY describe specific duties including experience performing full-time work with patients in a California in-patient mental health facility OR experience involving problems of people with mental illness and/or representing clients or conducting hearings related to conservatorship, Social Security benefits, habeas corpus proceedings, family law, or delinquency/dependency law.Do not write "See Attached Resume."
04
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
You are REQUIRED to submit a copy of your California medical/clinical license and/or current California Bar card showing active status AND a resume.
Required documents must be attached to the application.
Are the required documents attached to your application?
05
DISCIPLINE, COMPLAINTS, SANCTIONS, LAWSUITS
Are you a member of any club, organization, or association that by policy or practice prohibits or limits membership on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender disability or national origin?
06
As an attorney, judicial officer or clinician have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics or unprofessional conduct by, or been the subject of a complaint to, any court, administrative agency, bar association, disciplinary committee or other professional group?
07
As a member of any organization, or as a holder of any office or license (including driver license), have you ever been suspended or otherwise disqualified, or had such license suspended or revoked?
08
As a member of any organization, or as a holder of any office or license (including driver license), have you ever been reprimanded, censured, or otherwise disciplined?
09
As a member of any organization, or as a holder of any office or license (including driver license), have any charges, formal or informal, ever been made or filed against you?
10
Have you or your professional liability insurance carrier ever settled a claim against you for your professional malpractice?
11
Are there any unsatisfied judgments against you, or are you in default in the performance or discharge of any duty or obligation imposed upon you by decree or order of any court (including any orders of child and/or spousal support)?
12
Other than discovery sanctions, have you ever been sanctioned in excess of $1000 by any court, or have you ever been cited for contempt of any court or tribunal having the power of contempt?
13
Have you ever been charged in any civil, criminal or administrative action with conduct alleged to involve moral turpitude, dishonesty and/or unethical conduct?
14
Have any articles or allegations, irrespective of factual accuracy ever been printed or broadcast or otherwise made public concerning your character, activities, views or statements which may reflect adversely on your job performance?
15
If you served in the Armed Forces of the United States, did you receive less than an honorable discharge?
16
Is there any aspect of your personal, business, or professional conduct or background which may reflect adversely on you or the Court that you should disclose to the Court?
17
If your response is "Yes" to any of the questions 5 - 16, please provide a detailed explanation for each question.
18
ESSAY QUESTIONS
For questions 18 - 20, your responses should be in a narrative format (avoid using tables or outlines). Please limit responses to no more than 250 words per response.Tell us what makes you an outstanding candidate for this position; include specific examples of related experience as well as personal characteristics.
19
Describe your experience working as a part of a team. Include an impasse and how it was resolved.
20
Describe a challenging or difficult situation you faced in working with people with mental disabilities and describe how you responded to resolve or diffuse the situation.
Required Question
Location : Los Angeles, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: R9618H
Department: 22* - Mental Health Operations
Opening Date: 03/14/2025
Closing Date: 4/3/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Position Description
ABOUT THE COURT
Los Angeles Superior Court is the largest unified trial court in the United States. Its 580 judges and commissioners work in one of the 36 facilities within the Court's 12 judicial districts and are supported by more than 4,800 full-time Court employees. The Court has an annual budget of more than $1 billion. Located in Southern California, Los Angeles County is geographically one of the nation's largest counties, covering 4,752 square miles and, with over 10,400,000 residents, is also one of its most populous counties.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Mental Health Hearing Referees are responsible for conducting mental health facility-based hearings to determine probable cause for further involuntary detention and treatment of mentally disordered patients in psychiatric facilities and/or hearings to determine an individual's capacity to refuse psychotropic medications. The incumbents must exercise a broad knowledge of legal requirements regarding the mentally disordered and applicable provisions of the California Welfare and Institutions Code related to mental health.
Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles Mental Health Hearing Referees are prohibited by Court policy from practicing law during their employment. This includes prohibition from receiving fees and appearing in any court on behalf of another person.
For a detailed job description, please click here.
CURRENT VACANCY
The Court is seeking an experienced California Licensed Attorney with at least two (2) years of professional legal experience involving problems of the mentally ill and/or as a practicing attorney representing clients or conducting hearings related to conservatorship, Social Security benefits, habeas corpus proceedings, family law, or delinquency/dependency law, practicing law in California to oversee Medication Capacity Hearings.
TELEWORK OPPORTUNITIESThis position is eligible for some telework following an initial training period.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTSTo qualify, you must meet one of the following options at the time of application:Option I: Five (5) years of mental health experience, two (2) years of which must have been performing full-time work with patients who are in a California in-patient mental healthfacility as one of the following:
- California Licensed Psychologist
- California Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- California Licensed Registered Nurse
Option II: A California Licensed Attorney* with two (2) years of professional legal experience involving problems of the mentally ill and/or as a practicing attorney representing clients or conducting hearings related to conservatorship, Social Security benefits, habeas corpus proceedings, family law, or delinquency/dependency law, practicing law in California.
*An active membership of the California State Bar in good standing is required for this qualification.
Option III: A licensed California medical doctor.Note: Credit for experience is given based on a 40-hour workweek. Part-time experience is credited on a part-time ratio, i.e., working 20 hours per week for two months equals one month of experience. No additional credit is given for overtime.
REQUIRED APPLICATION ATTACHMENTS
LICENSES; CERTIFICATES; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
A valid California Class C driver's license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
EXAMINATION INFORMATIONQualifying evaluation of education, training and experience based upon submitted application materials and supplemental questionnaire at the time of application.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS
Applications may only be filed online. To learn how to apply online, please access the Los Angeles Superior Court reserves the right to verify all submitted documentation prior to appointment. The Court will only consider completed applications submitted, along with the required documents, and will reject incomplete applications. A resume will not substitute for a fully completed employment application. To facilitate the full and proper consideration of your work experience, clearly specify what professional experience meets the required job qualifications. When listing your work experience, please specify the beginning and end dates for each job you held and describe your experience for each position.
Please provide a current and accurate e-mail address for the Court to communicate with you about this job opportunity. Human Resources staff will notify all applicants of their application status via e-mail. We recommend that you add info@governmentjobs.com to your SAFE SENDERS list to avoid the notification being filtered as spam mail.
Los Angeles Superior Court is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants with disabilities who require reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment process can contact the email address provided below. For additional employment information, please click
WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT
We will notify you of the outcome after each step of the recruitment process has been completed. Applicants who successfully pass each (and all) examination part(s) will be placed on an eligible list which will remain valid for up to one (1) year. Other vacancies may be filled using this list.
Questions regarding this posting may be e-mailed to
Follow us on social media!
X | | Threads | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn
Choices Benefit Plan
Benefits may be purchased using a tax-free monthly benefits allowance between $1,099.20 and $2,369.10 for the 2023 plan year (based on number enrolled in medical coverage). If the monthly cost of the benefits selected is less than the monthly allowance, the employee receives the difference as additional taxable pay, up to a maximum of $244.00. For detailed plan information, click
Insurance
The Choices plan includes a robust range of insurance options, including medical, dental, disability, life, and AD&D insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employees may contribute up to $237 per month into a tax-free Health Care Spending Account and up to $400 per month tax-free into a Dependent Care Spending Account. The Court contributes up to $375 per month to the Dependent Care Spending Account.
Leave Benefits
Vacation - All permanent and other designated categories of employees are eligible to earn paid vacation based on years of service. Vacation is based on continuous service and credited at the completion of each consecutive six-month period of employment.
Sick leave - Depending on the length of service and employment categories, up to one day of full pay per month of service is accrued monthly for qualifying service.
Holidays - 14 days per year.
Bereavement leave.
Retirement
- Optional tax-deferred supplemental retirement plan that includes a County match of up to 4% of employee's salary.
Retirement Pension Plan administered by the Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA).
If the candidate is a "new member" of the County's defined benefit plan (LACERA) on or after January 1, 2013, that person's pension will be limited under the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA). For these purposes, a "new member" is someone who first becomes a member of LACERA on or after January 1, 2013 - that is, someone first employed by the County on or after December 1, 2012 - unless she or he established reciprocity with another public retirement system in which she or he was a member before January 1, 2013. For further information, visit
Other Benefits
The Commuter Benefit Plan (CBP) - Allows employees to pay for eligible public transit expenses using pre-tax dollars (up to IRS limits).
Tuition Reimbursement- The Tuition Reimbursement Program provides eligible employees with tuition assistance (maximum $2000 per fiscal year) for courses toward a degree program at an accredited college and/or university. The program is intended to support the ongoing development of a highly effective workforce at the Court.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The information contained herein concerning the benefit package available to incumbents in this classification is based on an employee's appointment to a full-time, permanent position in the Court service in this class. The specific benefit package any individual employee may receive is subject to change based on that employee's particular employment status and payroll title.
01
INSTRUCTIONS: The information you provide on this online supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated. All questions must be answered. You are encouraged to respond as specifically and as completely as possible. Attaching or referencing a resume will not be considered responsive. Incomplete responses, false statements, omission of a material fact, and partial information can result in disqualification.
- Please check the box to indicate you have read and understood the instructions.
02
Which of the following best describes your qualifying experience?
- OPTION I: Five (5) years of mental health experience, two (2) years of which must have been performing full-time work with patients who are in a California in-patient mental health facility as one of the following: California Licensed Psychologist ORCalifornia Licensed Clinical Social Worker ORCalifornia Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist ORCalifornia Licensed Registered Nurse
- OPTION II: A California Licensed Attorney with 2 years of experience involving problems of people with mental illness and/or representing clients or conducting hearings related to conservatorship, Social Security benefits, habeas corpus proceedings, family law, or delinquency/dependency law.
- OPTION III: A California Licensed Medical Doctor.
- None of the above.
03
Describe in detail your qualifying experience. If not applicable, indicate N/A. Use the following format:
04
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
You are REQUIRED to submit a copy of your California medical/clinical license and/or current California Bar card showing active status AND a resume.
Required documents must be attached to the application.
Are the required documents attached to your application?
- Yes
- No
05
DISCIPLINE, COMPLAINTS, SANCTIONS, LAWSUITS
Are you a member of any club, organization, or association that by policy or practice prohibits or limits membership on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender disability or national origin?
- Yes
- No
06
As an attorney, judicial officer or clinician have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics or unprofessional conduct by, or been the subject of a complaint to, any court, administrative agency, bar association, disciplinary committee or other professional group?
- Yes
- No
07
As a member of any organization, or as a holder of any office or license (including driver license), have you ever been suspended or otherwise disqualified, or had such license suspended or revoked?
- Yes
- No
08
As a member of any organization, or as a holder of any office or license (including driver license), have you ever been reprimanded, censured, or otherwise disciplined?
- Yes
- No
09
As a member of any organization, or as a holder of any office or license (including driver license), have any charges, formal or informal, ever been made or filed against you?
- Yes
- No
10
Have you or your professional liability insurance carrier ever settled a claim against you for your professional malpractice?
- Yes
- No
11
Are there any unsatisfied judgments against you, or are you in default in the performance or discharge of any duty or obligation imposed upon you by decree or order of any court (including any orders of child and/or spousal support)?
- Yes
- No
12
Other than discovery sanctions, have you ever been sanctioned in excess of $1000 by any court, or have you ever been cited for contempt of any court or tribunal having the power of contempt?
- Yes
- No
13
Have you ever been charged in any civil, criminal or administrative action with conduct alleged to involve moral turpitude, dishonesty and/or unethical conduct?
- Yes
- No
14
Have any articles or allegations, irrespective of factual accuracy ever been printed or broadcast or otherwise made public concerning your character, activities, views or statements which may reflect adversely on your job performance?
- Yes
- No
15
If you served in the Armed Forces of the United States, did you receive less than an honorable discharge?
- Yes
- No
- Not Applicable
16
Is there any aspect of your personal, business, or professional conduct or background which may reflect adversely on you or the Court that you should disclose to the Court?
- Yes
- No
17
If your response is "Yes" to any of the questions 5 - 16, please provide a detailed explanation for each question.
18
ESSAY QUESTIONS
For questions 18 - 20, your responses should be in a narrative format (avoid using tables or outlines). Please limit responses to no more than 250 words per response.Tell us what makes you an outstanding candidate for this position; include specific examples of related experience as well as personal characteristics.
19
Describe your experience working as a part of a team. Include an impasse and how it was resolved.
20
Describe a challenging or difficult situation you faced in working with people with mental disabilities and describe how you responded to resolve or diffuse the situation.
Required Question