The Code of Iowa, section 229.19 , governs the Judicial Mental Health Advocate position. Each County is required to appoint a mental health advocate to represent the interests of clients involuntarily hospitalized by the Court. The advocate is to act as the liaison for all persons in their assigned county involved in involuntary hospitalization proceedings and their follow-up treatment. The advocates responsibilities begin when notice is received in compliance with Code section 229.9A. The advocate shall be supervised by the County Board of Supervisors. The advocate is a county employee and shall follow all county personnel policies. The county of employment shall provide adequate office space and equipment, computer and phone devices, Internet and phone services and office supplies.
For each person the advocate is assigned to, the advocate is required by law to perform the activities listed below. This is a general list and is not fully descriptive of every detail of the MH advocate's responsibilities.
Attend the hospitalization hearing of any respondent for whom the advocate has received notice of a hospitalization hearing pursuant to 229.9A.
To communicate with the client within 5 days of the client's commitment; and periodically thereafter.
To attempt and offer face to face contact with the client within 15 days of the commitment and periodically thereafter.
To communicate with the mental health providers treating the client and review the client's mental health records as necessary;
To act as a resource and support to mental health providers with patients who are court-ordered to mental health treatment.
Review the applications, reports, and Court orders submitted for the client pursuant to Chapter 229 of the Code of Iowa.
Act as a liaison between the client, their court-ordered mental health provider, and the Court for purposes of supporting the client through the Chapter 229 commitment process.
To file Court reports as the advocate determines necessary or as required/requested by the court.
Offer resources and referrals for supportive services for clients without case management or care coordination services.
Advise the Court at any time if it appears that the services of an attorney are needed to safeguard the client's interests.
Maintain a client database and/or tracking system:
Client information shall be entered into the Community Services Network (CSN) or alternative database in a timely manner
Monthly caseload activity totals shall be tracked and provided to the Countys financial department
HIPPA confidentiality of client records shall be maintained
Related Duties:
Maintain records:
All advocate records are the property of the county, which is responsible for the provision of confidential storage, transfer, and destruction of client files, including those maintained on electronic and digital devices, with access limited according to the countys policy on confidentiality and rules including HIPAA.
2. Inform the client of their rights and responsibilities, including but not limited to the following activities:
Review with the client their responsibilities under commitment and consequences of actions or lack thereof.
Act as a spokesperson for the client, encouraging self-advocacy as appropriate and provide support to empower the individual as needed.
Facilitate understanding of client rights among the various providers and agencies collaborating with the treatment of the respondent.
3. Collaborate with the Court as appropriate, including:
Provide written reports and requests as necessary;
Assist the Clerk in locating clients, to include current address or incarceration;
Advise the Court regarding transfer of venues or transfer of providers
Advise court regarding dismissal of committal when appropriate.
4. Attend subsequent hearings as necessary, whether in person or video conference.
5. Travel to facilities or locations as necessary and/or for periodic client visits.
May visit facilities unannounced as appropriate.
To reduce intrusiveness and encourage independence, a majority of contact with a stable outpatient client may be conducted through telephone or via correspondence.
6. Attend professional meetings, conferences or seminars related to the advocates duties.
Attendance at conferences or seminars shall be approved in advance by the immediate supervisor.
7. Perform other related advocate services or actions within the scope of Iowa Code Section 229.19 service to clients.
8. Perform supervisory duties as related to Mental Health Advocate Coordinator.
9. All other administrative functions and duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Skills:
Familiar with laws and major Iowa Supreme Court decisions on mental health and involuntary commitment, including Chapter 229 of the Iowa Code;
Ability to communicate with individuals diagnosed with mental illness in a respectful, professional manner;
Ability to communicate with mental health providers and treatment professionals in a constructive, positive manner;
Ability to be self-directed in performance of duties;
Dress shall be professional and appropriate for the position and clients served.
Familiarity with mental health treatment resources within the area of service.
The advocate shall abide by confidentiality requirements contained in the Code of Iowa, including those of Chapter 229 and the countys Notice of Privacy Practices.
IAC 441 - Chapter 25.102 (229)- The advocate shall meet the following qualifications:
Possess a bachelors degree with 30 semester hours or equivalent quarter hours in a human services field (including, but not limited to, psychology, social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, nursing, education, occupational therapy, and recreational therapy) and at least one year of experience in the delivery of services to persons with mental illness; or
Hold an Iowa license to practice as a registered nurse and have at least three years of experience in delivery of services to persons with mental illness.
A person employed as an advocate must pass criminal background, sex offender registry, and child and dependent adult abuse registry checks before hire.
Minimum and Statutory Requirements: The Advocate shall not be an officer or employee of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, an officer or employee of an Administrative Services Organization (ASO), or an officer or employee of any agency or facility providing care or treatment to persons with mental illness.
Other Related Requirements: Possess and maintain a valid Drivers License, or have the ability to arrange reliable transportation; possess and maintain appropriate vehicle insurance, or demonstrate coverage for arranged transportation; and pass criminal background history, sex offender registry, and child and dependent adult abuse registry checks. Checks will be done annually and employees shall self-report. Failure to self-report shall result in termination.
A completed County Application Form and a Resume are Required.Deadline for receipt of applications shall be: 4:30 p.m., March 23rd, 2026 or until position is filled.
Woodbury County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.
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