Mental Health Clerk Seeks Additional Staff to Address Document Backlog in CMAG Department

In a recent Bexar County Commissioners Court Work Session, significant concerns were raised regarding the overwhelming workload faced by the mental health clerk within the CMAG department. Currently, this clerk is responsible for managing approximately 54,000 mental health documents, which include evaluations that must be scanned, distributed, and entered into the system. The volume of work has become unmanageable, prompting the need for additional staffing to ensure timely processing and compliance with legal obligations.

The mental health clerk plays a crucial role in delivering these documents to both the prosecutor's office and defense counsel, who are responsible for addressing defendants' mental health needs. Delays in processing these documents could potentially lead to public safety risks, as highlighted by Commissioner Cowley, who expressed concerns about the implications of incomplete paperwork on case management and public safety.

The meeting also addressed the challenges of prolonged vacancies in clerk positions, which average 79 days. Many applicants are deterred by the realities of working in a jail environment, leading to difficulties in filling these essential roles. This staffing shortage has resulted in supervisors and managers stepping in to assist with data entry, further straining resources.

To alleviate the backlog, the department has proposed hiring an additional dedicated mental health clerk. This addition is seen as vital for ensuring timely reporting to the Office of Court Administration (OCA) and maintaining the integrity of the mental health evaluation process. The current model is deemed unsustainable, and without additional support, the department risks falling further behind in its obligations.

The discussion also touched on the potential ramifications of not reporting mental health evaluations accurately and on time. While the OCA has been understanding of the department's challenges, delays in reporting could jeopardize grant funding and affect the overall efficiency of the judicial process.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgent need for additional resources to support the mental health clerk's role in Bexar County. As the volume of cases continues to rise, addressing these staffing and operational challenges will be crucial for ensuring public safety and compliance with legal requirements. The Commissioners Court will need to consider these recommendations in their upcoming discussions to enhance the effectiveness of the mental health evaluation process.