Minors Certification Review Officer / Hearing Office

VBHC2 – CERTIFICATION REVIEW OFFICER (CRO)/HEARING OFFICER (MINORS)

Job Title: Certification Review Officer (CRO) / Hearing Officer 
Department: VBHC2 – Child & Adolescent PHF (52 Beds)

Supervisor: Administrative Coordination through Program Leadership

Location: Colton, CA 
Level: Independent Contractor

Job Summary

The Certification Review Officer (CRO) conducts Certification Review Hearings for minors detained under the LPS Act. This role ensures that minors are afforded all legal protections while maintaining compliance with statutory requirements and county expectations.

The CRO must conduct hearings in a developmentally appropriate manner while maintaining legal rigor. This includes assessing minors’ comprehension, ensuring meaningful participation, and balancing clinical considerations with statutory requirements. The role requires sensitivity to family involvement and the ability to navigate complex situations where clinical presentation and developmental capacity impact the hearing process.

Engagement in this role is subject to approval and/or recognition by San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health and applicable Patients’ Rights oversight entities, as required.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

1. Conduct hearings for minors pursuant to WIC §§5585 and 5250. 

1. Determine whether probable cause exists for continued detention. 

1. Ensure minors are informed of their rights in a developmentally appropriate manner. 

1. Incorporate guardian or family participation as required. 

1. Maintain neutrality and independence in all proceedings. 

1. Review documentation for completeness and legal sufficiency. 

1. Evaluate clinical and behavioral evidence within a developmental framework. 

1. Issue written determinations supported by evidence. 

1. Determinations are final at the administrative level unless appealed. 

1. Ensure compliance with patients’ rights and regulatory requirements. 

1. Coordinate hearing logistics with appropriate parties. 

1. Maintain accurate and defensible records. 

1. Disclose conflicts of interest and recuse when appropriate. 

Minimum Qualifications

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, or quasi-judicial proceedings may be considered in lieu of formal education, consistent with county eligibility requirements.

Experience: 
Minimum two (2) years of experience in LPS hearings or behavioral health systems. 
Experience with the child and adolescent populations is preferred. 
Experience within San Bernardino County systems or court-related processes preferred.

Specialized Skills

• Knowledge of WIC §5585 and minor-specific LPS requirements 
• Ability to conduct hearings using developmentally appropriate communication techniques 
• Understanding of minor consent laws and family/guardian involvement requirements 
• Skill in assessing clinical and behavioral evidence within a developmental framework 
• Ability to ensure minors understand their rights to the extent possible 
• Strong awareness of family dynamics and their impact on participation in hearings 
• Ability to maintain neutrality while adapting communication style for minors 

• Familiarity with San Bernardino County Patients’ Rights expectations for minors 
• Strong documentation and decision-writing skills for legally defensible outcomes

Licenses/Certifications: 
All licenses must be active, unrestricted, and in good standing.