SUMMARY
This is a full-time non-exempt position primarily responsible for the provision and coordination of Criminal Justice Liaison services to clients involved in the criminal justice system. Works closely with and responsible for effective communication with all phases of the criminal justice system: prisons, courts, probation/parole, law enforcement, and magistrates. Supervises a competent unit of Criminal Justice Liaisons. Will monitor adherence to regulations and the accurate and prompt completion of all reporting, service case notes, and other required paperwork. Position also provides direct Criminal Justice Liaison services, as needed, based on the needs of the team and clients. Will assist clients in making choices for the full and appropriate use of available services through the use of consultation, service linkage, advocacy, and information about community, county, and state resources. May require work during non-traditional hours based on needs of district magistrates, county court, or other criminal justice entities. Primary work hours will be Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm with a 30-minute lunch (37.5 hours/week) unless otherwise agreed upon.
Compliance:
As with all WCSI positions, it is the expectation that employees adhere to WCSI, County, State and Federal guidelines, regulation, policies, and laws which govern the business and service of WCSI.
This position requires the employee to perform their daily job duties and responsibilities in a structured work environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Includes the following, (other duties may be assigned as deemed necessary by management):
Program Supervision and Coordination:
Responsible for the day-to-day supervision, coordination, and implementation of program activities for the purposes of efficient and effective service delivery. Monitors the compiling, maintenance, and review of necessary client records to assure compliance with county and state regulations. Ensures the preparation and maintenance of statistics and reporting. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the BH Desktop Manual.
Utilizes knowledge base and expertise of the criminal justice system and how it interfaces with the behavioral health system. An important role of the Criminal Justice Liaison Working Supervisor is to incorporate ongoing education to the collaborative community systems to improve their knowledge base regarding the behavioral health system to support ease of navigation.
Staff Supervision and Evaluation:
Provides ongoing supervision to program staff. Completes staff performance evaluations and implements agency personnel policies and procedures, as necessary. Monitors and manages staff scheduling and service provisions/services rendered. Assures the timely and accurate staff submission of service plans/service documentation and billing reports as required, and completion of monthly standards surveys. Assists in interviewing and hiring of Criminal Justice Liaison staff in conjunction with the BH Program Manager.
Liaison, Monitoring, Advocacy, and Coordination Activities:
Develops strategies for resolving specific issues of persons with mental illness and co-occurring disorders entering or moving through the criminal justice system at any level of involvement using the concepts of the “Sequential Intercept Model.” Works collaboratively with representatives from various entities in the county including local district justices, courts, crisis services, police, adult parole/probation office, public defenders, district attorneys, county prison, base service unit, and behavioral health providers.
Referral, service linkage, community support networking and development, and case monitoring are essential job duties. Documentation of all service contacts are maintained in client charts. Completes all service activity documentation accurately and promptly. Responsible for achieving the expected rate of service, as established by the program/agency.
May assist clients with urgent/emergent problem-resolution, including telephone, and in-person intervention on an as-needed basis.
Advocates for the client to ensure responsiveness from natural, community, generic and specialized services. Advocacy includes providing information, removing barriers, and creating options and resolving problems.
Works collaboratively with community resources to reduce barriers to obtaining services for this population. This ongoing collaboration and coordination will assist persons with mental illness and co-occurring disorders to obtain treatment and support services more successfully as they move through the criminal justice system at any point of involvement. A comprehensive list of resources will be identified and maintained by the Liaison for quality service delivery. This resource list will at a minimum contain the following areas: mental health and drug/alcohol treatment, crisis intervention providers, housing, vocational, transportation and any other support services to meet the individual’s needs for diversion and decreasing recidivism into the legal system.
Specialization:
Manages needs for those clients who are in the early stages of the criminal justice system. Works with district magistrates, community providers, district attorneys, public defenders, etc. to work for the possible intercept of the individual from the criminal justice system. Provides education on the Behavioral Health System to Criminal Justice professionals and judges, on the Behavioral Health system and participate in outreach activities at committees and meetings for criminal justice professionals (i.e., judges, magistrates, district attorneys, public defenders, etc.), and other community providers.
Case Documentation:
Maintains case records, documents contacts with clients and collateral contacts. Updates forms as needed. Reviews charts for compliance with department standards. Efficiently completes paperwork and other program related material.
Staff Development and Training:
Develops monthly and overall staff development/training plans for the Criminal Justice Liaison unit based upon the individual strengths/areas of weakness of each case manager. Seeks out and disseminates information regarding education opportunities within the guidelines of agency policy and procedures and within the fiscal parameters of program budgets.
Program Development and Planning:
In conjunction with the BH Program Manager, provides direction, leadership, and training to staff in reference to program planning and development in order to meet clients and overall agency needs most effectively. Responsible for development of policies and procedures and the annual reporting related to the development and operational goals, including statistical and tracking reports, of the unit. Establishes and monitors service provision/services rendered goals for staff, assures compliance with all standards established by the agency, county, and state.
Budget and Fiscal Accountability:
Under the direction and guidance of the BH Program Manager, remains familiar and up to date with program budget; helps to maintain cost effective program operation; provides necessary reports, statistics and other requested information to agency fiscal department, county and/or state. Assists Fiscal Director/Department to ensure that all possible federal revenues will be obtained.
Community Education and Public Relations:
Participation in public relations and community education activities as required. Performs public education activities within the community to gain acceptance and understanding of Criminal Justice Liaison services and other agency programs. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with clients, families, staff, superiors, and other providers including county/state agencies and professional groups/organizations.
Facilities Management:
Maintains program facilities in accordance with federal, state, county, and local regulations.
Professional/Technical Responsibilities:
Extensive knowledge of theories, principles and techniques related to criminal justice and case management services provided. Knowledge of administrative principles and procedures. Ability to establish/maintain effective working relationship with clients, associates, and agency personnel. Knowledge of community resources and ability to facilitate coordination activities. Ability to prepare clear, concise reports and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to establish effective working relationships with clients and agency personnel. Strong skills in professional presentation, communication, and effective group facilitation. Responsible for collecting and maintaining data specific to referrals, diversion, and client engagement.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Criminal Justice Liaison Working Supervisor reports to the BH Program Manager and may also take direction and guidance from the Chief Executive Officer. Directly supervises employees in the BH Division as designated on the WCSI Organizational Chart. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in a social services-related field and relevant criminal justice, case management, and supervisory experience is preferred. However, candidates with an Associate’s degree in a social services-related field with criminal justice coursework, or a high school diploma, with relevant work, supervisory, and/or lived experience, will be considered.
Language Skills:
The ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business information, periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental bulletins/regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Effectively present information, and respond to questions from agency, county, and state representatives.
Certificates, Registrations, Licenses:
Valid PA Driver’s License, Proof of Valid Auto Insurance, Act 34 (Criminal Record), and Act 33 (Child Abuse) and FBI Clearance. There will be monthly screenings of PA Medicheck List, LEIE (List of Excluded Individuals/Entities) and SAM (System for Award Management).
Other:
As a requirement of employment, certain personal information (Birth Date, Driver’s License, Diplomas, Transcripts, etc.) can be shared in a confidential communication as related to regulations, licensure and/or insurance carrier contracts.
As with all WCSI positions, this position will adhere to all random drug screening requirements, as set forth by WCSI Policy.
ENVIRONMENT, PHYSICAL and MENTAL CONDITIONS
Physical/Mental Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to operate a motor vehicle, sit, stand, walk, bend and lift objects of up to 10 pounds. The employee regularly uses a computer, phone, fax, copier, and other essential office equipment to carry out daily work assignments.
Substantial problem solving in response to urgent/emergency situations, which may require immediate action. Ability to apply principles of leadership and management in daily practice.
Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, Criminal Justice Liaison services are provided in a structured office-type setting and may also take place in the community where the client resides or needs the service, which may include providing services within the courts or the prison. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to a combination of office and outside/travel conditions and regularly exposed to moderate levels of noise. Exposure to outside weather conditions will exist.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
It is WCSI’s business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with disabilities.