Forensic Case Manager

Provides direct and indirect services for individuals involved in the Criminal Justice System who are diagnosed with a mental illness and/or co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder . Major responsibilities include independent assessment, monitoring, advocacy, and follow-up for a specified caseload as clients move throughout the mental health and criminal justice system.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Implements and provides services based on client need:
   1. Be the “go-to” resource for the client served
   2. Assure that there is effective “safety net’ resources for the client served
   3. Clearly communicate to the client what they can expect from the system and what the system will expect of them
   4. Assure there is periodic assessment and cross system planning to meet the client’s needs while utilizing their strengths
   5. Prepare for, convene/facilitate service planning meetings and provide follow-up after meetings
   6. Assure there is cross system coordination of services and that services are being provided
   7. Assist the client in developing and using natural supports
   8. Be a persistent advocate for those served and give feedback on systemic problems
   9. Provide a consistent positive outlook that encourages recovery and full inclusion in the community.
2. Provide support and advocacy to clients through court proceedings.
3. Meets productivity and complies with all policies and procedures of Justice Related Services.
4. Effectively and efficiently manages a caseload as evidenced by adhering to all standards, maintaining current records, turning all reportable notes in daily, completing all court service plans, and authorizations as per established time frames, and is present and prepared for supervision.
5. Complete assessment and service plan which includes assessing the function level to determine appropriateness for placement in the community.
6. In collaboration with treatment and court partners, develop a written service plan that determines how case management, housing and treatment services will be provided and the on-going role of the Justice Related Services County Support Specialist.
7. Collaborate with the client’s team in a multi-disciplinary approach (Torrance State Hospital Regional Forensic Psychiatric Center, Allegheny County Jail Mental Health Unit, Probation, Court of Common Pleas, and other service providers in a multi-disciplinary approach).
8. Assist the client in locating and obtaining needed services.
9. Monitoring of service delivery.
10. Contact provider agencies on a periodic basis to determine status of progress with the service plan.
11. Participate in ongoing training in the mental health and criminal justice field.
12. Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

1. Ability to work in a team-oriented atmosphere.
2. Ability to be attentive to detail.
3. Demonstrated organizational skills and meet all deadlines with all paperwork.
4. Ability to be a self-starter and creative in identifying solutions to problems; knowing when to inform supervisor when obstacles arise
5. Knowledge of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
6. Ability to adapt to learn new software products.
7. Ability to work with people from a variety of diverse agencies, backgrounds, resources, and communities.
8. Good communication skills.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Possess Act 33 and 34 Clearances.
2. Upon hire employee must obtain Institutional Clearances through the National Crimes Informational Center (NCIC) conducted by The Internal Affairs Dept of the Allegheny County Jail.
3. Obtain yearly Institutional Clearances through the National Crimes Informational Center (NCIC) conducted by The Internal Affairs Dept of the Allegheny County Jail.
4. Have a valid Pennsylvania motor vehicle license, access to a personal vehicle, and have maximum auto insurance on an employee driven vehicle.
5. Computer skills.
6. Ability to work independently.
7. Full time position requiring 38.75 hours per week.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s Degree and one year work experience working directly with persons with behavioral health needs or persons involved in the criminal justice system, OR a bachelor’s degree and two years’ work experience working directly with persons with behavioral health needs or persons involved in the criminal justice system.