Case Manager - Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD)

The Case Manager for Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) responds to referrals from police and community members within Chelan & Douglas Counties to provide intensive case management for people whose unlawful behavior is driven by unmet needs related to substance use, mental illness, or extreme poverty. The LEAD model is based on principles of harm-reduction and non-displacement, utilizing intensive case management, peer outreach and counseling, a trauma informed care perspective, specially tailored interventions, and cultural competency to support the goals of diverting participants from the criminal justice system, reducing recidivism, and improving quality of life. LEAD case management replaces clinic-based care with community-based, low-barrier, participant-driven outreach, engagement, and care. Case Managers help participants identify their goals and interests, work to understand fears and barriers, and use motivational interviewing to support behavioral shifts that help participants secure available services and resources to advance their progress and well-being.

Responsibilities:

• Receive referrals from officers and dispatch immediately to referral locations within Chelan & Douglas Counties to engage with the referred participant and complete an initial screening
• Engage participants in a street level outreach at their homes and in the community to develop an ongoing working relationship to offer and engage in services
• Assess participants for immediate and basic needs such as housing support, substance use treatment, physical health, mental health, health benefits/insurance, food and clothing, etc.
• Collaborate with participants to develop an individualized service plan that is specific and tailored to the individual's basic needs, healthcare, behavioral health treatment/services, safety, and self-change goals
• Help participants accomplish goals set in their individualized service plan such as accessing services, connecting to substance use treatment or harm reduction services, navigating local resources, completing applications and forms, accompanying to appointments, and developing skills for independent living
• Respond to and follow-up on social contact and community referrals in a timely manner and according to processes determined in collaboration with the Policy Coordinating Group (PCG)
• Participate in the on-call rotation to respond to referrals from law enforcement
• Provide transportation to participants as needed using an agency-owned vehicle
• Advocate for participants with other providers and within the criminal legal system at court appearances, consistent with the LEAD model and core principles
• Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with LEAD partners including prosecutors, law enforcement, substance use and mental health providers, Chelan County Regional Jail, housing providers, and other community stakeholders
• Attend and participate in Operational Work Group (OWG) meetings, staff meetings, multi-disciplinary team meetings, individual or group supervision, and other meetings as required.
• Identify system barriers and potential solutions that address the needs of participants and share these observations with OWG and PCG.
• Communicate with partners in similar diversion initiatives across the state to collaborate and develop best practices
• Develop and maintain participant files according to LEAD and Catholic Charities requirements and utilizes databases and technology as required
• Obtain required consent forms, multi-party release of information, and other documentation and follow all agency policies regarding confidentiality and other consumer rights
• Performs other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:The following requirements are those that are normally required for the performance of this position. Any disabled applicant or incumbent who does not meet one or more of the physical requirements, but who can perform the essential function of the job (with or without reasonable accommodations) shall be deemed to meet these requirements.

Physical Requirements: This position normally requires physical demands of standing, walking, bending, lifting or performing other work requiring low physical exertion, talking and hearing on a regular basis to perform the job requirements. These physical demands are required up to 80% of the time. Position also requires ability to drive with adequate vision and skill.

This position requires extensive travel in the community including working in clients' homes and other community locations. Requires the ability to tolerate exposure to tobacco smoke, domestic animals, and other conditions common to a variety of home environments.

Non-Physical Requirements:

Education & Experience

• Two years of experience providing behavioral health services required
• Associate degree in social services, psychology, or a related field preferred. Two additional years of related work experience may be considered in lieu of an associate degree.

Special Skills

• Requires the ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekend as requested
• Experience serving populations impacted by extreme poverty, behavioral health conditions, and mental illness from a harm reduction model of care, with street outreach experience highly desirable
• Knowledge and experience to support participants within the criminal justice system including in court appearances and written communication
• Effectively communicate and problem-solve under pressure in high-stress situations. Ability to set boundaries, resolve conflict, and de-escalate issues
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, participants, and outside contacts from a wide variety of ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds
• Ability to prioritize workload and daily activities and complete tasks timely and efficiently
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred, but not required

Licensure, Registration, Certification

• Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor credential with the WA Dept. of Health
• Valid Washington State driver's license and minimum required liability insurance for WA State
• Must be deemed insurable as determined by Catholic Charities' liability insurance provider

Employment is conditional upon:

• Being cleared by criminal background check and fingerprinting when required

Wage:$23.32 - $28.62 per hour, depending on experience

Schedule:Monday - Friday, 8 am to 5 pm

Benefits:

• 13 paid holidays, 12 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave per year
• Health insurance including medical & prescription coverage, with optional dental and vision insurance plans. Majority of premiums paid by Catholic Charities
• Retirement 403(b) Plan: employee contributions commence upon employment; Catholic Charities contributes 2% of monthly income and matches up to 4% of employee contributions following 6 months of employment
• Basic Life Insurance paid 100% by Catholic Charities
• Flexible Spending Account eligibility following 6 months of employment
• Education Assistance Program reimbursing up to $5,250 per year for approved continuing education after 6 months of employment
• Additional voluntary insurances including supplemental life, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), critical illness, long term disability, accident, and ID theft
• Employee Assistance Program includes 3 counseling sessions per year, legal consultations, financial coaching, and other wellbeing tools
• Annual longevity awards begin at 5 years of employment

It is the practice of Catholic Charities to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, citizenship status, marital status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, sexual orientation, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We gladly offer reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to support participation in the hiring process and employment.