LEAD Case Manager

REACH PROJECT INC•City of Ithaca, NY

1d•$25 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

This full-time REACH position provides critical case management services in support of the City of Ithaca LEAD project. REACH provides low-threshold, harm reduction-oriented primary care in a multi-disciplinary, integrated practice to further the REACH Mission of ensuring health equity to all who typically face stigma in the current healthcare system. LEAD is a collaboration involving local police, prosecutors, public defenders, corrections officers, and social service providers, designed to divert individuals arrested or suspected of low-level drug offenses and/or other misdemeanors into social services rather than the criminal justice system. The LEAD team is passionate about creating a welcoming, hospitable environment while providing quality services in a client/patient-centered manner. We value diversity as part of our commitment to social justice, and appreciate hard work, creativity, and enthusiasm. The Case Manager role is critical to the LEAD project in providing client engagement and intensive case management services to individuals suspected of low-level drug offenses and other misdemeanors. The Case Manager will provide direct services to a caseload of approximately 25 individuals.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience serving populations impacted by extreme poverty, behavioral health conditions, and mental illness from a harm reduction model of care.
Possession of a valid New York State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License (local travel on behalf of the agency is a job requirement).

Responsibilities

Provide Outreach and Intensive Case Management services for assigned clients.
In collaboration with clients, develop, implement, evaluate, and update as required/appropriate Individualized service plans and or recovery plans (for individuals with substance use disorder or co-occurring mental health diagnoses) these plans should include the following components.
Engage participants on the street and at social service provider facilities to establish a working relationship and offer services.
Assess participants for severity of health, behavioral and/or drug user health needs including but not limited to housing, nutrition, clothing, safety, security, etc.
Assist participants in gaining awareness and access to support services and a variety of funding programs (e.g., SSI, VA).
Work with individuals to utilize public transportation independently and accompany participants to medical appointments as needed.
Assist participants in finding housing and maintaining occupancy.
Provide non-clinical crisis support after hospitalization, incarceration, and other occurrences that might cause distress.
Educate, engage and refer individuals with substance use disorder and or co-occurring mental health diagnoses about the various modes of recovery, formal recovery supports, and options for treatment.
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with LEAD partners including Ithaca Police Department, Tompkins County Sheriff, city, and prosecutors’ offices.
Provide advocacy and support for participants within the criminal justice system including court appearances and written communication.
Develop and maintain accessible participant files and timely documentation.
Other duties as assigned by REACH supervisor.