Case Worker - Conditional Release / Competency - Racine County

Wisconsin Community Services • Racine, WI

214d • Remote

About The Position

Join a Great Team! We are a growing, innovative program serving individuals who have been found guilty of committing a crime but not criminally responsible due to mental disease or defect. Working in collaboration with DHS and DOC our goal is to enhance community safety by accurately identifying client risk factors/treatment needs, effective delivery of high-quality mental health services and engaging a collaborative team approach of the conditionally released client. We are seeking people with the following qualities: Compassionate; self-directed; a team player who also works well independently; detail oriented; open to learning and new experiences; creativity; a sense of humor. Interested in gaining experience in the mental health field? Looking for a position that is dynamic and challenging that also provides manageable caseloads and an emphasis on work/life balance? Working as a case manager in the Conditional Release (CR) program offers many unique opportunities and benefits: Our case managers serve adults who have serious and persistent mental illness. Your work will make a significant impact to those who are often overlooked and underserved. WCS is a qualifying nonprofit agency under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Our culture is team-oriented, and one of support and dedication to each other. Opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in mental health care, case management, and the criminal justice system.

Requirements

• Knowledge of and experience in mental health and substance use services including assessment, treatment plan development, psychotropic medications, side effects and symptom management.
• Knowledge of the legal system and forensic psychiatric issues; risk management.
• Resourcefulness and flexibility responding to changing participant needs.
• Knowledge of entitlements such as Medicaid, Medicare, SSI/SSDI, Veterans benefits; above average written and verbal communication skills.
• Positive interpersonal skills.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as a team member.
• Have proficient computer skills.
• Interest and commitment to social justice.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's Degree in a related human service field.
• Experience in case management and service coordination.
• Experience serving people with a mental illness, substance use disorder, or other special populations required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and an insured, safe, operable automobile.
• Must be able to pass criminal and caregiver background checks.

Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing service coordination, treatment planning, advocacy and monitoring to residents of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Kenosha counties who are participants in the OARS Program, Conditional Release Program, Outpatient Competency Restoration Program and/or Jail-Based Competency Restoration Program.
• Coordinate, plan, and ensure follow through with community treatment for individuals participating in the OARS, CR, OCRP and/or JBCR Programs.
• Engage and develop a supportive one-to-one therapeutic relationship with each participant.
• Incorporate evidence-based practices into the provision of services including but not limited to Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, and Person-Centered Planning.
• Utilize MI skills as a primary approach to enhance participant participation and success.
• Monitor ongoing treatment needs and compliance with treatment for all program participants by providing assessment, treatment planning, assertive case management, symptom management, medication monitoring, crisis-intervention, and coordination of multi-disciplinary team meetings as per program protocols and the Department of Health Services contract.
• Responsible for developing and submitting the following court documents for CR participants as required: Predisposition Investigation, Conditional Release Plan, Treatment Plan Adjustment, Adjustment Summary, Discharge/Transition Plan as well as all Status Report documents.
• Coordinate team staffings with DHS/Department of Corrections and other treatment team members.
• Maintain safety practices and continually assess potential risk when in the community and when working with participants.
• Coordinate community support services and/or directly aid participants with activities of daily living.
• Encourage and assist each participant with the development of a natural support system including family members, neighbors, friends, the community, etc.
• Create and maintain participant service documents including but not limited to case notes, assessments, Individual Service Plans, Quarterly Progress Notes, crisis plans, budgets, suicide risk assessments, and release of information forms within expected program timeframes.
• Comply with program and DHS quality standards, SharePoint protocols, format requirements and timeframes for all documents and communications.
• Ensure maximum participant financial contribution and third-party payment toward cost-of-service provision by applying for appropriate insurance benefits.
• Provide on-going communication and coordination with treatment providers, DOC, mental health institution staff, court personnel, prison/jail staff, and other service agencies.
• Frequent home visits and transportation of participants in the community using personal vehicles.
• Develop and practice MI skills through training, coaching, and participant contact to attain basic fidelity within 12 months/advanced fidelity within 24 months of employment.
• Participate in MI coaching sessions and complete DHS required surveys as required.
• Complete MI audio recording and written Test of Knowledge as required.
• Build and nurture positive relationships with stakeholders and funder(s).
• Timely collection of necessary medical records, lab results and information for participants per program protocol.
• Rotational crisis line coverage.
• Appear and testify at court hearings.
• Attend trainings, meetings, and staffings.
• Participate in new staff shadowing rotation.
• Other job-related duties may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position.

Benefits

• Opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in mental health care, case management, and the criminal justice system.
• Supportive team-oriented culture.
• Qualifying nonprofit agency under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Personal and Laundry Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree