Caseworker (PREA)

Lancaster County•Lancaster, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The PREA Caseworker is responsible for ensuring PREA compliance at the Lancaster County Prison. This role involves coordinating an orientation program for inmates regarding PREA policies and procedures, managing associated documentation, and screening inmates for risks of sexual victimization or abusiveness, with periodic reassessments. The position collaborates with security and treatment departments to offer case management services and acts as a liaison with external sexual assault counseling providers and support services for incarcerated survivors.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice or a field directly related to criminal corrections; OR A bachelor’s degree which includes or is supplemented by 12 college credits in criminology, criminal justice, sociology, social welfare, psychology, human services or other related behavioral/social sciences and one year of relevant professional casework/counseling experience with a public or private social services provider.
Familiarity with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and the accompanying standards for adult prisons and jails.
Ability to work under normal conditions of the job.
Does not pose a direct threat to the health and safety of the individual or others in the workplace.
Ability to work with minimum supervision.
Ability to quickly learn new skills as required.
Use of a computer and software such as the Unified Case Management System (UCM) and Microsoft Office to complete required daily responsibilities.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and written.
Valid PA Driver's License
Pass pre-employment drug screening.
Pass criminal background checks.
Pass Pennsylvania Childline clearance
Pass PREA background check
Must be able to sit for long periods throughout the day, with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting and reaching as necessary to carry out job duties, throughout a correctional high-rise facility.
Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands; feet/legs; and torso as necessary to carry out job duties.
Medium work with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of 25 pounds.
Must be able to cope with the physical, mental and emotional stress of the job.
Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.
Maintain emotional stability during stressful situations.
Work is primarily sedentary in nature, but inmate escorting is necessary.
Must be able to work in an environment that is not climate controlled.
Must be comfortable working with a diverse inmate population.

Nice To Haves

one year or more of experience working in the correctional/criminal justice system is preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate an orientation for all incoming inmates to the Prison’s PREA policies and procedures and accurately complete all associated paperwork in a timely manner.
Complete one-on-one screenings of inmates to detect risk of sexual victimization or abusiveness, including periodically reassessing each inmate’s risk level as necessary.
Complete all required follow-up related to the intake and screening processes, including preparing written reports as necessary.
Forward all documentation to appropriate staff and administration.
Assist, as directed, in conducting interviews of inmates using motivational interviewing techniques and drafting reports while maintaining the integrity of the investigative process.
Assist the PREA Compliance Manager and the Training Department in educating LCP staff, contracted personnel, volunteers, attorneys and outside visitors on PREA policies and procedures.
Complete and submit monthly reports to Deputy Warden of Inmate Services.
Use basic counseling techniques to assist inmates during their incarceration.
Assist inmates with problem resolution.
Perform written assessments of inmates on assigned caseload as directed.
Follow all prison safety and security procedures.
Maintain institutional security and rehabilitative standards through classification guidelines.
Assist inmates with issues outside the institution that influence incarceration.
Perform intake evaluations using established format and forward information concerning mental health, medical, drug & alcohol, or security issues to appropriate departments.
Serve as liaison between inmates and a wide range of community volunteer programming and internal agencies such as Probation & Parole, Children & Youth, Public Defenders, private attorneys, etc.
Encourage inmates on assigned caseload to participate in institutional and community-based self-improvement programs for the purpose of re-entry into the community.
Provide instruction for programming related to treatment and/or re-entry to facilitate inmate’s successful re-integration into the community.
Assist classification chairperson with classification process and related paperwork.
Review and maintain accurate files of inmate behavioral history and update inmate behavioral, disciplinary, and program records using in-house computerized inmate management system.
Review special status sheets, disciplinary board actions, and other reports as they pertain to housing assignments.
Knowledge/usage of relevant equipment related to the security/law enforcement field including but not limited to handcuffs, shackles, security belt, spit protective shield/net, metal detection devices, computer/mainstream computer software, weapons (lethal/less lethal), etc.…as approved by Administration.
Ability to use counseling techniques to assist inmates with problem resolution.
Extensive interaction with inmate population required.
Assist other departments by supervising/coordinating additional programs as needed.
Attend all mandatory training (CPR, Suicide Prevention, etc.)
Serve as backup to other Inmate Services Department positions when vacancies occur due to vacation or medical leave.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
The percentage of time spent on essential duties will vary as the needs of the job require.
Must be able to escort inmates to all areas of the prison when required.
Prepare comprehensive written reports