Correctional Program Coordinator - Community Linkage

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Correctional Program Coordinator develops Community Behavioral Health Reentry (CBHR) interventions for adult and youth offenders with severe and persistent mental illness and/or significant substance use issues who are leaving the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction or the Ohio Department of Youth Services. Under the direction of a Mental Health Administrator 4, the Coordinator helps ensure continuity of behavioral health services and supports successful community reentry, working with offenders’ families and community supports as needed.

The position is within the Bureau of Criminal Justice. The posting identifies Trumbull Correctional Institution in Leavittsburg, Ohio, as the report-in location, with coverage that may include Lake Erie Correctional, Ohio State Penitentiary, and Northeast Ohio Correctional Complex. Normal hours are Monday through Friday, though hours may vary and unusual work schedules or arrangements may be required. The role may involve travel to community sites under contract with DBH, exposure to potentially violent clients, unusual noise or odors, and contagious diseases. Selected applicants must complete approximately four weeks of Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction training at the Corrections Training Academy in Orient, Ohio.

This is a permanent, full-time hourly classified position covered by the Ohio Health Care SEIU/1199 bargaining unit. Compensation is listed as $29.95 per hour. The position reports to a Mental Health Administrator 4.

Requirements

• Hold current certification or credentials in at least one of the following: Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II (LCDC II); Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III (LCDC III); Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC); Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW); Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC); Professional Counselor (PC); Licensed Social Worker (LSW); licensed physician; licensed psychologist; registered nurse; Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist; or Licensed Independent Marriage & Family Therapist. The credential must be issued by the applicable State of Ohio licensing board.
• Submit official transcripts for all post-secondary education, coursework, or degrees listed on the application before receiving a formal employment offer. Failure to provide transcripts within five business days of request results in disqualification.
• Complete approximately four weeks of required Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction training at the Corrections Training Academy in Orient, Ohio.
• Undergo a criminal background check if selected as the final candidate.
• Submit to urinalysis for illegal drug use before appointment if tentatively selected.

Responsibilities

• Review offender information and interview offenders and/or ODRC or ODYS treatment teams to develop comprehensive community reentry plans.
• Assess needs related to mental health, substance use, financial and housing assistance, and other community reentry supports.
• Help offenders meet identified needs through education, linkages, referrals, housing attainment support, and submission of required paperwork for SSI and Medicaid eligibility determinations.
• Provide small-group interventions as needed to address behavioral-health-related reentry needs.
• Advise ODRC and ODYS institutional staff, parole staff, and community providers on community reentry for offenders with behavioral health disorders.
• Maintain knowledge of community treatment systems and resources serving adults and youth with behavioral health disorders and/or serious emotional disturbance.
• Review CBHR program data with the supervisor and respond appropriately to findings.
• Represent DBH at meetings and conferences focused on the CBHR program.
• Act as a liaison between DBH and stakeholders, including adult and youth prisons, parole authorities, ADAMH boards, providers, schools, and community organizations.
• Maintain data documents required by federal, state, and local agencies.
• Prepare social histories and admission and aftercare summaries, and complete forms required by law or department policy.
• Obtain releases of information required to perform job duties.
• Serve on committees and workgroups related to community behavioral health reentry.
• Participate in department meetings, quality improvement sessions, joint-agency meetings, monthly staff meetings, procedure reviews, mandatory trainings, and related activities.
• Maintain effective working relationships with facilities, agencies, and support services to coordinate referrals and conduct follow-up services as needed.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after the eligibility period.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave, plus 11 paid holidays per year.
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave.
• Education and development opportunities, including employee development funds and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Public retirement systems, including OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS, and optional deferred compensation through Ohio Deferred Compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed