Diversion Specialist

Dauphin County • Harrisburg, PA

20h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Diversion Specialist will conduct screening tools and/or assessments for individuals entering the Judicial Center as part of the assembly line process. This role involves coordinating with appropriate entities for arraignment and diversionary opportunities, including Pretrial, Drug and Alcohol, CMU, and Community Providers. Coordination may occur with community entities and/or jail staff. The specialist will also coordinate necessary community supports if diversion occurs, collaborate with criminal justice entities and human service providers for continuity of care, and conduct follow-ups as needed. Responsibilities include maintaining computerized and manual records, assisting correctional officers and law enforcement in identifying individuals needing emergency mental health treatment or other community supports to divert them from the criminal justice system, improving communication between human service providers, the criminal justice system, and the community, and gathering data for report preparation. Referrals will be reviewed with a supervisor, and follow-ups conducted as requested.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, social science, psychology/social work, or a related field preferred or an associate degree and any acceptable combination of education, training, and work experience in a related field.
• Must pass a criminal background check and receive applicable child abuse clearances prior to employment and, after hiring, become CLEAN certified.
• Skilled in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Must possess knowledge in the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, Rules of Criminal Procedure, and the criminal justice community in the Central Pennsylvania area.
• Must possess interpersonal skills to interface with other members of the criminal justice community, mental health system and network of providers and Dauphin County government.
• One to two years of criminal justice and/or human services experience preferred.
• Knowledge of basic principles and practices of modern corrections.
• Knowledge of basic counseling and crisis-intervention techniques.
• Knowledge of individual behavior models.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state and local statutes, ordinances, and rules and regulations; knowledge of pertinent Prison emergency plans and procedures.
• Knowledge of pertinent procedures of District Justice Court; Public Defender's Office; and District Attorney’s Office.
• Knowledge of community-based agencies and resources, public and private.
• Skill in identifying sources of interpersonal conflict and assessing need for further treatment or security intervention.
• Ability to communicate clearly, in oral and written English.
• Ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to assess and report upon individual and group behavior.
• Ability to work occasionally irregular hours, in an inherently stressful environment.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, within established bounds.
• Ability to establish effective work relationships with persons of diverse culture and educational attainment, including (but not limited to) superiors; peers; security staff; inmates, their families, friends and advocates; public and private community-based and voluntary agencies; law enforcement and social-service professionals; and other interested persons.

Nice To Haves

• A Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, social science, psychology/social work, or a related field.
• One to two years of criminal justice and/or human services experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct screening tools and/or assessments for individuals coming into the Judicial Center as part of the assembly line process.
• Coordinate with appropriate entities as part of the arraignment process and diversionary opportunities (Pretrial, Drug and Alcohol, CMU, Community Providers, etc.).
• Coordinate any necessary community supports as appropriate if diversion occurs.
• Collaborate with criminal justice entities and human service providers as necessary for continuity of care.
• Conduct any follow ups as necessary with the individual and/or other team members.
• Maintains computerized and manual records and logs.
• Assist correctional officers and/or Law Enforcement with identifying someone that may need emergency mental health treatment, other community supports, and diverting away from the criminal justice system.
• Improve communication and coordination between and among human service providers, the criminal justice system and the larger community.
• Gather all necessary data and assist in preparation of reports.
• Review referrals with supervisor and/or other team members.
• Conduct follow ups as requested and deemed appropriate.
• Attend meetings, trainings, and seminars as required.
• Performs any other duties as assigned by the Diversion Coordinator.

Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer
• Inclusive workplace free of discrimination and harassment
• Affords equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree