Diversion Specialist

Wheeler•Waterbury, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Diversion Specialist supports Diversion First, a statewide effort to divert Connecticut youth accused of low-level offenses from formal juvenile court processing. The program uses a restorative justice approach through the Youth Diversion Team (YDT), focusing on repairing harm, supported supervision, accountability, and addressing underlying needs. Staff screen and refer youth for services such as behavioral and mental health care, substance-use support, and trauma-related services, and provide case management throughout participation. The role coordinates referrals and community partnerships, assesses youth eligibility and needs, develops individualized case management plans, and supports youth and families in meeting diversion expectations. Services may be provided in the office or community settings. The position is based in Waterbury, Connecticut, and is full-time. The listed salary is $48,000.

Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology, counseling, or a related field.
Valid driver's license.
Access to reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

Coordinate referrals and establish and maintain referral agreements and connections with community referral sources and ancillary service providers.
Develop and maintain working relationships with the Police Department, Public Schools, Juvenile Probation, DCF, and area service providers serving children, youth, and families appearing before the community YDT.
Provide direct case management and develop individualized plans for clients and families, including interventions that support treatment completion and improved life functioning.
Assist with maintaining community YDT forms.
Maintain case management records and complete client medical-record documentation within required timelines and in compliance with Medicaid, licensing, and accreditation requirements.
Obtain youth incident reports and medical, academic, social, and physical histories, and provide materials to community YDT members as needed.
Determine YDT eligibility, obtain parental and youth agreement to participate and follow procedures, and ensure required forms are signed.
Conduct required youth screenings and prepare summary reports for community YDT members, including results and recommendations for additional assessments or services.
Work with community resource providers to implement community YDT recommendations.
Maintain family and collateral contacts as needed to ensure diversion expectations are being met.
Attend team meetings, staff meetings, and rounds to coordinate case management and review cases.
Support daily program operations as required.
Transport clients to appointments or service linkages as appropriate and provide translation to support clinical care as appropriate.
Provide services in the office and in community settings such as homes, schools, hospitals, institutions, and other locations.
Administer standardized screening tools and collect program-defined data.
Provide or support safety planning and crisis intervention with appropriate supervision and as defined by the program.
Continue developing cultural knowledge and use approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding of the groups served.