Diversion Specialist

Wheeler•Waterbury, CT

About The Position

Diversion First is a statewide Connecticut effort to divert youth charged with low-level offenses from formal processing in the juvenile justice system and improve their long-term outcomes. The program uses the Youth Diversion Team (YDT) model, a restorative justice approach focused on repairing harm, supported supervision, addressing underlying needs, and strengthening youths’ connection to their communities and pro-social behaviors. Staff screen and refer youth for needs such as behavioral or mental health support, substance use services, and trauma-related services. Participants receive case management support throughout the process. The Diversion Specialist coordinates referrals and community service linkages, builds relationships with relevant agencies and providers, and provides direct case management to youth and families. The role includes eligibility determination, screening, documentation and records management, coordinating YDT recommendations, maintaining family and collateral contacts, attending team meetings, and supporting program operations. Services may take place in the office or in community settings, and the specialist may transport clients, provide translation, and support safety planning and crisis intervention under appropriate supervision.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology, counseling, or a related field.
Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

Coordinate referrals and establish and maintain referral agreements and linkages with community referral sources and ancillary service providers.
Develop and maintain working relationships with the Police Department, Public Schools, Juvenile Probation, DCF, and area providers serving children, youth, and families appearing before the community YDT.
Provide direct case management services and develop plans for assigned clients and families, including interventions intended to improve treatment completion and life functioning.
Assist in maintaining forms for the community YDT.
Maintain case management records and complete client medical-record documentation within required timelines and in compliance with Medicaid, licensing, and accreditation requirements.
Obtain past incident reports and medical, academic, social, and physical histories of referred youth, and provide materials to YDT members as needed.
Determine YDT eligibility, obtain parent and youth agreement to participate, and ensure appropriate forms are signed.
Conduct required youth screenings and prepare summary reports for YDT members, including assessment results and recommendations for additional assessments or services.
Work with community resource providers to implement YDT recommendations.
Maintain family and collateral contact 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-specific operational functions as required.
Transport clients to appointments or linkages as appropriate.
Provide translation to support clinical care as appropriate.
Provide services in the office and/or community settings, including homes, schools, hospitals, institutions, and other community locations, as defined by the program.
Administer standardized screening tools and collect program-defined data.
Provide and/or support safety planning and crisis intervention with appropriate supervision and as defined by the program.
Continue developing knowledge and understanding of the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expression of groups served, and use culturally informed methodological approaches, skills, and techniques.