Social Services Coordinator - Metropolitan Detention Center

Bernalillo County•Albuquerque, NM

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Social Services Coordinator, under general direction from supervisor, is responsible for the intake, interview and assessment of inmates in accordance with pertinent Federal, State laws and departmental policies and procedures. Reviews inmate history and records to determine eligibility for social services benefits/program which is not limited to: housing, shelters, treatment, food stamps, Medicaid, discharge planning, medical service centers, community custody, and other pertinent resources. Confidentiality and knowledge of Federal and State laws and regulations are critical in carrying out assignments. This is a correctional facilities work environment which requires direct interactions with inmates who are designated at various levels of classifications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in related field.
Three (3) years of work experience in criminal justice, social work, counseling, case management or related field; OR any related combination of education from an accredited college or university or related experience totaling seven (7) years in criminal justice, social work, counseling, case management or related field. Related education and experience may substitute for the required education and experience and may be interchangeable on a year for year basis.
Knowledge of the basic operations, services and activities of a correctional program, program development and implementation, and the operation of the court system.
Knowledge of community social services and benefits available to inmate's reentering the community.
Knowledge of counseling and case management techniques.
Knowledge of the methods and techniques of determining security level required for individuals and the principles and practices governing inmates' rights.
Skill in the use of computers to generate reports and maintain records.
Ability to interview and evaluate inmates for program eligibility and the ability to interpret court documents.
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, in oral and written English.
Ability to work flexible schedule to include evening and weekend hours.
Ability to analyze hazardous situations in a rational, mature and confident manner and to act effectively; to remain calm and effective under stressful situations.
Ability to interact effectively and professionally with administration, subordinates, co-workers, inmates, and the general public.
Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions; project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with staff, subordinates, County officials, and the general public.
Successful completion of a post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
Adherence to all County safety guidelines.
Complete all FEMA training(s) assigned to this position.
Possession of a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the date of hire and maintenance of a valid license while employed in this position.
Complete required supervisor training, if applicable.
Employee must successfully complete and attain within nine (9) months from date of hire: 1) National Institute of Corrections Evidence Based Practices, Course #4, "Essential Elements of Case Planning, and 2) the Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility training program through the State of New Mexico.

Responsibilities

Conducts case management services for assigned inmates; assesses inmates' needs including but not limited to: drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, behavioral health, and provide reentry resources.
Acts as key point of contact for assigned units/inmates to solicit for and assists in the enrollment for benefits/enrollment/eligibility programs.
Conducts initial interviews with inmates; reviews prior history of detention or arrest; reviews documents from other facilities or prisons as required; prepares, maintains, and updates inmate files, consulting with other department staff and outside professionals to ensure the proper discharge planning to include processing of social services documentation.
Responsible for the timely and accurate documentation and reporting of case management processes; maintains case notes and complete associated documentation.
Creates and maintains partnerships to facilitate effective social services initiatives and outcomes.
Serves as liaison with community benefit providers and MDC.
Monitors program compliance with laws, rules and regulations related to case management services policies and other standard operating procedures.
When assignment is located at the Community Custody Program (CCP), acts as primary liaison and performs focused services with all facets of the criminal justice system by facilitating classification to CCP by court order or through a review process and ensure timely and accurate follow-up on all aspects of communication, to include reporting and recording requirements and other duties related to CCP as outlined above.
Performs other job-related duties as required or assigned.