Case Worker III (Conditional Release - Forensic Specialist)

at  Wisconsin Community Services

JOIN A GREAT TEAM!

We are a growing, innovative program serving individuals who have been found guilty of committing a crime but not criminally responsible due to mental disease or defect. Working in collaboration with DHS and DOC our goal is to enhance community safety by accurately identifying client risk factors/treatment needs, effective delivery of high-quality mental health services and engaging a collaborative team approach of the conditionally released client. We are seeking people with the following qualities: Compassionate; self-directed; a team player who also works well independently; detail oriented; open to learning and new experiences; creativity; a sense of humor.
We are currently hiring 1 individual to serve clients primarily in Milwaukee and Waukesha.
Interested in gaining experience in the mental health field? Looking for a position that is dynamic and challenging that also provides manageable caseloads and an emphasis on work/life balance?

Working as a case manager in the Conditional Release (CR) program offers many unique opportunities and benefits:

• Our case managers serve adults who have serious and persistent mental illness. Your work will make a significant impact to those who are often overlooked and underserved.
• WCS is a qualifying nonprofit agency under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Our culture is team-oriented, and one of support and dedication to each other.
• Opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in mental health care, case management, and the criminal justice system.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Minimal Qualifications and Salary Schedule:
Bachelor’s Degree in related human service field; experience in case management and service coordination; experience with mentally ill, substance abusing individuals or other special populations required; must have a valid driver’s license and a safe, operable, insured automobile; must be able to pass an agency and DHS criminal background check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of and experience in mental health and substance abuse services including assessment, treatment plan development, psychotropic medications, side effects and symptom management; knowledge of the legal system and forensic psychiatric issues; risk management; resourcefulness and flexibility responding to changing client needs; knowledge of entitlements such as Medicaid, Medicare, SSI/SSDI, Veterans benefits; above average written and verbal communication skills; positive interpersonal skills; good organizational and time management skills; ability to work independently as well as a team member; familiarity with computers; interest and commitment to social justice.
Other Job Information (if applicable):

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Position Summary: Provide ongoing service coordination, monitoring, treatment planning and advocacy to residents of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Jefferson, Walworth, Racine and Kenosha, who are committed under WI Stat 971.17, Not Guilty by Reason of Mental Disease or Defect, and OCRP (Outpatient Competency Restoration Program).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinate, plan and monitor community treatment for individuals in the Outpatient Competency Restoration Program (OCRP)
• Engage and develop a supportive one to one therapeutic relationship with clients
• Utilize Motivational Interviewing (MI) skills as a primary approach to enhance client participation and success
• Develop and practice MI skills through training, coaching and client contact to attain basic fidelity within 12 months/advanced fidelity within 24 months of employment as outlined in the program contract
• Participate in MI coaching sessions and complete required surveys (MI Self-Assessment and the Evaluation of MI Coaching Session) monthly
• Complete MI audio recording and written Test of Knowledge, reviewing both with MI coach on a quarterly basis
• Responsible for developing and submitting the following court documents when appropriate: Predispositional Investigations, Conditional Release Plan, Treatment Alternative Plan, Discharge/Transition Plan as well as all Status Report documents.
• Coordinate and plan community treatment for those individuals who have been found NGI, and have been granted a conditional release by the court. This includes community support services and/or directly provide assistance to clients with activities of daily living to include, but not limited to, coaching and hands on assistance in the area of housing, money management, vocational/educational pursuits, scheduling and transportation to appointments
• Monitor ongoing treatment needs and compliance for all program clients by providing assessment, treatment planning, case management, symptom management, medication monitoring/observation (as outlined in the program protocol), crisis-intervention and coordination of multi-disciplinary team meetings as outlined in the DHS contract
• Encourage and develop natural supports for each client including family members, neighbors, friends, community members, etc.
• Respond to crisis situations using agency approved approaches/techniques.
• Maintain safety practices and continually assess potential risk when in the community and when working with clients
• Ensure maximum client financial contribution and third party payment toward cost of service provision by applying for appropriate insurance benefits, using to the fullest extent patient assistance programs, county services and community resources.
• Frequent home visits and transporting of client in the community using personal vehicle.
• Create and maintain client service documents including but not limited to: Intake Assessment, TIC assessments, treatment plans/individualized care plans; quarterly reports; suicide risk assessments; crisis plans; client budget, release of information forms and AFH Justifications forms.
• Comply with DHS quality standards, SharePoint protocols, format requirements and time frames for all court submitted plans and communications as well as DHS Contract Deliverables.
• Build and nurture positive relationships with stakeholders and funder(s)
• Provide on-going communication and coordination with the court system, treatment providers, DOC, institutional staff, and other service agencies.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collect necessary legal and clinical background information for OCRP and NGI clients.
• Rotational crisis line coverage
• Appear and testify at court hearings
• Attend trainings, meetings, and staffings as needed.
• Review and respond to emails and phone messages on a daily basis
• Other job-related duties as may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position.
  Job Qualifications: