Alternative Sentencing Coordinator I (X)

About the Position

This job posting will remain open until the department receives a competitive number of applications.

Career Opportunity

The city of Las Vegas invites applications for Alternative Sentencing Coordinator I.

Generally, this position will:

• administer clinical and non-clinical screens, assessments, and evaluations;
• provide on-going case management and program coordination; and
• make recommendations regarding policies, procedures and program development for assigned Alternative Sentencing and/or Specialty Court area.

Completing the Application

Applicants should fully describe, for each applicable employer, their qualifications and experience, with specific reference to each of the minimum qualifications and essential functions found in the job posting.

Examination Process

A civil service examination will be conducted in accordance with the Civil Service Rules of the city of Las Vegas. The supplemental questions are the examination. It is important that you provide as much detail as possible when answering these questions.

Falsification of information may result in disqualification from a recruitment or removal from a City position. Additional information will not be accepted after the closing date. The supplemental questions are weighted 100% for placement on an eligible list, and must be worked on individually by the applicant only. The supplemental questions of all qualified applicants will be reviewed for placement on an eligible list.

Selection Process

Final candidate selection will include list placement and may include hiring interview (if applicable). Any individual offered employment will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test, complete background check, and may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform the physical requirements of the job. This position requires preliminary background check.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is the first class in the Alternative Sentencing Coordinator series. This class is distinguished from Alternative Sentencing Coordinator II by a lesser requirement of certifications and licenses.

Supervision Received and Exercised:

Receives direction from the Court Programs Administrator or Division Manager.

Essential Functions:

• Evaluates and/or assesses participants through observation, interview, assessment and direct contact using the current revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders and other approved diagnostic tools.

• Facilitates and/or coordinates court-ordered individual and group sessions and educational programming, in accordance with state and federal regulations.

• Responds to crises and performs crisis management in conjunction with program participant case plans.

• Assists with reviewing, evaluating and improving Specialty Court programs, group sessions, educational curricula, and participant services, and plays a key role in developing new programs and services.

• Provides recommendations to court management on program design, progress and operating practices, including class curricula and other services.

• May attend and participate in meetings with court administration, judges and various community partners and providers; assists with reviewing and evaluating community programs and services; acts as a liaison with community partners and the Court to ensure program integrity and compliance.

• Attends court sessions and meetings with specialty court team, which may include but is not limited to: the judge, prosecutor, defense attorney and community treatment providers, to discuss the progress of the participants.

• Reviews court-ordered conditions of program participation with participants in a way that is participant-centered and easily understood. Assesses participants' needs and provides referrals to community providers and social service agencies.

• Develops and maintains good working relationships with community providers.

• Closely monitors and communicates with participants and service providers on a regular and consistent basis to ensure compliance with court-ordered requirements.

• Coordinates with internal and external professional colleagues as needed to facilitate on-going case management.

• Submits verbal and written professional reports regarding participant compliance and progress with court-ordered requirements.

• Collects and maintains participant information in accordance with established state and federal requirements for confidentiality; and maintains case files regularly.

• Maintains a variety of automated and manual records and files; provides operational information and statistical data for management use.

• Conducts risk assessments, substance use, and mental health evaluations for the determination of admission to Specialty Court or other Alternative Sentencing programming.

• Conducts direct observation urine collection of participants.

• Responds to inquiries from participants, the public, internal and external clients in a confidential, courteous and timely manner; provides information within areas of assignment; resolves complaints in professional, effective and timely manner.

• Stays abreast of new and evidence-based practices, programs and innovations and shares information with the treatment team.

• Attends and participates in staff, team, and peer meetings, as requested.

• Organizes and attends activities involving groups of participants. Reports observations of note to the treatment team.

• Attends professional training; maintains required licensures and/or certifications.

• Participate in grant research and proposal submissions; maintains record keeping requirements as stated in each grant; assists with data collection and reporting; ensures compliance with appropriate funding requirements.

• Participates in community events to increase visibility and support for assigned areas of responsibility.

Marginal Functions:

• May be required to interpret and translate for participants if able.

• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Experience:

Three years of general counseling, substance use counseling, trauma-informed counseling, criminal justice counseling, psychology, social services, social work, marriage and family therapy or a closely related experience.

Training:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the following areas:

Addictions

Counseling

Counseling and Education

Criminal Justice with a minor in counseling, social work, addictions or psychology

Education with a minor in addictions, social work, counseling or psychology

Marriage and Family Therapy

Psychology

Social work

May substitute a combination of equivalent education and related experience. The city assesses 1.5 years of full-time experience as equivalent to one year of education.

License or Certificate

Must obtain applicable level of NCIC/NCJIS certification and/or training within 6 months of the date of appointment and maintain proficiency as needed.

Certification or licensure as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor from the Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors within one year of hire.

When assigned to Domestic Violence Programs: Approved as a Domestic Violence Treatment Provider by the State of Nevada, Office of the Attorney General, Batterers Treatment Certification Committee within one year of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge Of:

Basic current individual and group counseling methods and techniques.

Basic interviewing techniques.

Basic working knowledge of information contained within the current revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders.

Basic working knowledge of guidelines established by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) and federal grant programs.

Basic understanding of evidence-based decision making and best practices.

Principles and procedures of record keeping and case management.

English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Skills In:

Interacting effectively with diverse population.

Leading classes and individual and group sessions.

Learning, applying and writing policies and procedures related to Alternative Sentencing programs.

Learning the operations and practices of the Nevada criminal justice system and the Las Vegas Municipal Court (LVMC).

Interpreting, explaining and enforcing department policies and procedures.

Working independently with minimal supervision.

Communicating and interacting with individuals from a variety of social, cultural, economic and educational backgrounds while demonstrating respect and sensitivity for perceived differences.

Learning to use initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.

Public speaking.

Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships within the work environment.

Core Workforce Competencies:

Professionalism

• Demonstrates core values by being honest, respectful and positive.

Effective Communication

• Expresses verbal and written thought in a clear and understandable manner.

Customer Focus

• Demonstrates genuine concern and satisfies external and/or internal customers based on the CLV core purpose and values.

Adaptability

• Able to effectively modify behavior to suit changing workforce demands.

Problem Solving

• Solves problems by considering all causes, solutions and outcomes.

Productive Partnerships

• Develops, maintains and strengthens partnerships with others.

Technical and Safety Expertise

• Possesses a depth of knowledge, skill and ability in a technical (job) area.