Case Manager 1

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Administrative and professional work in case management, counseling, (individual and psycho-educational group) reintegration, and providing aftercare resources for inmates in the Jail and House of Correction. Performs varied and responsible duties requiring the exercise of considerable judgement, discretion and tact, and requires considerable resourcefulness and persuasiveness to influence the behavior of others.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Reports directly to the Senior Case Manager and works under the general supervision of the Assistant Deputy Superintendent; Director of Treatment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES / ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for the daily care, custody, and supervision of inmates in the correctional institution making frequent contact with inmates, criminal justice personnel in courts, parole, and other Houses of Correction as well as community based agencies and other personnel and staff

• Interview both pre-trial and sentenced inmates and completing risk assessments as well as comprehensive intake and needs assessments; normally within 48 hours of admission to the facility

• Must access inmate records to review and document issues related to adjustment to the facility as well as mental and physical status

• It is also necessary to explain sentence structure and provide necessary criminal justice/general information for a successful facility adjustment

• Perform assessments including however not limited to the LS/CMI, ASUS, TCU and any other assessment necessary to determine inmate's treatment needs and screen for appropriate facility programs

• Perform crisis intervention on a as-needed basis; routinely facilitates suicide, self-mutilation, aggression, depression, the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) assessments; develops and monitors treatment plan for each sentenced inmate through use of individual meetings, evidence based assessments performed and collaborating information available.

• Provide group treatment to offenders

• Actively facilitate re-entry planning with inmates to include, however not limited to halfway and/or sober housing, other substance use, domestic violence, anger management and post release services, mental health treatment, as well as education, vocational and employment services and referrals

• Consult with forensic team weekly for assistance in dealing with inmates presenting mental health issues

• Case consultation with forensic Teat psychiatrist as needed

• Serves as a voting member on disciplinary, inmate review and classification boards; assignments may include acting as the chairperson of the board, consultation with both treatment and security staff, documentation and communication of decisions

• Complete and update inmate files, case notes, evaluations, aftercare plans, letters to parole, court officials and social service agencies

• Complete classification reports and document inmate program participation

• Coordinate individual inmate needs within the context of a correctional environment; emergency furloughs, etc.

• Facilitate inmate contact with family members, lawyers, parole and probation officers, clergy, and government agencies such as Department of Social Services, Public Welfare, Mental Health, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Public Health, Mass. Rehab, Social Security and Veteran's Administration

• Provide transportation and supervision (of inmates) from the House of Correction to various appointments, including however not limited to field parole offices, departments of probation, aftercare appointments, interviews for treatment programs, apartment hunting, emergency furloughs, and community based self help meetings, as needed

• Fulfill 40 hours of training per facility policy and also specialized training to maintain professional licensing

• Assist in developing, implementing, facilitating, and/or supervising inmate programs; i.e. Therapy Groups, Psycho-Education Groups, Substance Abuse Treatment, Errors/Criminal Thinking, and Victim Impact Groups

• Provide 1 hr of orientation/training to all new employees regarding functions/responsibilities of case management

• Attend all staff meetings

• Write and submit disciplinary and incident reports as situation warrants

• Perform any other task or duty as assigned or required

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Master's Degree highly preferred, Bachelor's Degree required

• Minimum of two years experience in counseling (group and individual) work with offenders, familiarity with Behavior Modification Treatment approaches, Accountability and Limit Setting highly preferred

• Prior experience working with offenders desired

• Knowledge of the Criminal Justice System, inmate subculture, substance abuse, and social problems

• Must be available to work at least 2 evening shifts a week (1:00PM to 9:00PM)

• Good interpersonal, interviewing, and limit setting skills

• Knowledge of Social Service area

• Knowledge of CORI regulations

• Ability to work with sensitive and/or confidential information in a appropriate manner

• Flexibility in interacting with a wide variety of people and systems

• Ability to use creative judgement in carrying out a multitude of tasks

• Must be able to perform effectively in a stressful environment

• Ability to use good judgement and common sense in a potentially dangerous environment

• Must be able to use initiative to prioritize responsibilities and duties

• Ability to make conscientious decisions; the good of the facility & community are taken into consideration

• Effective oral and written communication skills

• Must have regular and reliable attendance

• Valid MA driver's license is required

• Successfully pass a pre-employment background check, medical/drug screenings; hold a valid MA driver's license

MENTAL ATTENTION AND VISUAL DEMAND

Flow of work and character of duties require normal mental and visual attention much of the time.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Performance of duties in a group setting with considerable daily inmate contact

• Duties may involve potential risk typically associated with the care and custody of inmates at the House of Corrections

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly required to stand and walk; talk and hear; lift and carry; push and pull with force; and maintain balance

• Occasionally required to climb and stoop; reach with hands and arms; and occasionally lift and/or move boxes up to 20 pounds

• Manual dexterity required in performing duties

• Specific vision abilities required by the position include close vision, distance vision and peripheral vision; reading of written, printed or computer screen data