Human Services Professional I - Intensive Mental Health (Youth Justice)

Position Summary and Job Duties

This position will have case management responsibilities for up to 10 high-risk youth involved with other county programs, including but not limited to; Child Protective Services (CPS), Comprehensive Community Services (CCS), Children's Long-term Support (CLTS), and Crisis. This position may have a combined caseload that works with youth on intensive supervision, formal delinquency supervision, Juvenile In Need of Protection or Services (JIPS) supervision, or youth on a consent decree. Will serve youth throughout Rock County as needed.

This position will require that the employee work closely with other county programs with the expectation of attending team meetings as requested. This position will also need strong coordination and communication with these other programs. Responsibilities may also include; coordination with residential placements, hospitals, treatment foster homes, and/or other external placement providers. This position is collaborative and requires working closely and being sensitive to relationships with local schools, law enforcement, court services, private providers, outside resources, and internal programs. It will also work with families linking them to local, state, and regional providers if necessary. It may also require coordination of team meetings with internal and external providers. This position will expect to work with the family to improve the youth's emotional and behavioral functioning in the home and the community.

Responsibilities will also include preparing court reports, legal documents and providing testimony in court. Perform assessment, case planning, service coordination, and progress evaluation duties using evidenced-based tools and interventions. Work closely with youth, families, and providers to decrease risk factors and increase protective factors. Utilize community-based programs and evidence-based services to balance the rehabilitative needs of the youth and family with public safety concerns. The employee will also use various delivery systems as the technology changes and is updated consistently. Supports and promotes the Mission, Vision, and Guiding Principles of the Human Services Department. Performs in a manner consistent with the HSD Professional Standards and "Commitment to My Co-Workers."

75% - Supervision and Case Management

• Provide assessment, planning, coordination, evaluation, and advocacy for youth and families involved with the Intensive Supervision program based on their identified strengths and needs, including contact up to five (5) days per week.
• Employee will consult and interact with schools and other community-based agencies, including other Rock County Human Service Units, District Attorney's Office, and Victim Witness when necessary.
• Will maintain regular collaboration with the Juvenile Justice Specialist and the Electronic Monitoring Program (EMP) worker if the youth is in the EMP.
• Maintain case records in eWisacwis when necessary and in the youth's file that complies with the Juvenile Justice Code.
• May refer families to necessary programs and resources as deemed appropriate.
• Utilize evidence-based tools, such as the Youth Assessment and Screening Instrument (YASI), to assess risk, identify protective factors, develop case plans, and measure progress.
• Utilize evidence-based interventions, such as the Functional Family Case Management (FFCM) model, to engage and motivate youth through a family-centered, strength-based, trauma-informed, and culturally-sensitive approach.
• Facilitate and/or participate in family meetings that occur primarily in the home but may occur at school or the community as needed.
• Communicate and collaborate with other human services department (HSD) units, schools, court partners, placement agencies, community agencies, and other providers to coordinate, support and monitor services for youth and families.
• Establish supportive teams with youth and families to promote safety, permanency, and stability.
• Prepare court reports, legal documents and provide testimony in court.
• Organize and manage work products with multiple deadlines.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary meetings, consultations, and supervision for support and guidance related to best practice standards.

• Attend all staff meetings as scheduled.
• Attend training that will enhance professional growth as approved by the employee's direct supervisor.
• Participate in workgroup and/or committee meetings as a representative of Youth Justice.

• Attend court daily when needed to ensure that if a youth is ordered to the Electronic Monitoring Program (EMP), the process can be facilitated promptly and without issues.

• Provide backup court coverage as assigned.
• Provide assistance to Juvenile Justice team members as requested.

• Provide transportation to youth and families when necessary.

Success Factors (KSA's)

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work without supervision and to make appropriate decisions.
• Ability to work with a diverse population in a non-judgmental fashion.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, state and local officials, schools, and community agencies.
• Knowledge of social work principles, methods, and practices.
• Knowledge of complex psychiatric, psychological, and behavioral conditions and treatment planning for youth and families.
• Knowledge of Wisconsin State Statutes, specifically Chapter 938.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge and use of Evidence-Based Practices in the Juvenile Justice System.
• Knowledge and use of Family Based Practices and interventions.
• Knowledge of eWisacwis and YASI

Job Requirements, Education, Training & Experience

• Graduation from an accredited 4 year college or university with major course work in social work, criminal justice or related field.
• Social worker license/certificate preferred.
• Mental Health background preferred.
• One year experience working in the Youth Justice Field and/or Mental Health Field.
• Training or experience in computer applications.
• Successfully complete Juvenile Court Intake Training within the first six months of employment.
• Valid Drivers License.

Essential Job Functions (physical elements, equipment and working conditions)

Physical elements:

• General mobility, including occasional use of stairs
• Occasional bending, kneeling and reaching
• Lifting and carrying approximately 20 pounds
• Sitting, driving or standing for long periods of time

• -frequently
Computer
• -PC & keyboard at desk or portable laptop in the field for case documentation entry

• -often
Outdoor
• -rarely; primarily as a result of travel requirements to & from the office, client homes, schools, and other meeting sites in the community
Cold temperatures
• -rarely; see above reference to travel
Extreme heat
• -rarely; see above reference to travel
• Potential for contact with unpredictable and/or violent clients