Diversion Program Case Worker

This position performs professional work assisting the Diversion Program Supervisor with the duties of the Diversion Program. The Case Worker provides community supervision of justice involved individuals who are participating in the Diversion Program. The Diversion Program Case Worker monitors compliance, documents client supervision, generates agreements and case plans, locates treatment services for clients, prepares reports and legal documents, and maintains Diversion Program cases, as assigned. Related work is performed as apparent or given. Work is performed under the supervision of the Diversion Program Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Conducts interviews with justice involved individuals to obtain criminal background information, client history and to explain program objectives, procedures, rules, consequences, and purpose to the program.
• Communicates regularly with clients and their service providers to monitor the client’s compliance with the Diversion Agreement (also known as Deferred Judgment of Conviction Agreement or DJOC).
• Completes data entry into multiple case management systems regarding program participation.
• Maintains complete and accurate case records for each client including case plans, case notes, records of appointments, payments received, case review dates, due dates, drug and alcohol testing, praise and sanctions and any other relevant information.
• Prepares paperwork and documentation with regard to the Diversion Program including agreements, referrals, correspondence, motions and stipulations, and other legal documents.
• Maintains electronic and paper correspondence/documents etc. regarding the program and/or client information.
• Attends court hearings, responds to questions asked by judges.
• Drafts quarterly progress reports to assigned judge regarding client participation and compliance; as requested.
• Testifies in open Court as requested and/or required regarding Diversion Program clients.
• Monitors cases through appropriate follow-up with probation and review of case notes.
• Conducts routine meetings with Diversion Program clients through in-person, virtual or phone meetings for client report dates.
• Provides assistance to clients with skill building, crisis intervention resources, community resources, transportation resources, and any other barriers to success.
• Communicates concerns regarding problems with clients to the Diversion Program Supervisor.
• Obtains information relevant to determine revocation of clients in the program.
• Attends meetings related to the mission of the Diversion Program, including CJCC meetings, work groups, and any other meetings assigned.
• Sends referrals for COMPAS Assessments.
• Generates Diversion Agreements determined by the results of the COMPAS assessment and the DA/ADA's request for specific conditions for each client.
• Provides recommendations to the Prosecutor regarding participation, revocations, extensions, or rejections of clients from the program after approval of the Diversion Program Supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of substance use and mental health related issues.
• Extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system diversion programs and evidence based practices.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of counseling and AODA casework, mental health, and co-occurring disorders.
• Knowledge of County policies, procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of local government organization and its departmental operating requirements.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with external organizations such as community treatment facilities, department of corrections personnel, law enforcement personnel, and restorative justice personnel.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with internal organizations such as Court personnel, Clerk of Courts personnel, Treatment Court personnel, and Jail staff.
• Proficient in the use of Time, Protect, and other required software.
• Ability to analyze and prepare organizational and functional reports from research data.
• General knowledge of standard office procedures, practices, equipment, software and office assistance techniques.
• Knowledge of the County and department programs and policies.
• Knowledge of the use of a multi-line telephone system.
• Ability to read and understand basic County and State policies and procedure of limited scope and difficulty.
• Ability to type accurately at a reasonable rate of speed.
• Ability to perform word processing and/or data entry.
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, with a wide range of individuals and groups, including the public, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Ability to read County policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; SDS sheets, safety manuals, maps, etc.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to develop, interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Ability to define problems, think quickly, and adapt effectively to a variety of situations, including those that are stressful.
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, in compliance with open records laws and other applicable State and Federal Statutes and Regulations.
• Ability to analyze facts, exercise sound judgment, and make effective decisions.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to meet deadlines and maintain attention to detail.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
• Ability to use good judgement and effectively solve problems.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, using hands to handle, feel, and perform fine motor skills and repetitive motions, and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms overhead or below the waist.
• Sufficient vision to perform tasks such as reading documents, operating vehicles, or working with detailed data.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels for tasks such as communicating with the public, colleagues, or over the phone.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Work has no exposure to environmental conditions.
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is primarily in an office setting, although some work is performed with incarcerated individuals in a secured correctional facility.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice, corrections, psychology, sociology, or related field.
• Six (6) months previous professional experience working in a criminal justice, mental health, or substance abuse environment.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER REQUIREMENT

• Must be TIME System certified (State of Wisconsin Transaction Information for the Management of Enforcement) within one (1) year from date of hire.
• Trained in Moral Reconation Therapy, motivational interviewing, and COMPAS risk/needs assessment within one (1) year from date of hire.
• Must successfully pass criminal background check.