GENERAL DEFINITION:

This is professional, social service work in a prison setting at the full performance level.

An employee in this position manages the inmate case through the criminal justice system, counsels inmates and makes referrals to agencies providing supportive services to inmates. A position in this class is differentiated from those in related classes by the specialization of casework in the corrections field and the individual's performance of assigned work. An employee in this position reports directly to the Treatment Supervisor.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Illustrative Only)

Interviews new inmates, reviews criminal history of inmates; member of classification committee and presents inmates to the committee for determination as acceptable for general population, requiring segregation, or special needs housing due to specific personal problems.

Screens inmates for psychiatric and other evaluations; makes referrals, coordinating prison-wide programs with and for individual inmates including program agreements; interviews, evaluates, and recommends inmates eligible for the work release program and outside clearance institutional employment. Places inmates based upon analysis of background and rehabilitative needs.

Facilitates inmate re-entry into the community; determines inmate and/or family social service needs, such as public assistance, drug and alcohol problems, bail funding, etc.; refers to or notifies community-based social service agencies which provide such and other rehabilitative services. Participates as a member of community re-entry committee.

Provides emergency counseling services and other crisis situations; keeps contact with inmates' families during times of crisis, reporting progress.

Makes studies of inmates' ongoing and/or special problems; documents activities and findings; prepares routine reports and those detailing particular situations, recommendations or in response to specific issues.

Participates in disciplinary hearings, investigating such cases and discussing appropriate responses with review board members.

Provides information, plans and recommendations regarding inmates to supervisors, attorneys, parole officers, and other authorized parties.

Prepares statistics on activities and functions and provides statistics to the Treatment Supervisor on a weekly basis.

Acts as a liaison with outside social services and community-based agencies.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the criminal justice system to include judicial processes, probation and parole, and human services.

Knowledge of social service principles and practices pertaining to inmate case management.

Knowledge of methods and techniques commonly employed in the development, referral, and maintenance of social case histories and records.

Knowledge of local and regional social services providers, community-based agencies and organizations, and educational and treatment facilities.

Ability to identify and analyze inmates' circumstances and needs, develop methods and/or means to correct or meet such needs.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, inmates, family members, and representatives from social service agencies.

Ability to communicate clearly, orally and in writing.

Ability to maintain records and prepare reports from them.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Education equivalent to completion of a Bachelor's degree program with major course work in criminal justice, social service, or related field.

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Or any equivalent combination of acceptable training and experience which has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities cited above