Case Worker III (OARS - Forensic Specialist) For Kenosha & Walworth Counties

Company: Wisconsin Community Services
Location: Kenosha
Posted on: January 22, 2023

Job Description:

Case Worker III (OARS - Forensic Specialist) For Kenosha & Walworth CountiesJob Code: 2022-BHS-018Location: Behavioral Health ServicesDepartment: Opening Avenues Re-entry SuccessFT/PT Status: Full TimeJob Responsibilities: Join a Great Team! We are an innovative program providing release planning and intensive case management services to individuals returning from incarceration to the community. Working in collaboration with DHS and DOC our goal is to enhance community safety, reduce recidivism, and improve participants' quality of life. We are seeking people with the following qualities: Compassionate; self-directed; a team player who also works well independently; detail oriented; open to learning and new experiences; creativity; a sense of humor. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm, with occasional flexibility desired to meet client needs. Interested in gaining experience in the mental health field? Looking for a position that is dynamic and challenging that also provides manageable caseloads and an emphasis on work/life balance? Working as a case manager in the OARS program offers many unique opportunities and benefits:

Our case managers serve adults who have serious and persistent mental illness. Your work will make a significant impact to those who are often overlooked and underserved.
WCS is a qualifying nonprofit agency under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Our culture is team-oriented, and one of support and dedication to each other.
Opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in mental health care, case management, and the criminal justice system.

Job Responsibilities: Position Summary: Provide ongoing service coordination, monitoring, treatment planning and advocacy to residents of Kenosha and Walworth Counties who are participating in the OARS Program (Opening Avenues for Re-entry Success) and Outpatient Competency Restoration program (OCRP). Essential Functions:

Coordinate, plan and ensure follow through with community treatment for individuals participating in the OARS and/or OCRP Programs.
Engage and develop a supportive one to one therapeutic relationship with each client.
Incorporate evidence based practices into the provision of services including but not limited to Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care and Person Centered Planning.
Utilize Motivational Interviewing (MI) skills as a primary approach to enhance client participation and success.
Develop and practice MI skills through training, coaching, and client contact to attain basic fidelity within 12 months/advanced fidelity within 24 months of employment as outlined in the program contract.
Participate in MI coaching sessions and complete required surveys (MI Self-Assessment and the Evaluation of MI Coaching Session) monthly.
Complete MI audio recording and written Test of Knowledge, reviewing both with MI coach on a quarterly basis.
Monitor ongoing treatment needs and compliance with treatment for all program clients by providing assessment, treatment planning, assertive case management, symptom management, medication monitoring, crisis-intervention and coordination of multi-disciplinary team meetings as per program protocols and the DHS contract.
Maintain safety practices and continually assess potential risk when in the community and when working with clients.
Coordinate community support services and/or directly provide assistance to clients with activities of daily living to include, but not limited to, coaching and hands on assistance in the areas of housing, money management, vocational/educational pursuits, scheduling and transportation to appointments .
Encourage and develop natural supports for each client including family members, neighbors, friends, the community, etc.
Create and maintain client service documents including but not limited to: case notes, assessments, release plans, ISPs, QPNs, service plans, suicide and trauma risk assessments, crisis plans, client budgets, and release of information forms within expected program timeframes.
Comply with program and DHS quality standards, format requirements and time frames for all documents and communications.
Ensure maximum client financial contribution and third party payment toward cost of service provision by applying for appropriate insurance benefits, using to the fullest extent patient assistance programs, county services and community resources .
Provide on-going communication and coordination with treatment providers, DOC, prison staff, and other service agencies, reviewing and responding to emails and phone messages on a daily basis .
Frequent home visits and transporting of clients in the community using personal vehicle.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

Timely collection of necessary medical records, lab results and information for OARS clients per program protocol.
Rotational crisis line coverage.
Attend trainings, meetings, and staffings.
Other job-related duties as may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position.

Job Qualifications: Minimal Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in a related human service field; experience in case management and service coordination; experience serving people with a mental illness, substance use disorder or other special populations required; must have a valid driver's license and an insured, safe, operable automobile; must be able to pass a criminal background check. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of and experience in mental health and substance use services including assessment, treatment plan development, psychotropic medications, side effects and symptom management; knowledge of the legal system and forensic psychiatric issues; risk management; resourcefulness and flexibility responding to changing client needs; knowledge of entitlements such as Medicaid, Medicare, SSI/SSDI, Veterans benefits; above average written and verbal communication skills; positive interpersonal skills; good organizational and time management skills; ability to work independently as well as a team member; familiarity with computers; interest and commitment to social justice. Physical Demands: There is frequent driving throughout a six county region, and various prisons throughout WI. The position requires an ability to drive for periods of time throughout the day. Must be able to go up and down stairs, lift and carry 20 pounds to assist with routine client moves. Staff is expected to assist clients with light household chores as necessary. Office work involves sitting at a desk and conducting computer work. pm21 Other Job Information (if applicable): Work Relationship and Scope: Reports to the Supervisor of the OARS Program. Has contact with a wide variety of individuals including clients, staff, DHS, DOC, prison staff, psychiatrists, treatment providers, family members and the general public. Personal Attributes: Follow agency Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics; adhere to established policies and procedures of the agency and of all funding sources; conduct self in an ethical manner; maintain professional and respectful relationships with program staff, other WCS staff, clients and all external persons and agencies involved with service provision; sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic and disability issues; demonstrate commitment to agency values and mission. Working Conditions: Job is performed in a combination of office setting and field work throughout a six county region with individuals who are participating in the OARS program; some of whom may be unstable and symptomatic at times. The position requires travel to various state prisons throughout WI. Most work is performed in the community, primarily in client's homes. Staff members are expected to transport clients as needed. Typical workweek: Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30, although some flexibility is necessary to accommodate client needs (to include possible extended work day hours, weekends, and holiday coverage). Also involves rotational 24 hr crisis line coverage.PI201797383

Keywords: Wisconsin Community Services, Kenosha , Case Worker III (OARS - Forensic Specialist) For Kenosha & Walworth Counties, Other , Kenosha, Wisconsin