JAIL DIVERSION ENTITLEMENT SPECIALIST

POSITION PURPOSE: 
The Entitlement Specialist will provide assistance to participants in court based mental health jail diversion, jail re-entry and forensic programs applying for entitlement benefits and other means of economic self-sufficiency.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:    
Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice, psychology, social work, sociology, public health, or related fields. Experience in conducting psychosocial interviews, administering assessment and screening tools, and report writing. Strong verbal and writing skills. Master’s degree and SOAR training preferred. Ability to converse in Spanish and/or Creole a plus.
    
Licensure / Certification:    
Maintain current CPR Certification from the American Heart Association. Must have a valid Florida Driver’s License.
    
Skills / Ability:    
Knowledge of issues related to criminal justice, community mental health, case management and community resources. Knowledge of personal computer software, i.e. Word, WordPerfect, Excel, Internet Explorer. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Detail-oriented, goal-oriented. Ability to maintain complex records. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with co-workers, the judiciary, court administration, and other agencies. Ability to converse in Spanish and/or Creole a plus.


POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES (THIS IS A NON-EXEMPT POSITION)

Provide assistance to program participants in applying for entitlement benefits (e.g. social security, Medicaid, Medicare).

Provide assistance to program participants who are undocumented immigrants and eligible to establish legal residency in resolving immigration issues.

Screen program participants for benefit eligibility.

Engage and interview program participants.

Utilize assessment tools to obtain necessary information for entitlement applications.

Obtain all necessary medical information to complete entitlement benefits applications.

Demonstrate professional clinical and writing skills to complete medical summaries utilizing the SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery) approach.

Demonstrate flexibility and ongoing effort to maintain contact and effective relationships with community and criminal justice system stakeholders.

Track key data elements.

Demonstrate effective time management and organizational skills.

Assist with linkage to community based mental health treatment and services including needs assessment, discharge planning, and housing as necessary.

Cross-trained in ORAS, Texas Christian University Drug Screen and Mental Health Screening III to perform assessment and screening as assigned.

Provide information to the court regarding program participants as necessary.

Complies with required certification for CPR/CPI.

Complies with established facility Policies and Procedures.

Participates in staff meetings; responsible for obtaining information in not in attendance.

Approaches patients/families, and visitors with a respectful, caring manner to convey a sense of concern and warmth.

Maintains confidentiality of patient information and records, staff interrelationships, and communication of sensitive information.

Communicates and problem solves via the chain of command.

Communicates with staff, patients, families, and visitors with courtesy and respect.

Delivers care in a non-judgmental and non-discriminatory manner, sensitive to patient diversity.

Seeks constructive criticism and has the ability to evaluate suggestions objectively

Participates and utilizes opportunities for personal growth and development.

Maintains flexibility and adaptability to expect or unexpected changes in work environment.

Attends in-services and educational training as necessary.

Reports to work as assigned.

Completes daily tasks as assigned.

Promotes a favorable/positive work climate.

Attends in-service and educational training as necessary

Participates in BHCC’s Performance Improvement Activities.

Participates in committee as directed by the BHCC Vice-President and Clinical Coordinator.

Maintains 80% productivity monthly.

Reports to work on time and ready to work with minimal absenteeism.

Adheres to Confidentiality Policies and Procedures / HIPAA Regulations.

Performs other duties as assigned.

    WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER