Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Case Manager

General Definition:

In general, under general supervision, provides intensive case management services to individuals participating in Gaston County Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, a pre-arrest diversion program where officers provide the opportunity for supportive services instead of arrest and jail. This includes street outreach and assisting participants in accessing needed services to meet their goals in improving their circumstances related to substance misuse, mental health disorders, and criminal activity. As LEAD is based in harm reduction, is not abstinence-based, and is not time-limited, it is necessary to respect the path to recovery chosen by the LEAD participants.

Performance Expectations (Quality and Quantity):

Direct Service: Engage LEAD participants in long-term, intensive case management, including:

Intake - Receive referrals and make arrangements with the law enforcement officers or community partners to immediately meet them to have new participants sign the required consent forms and to identify any urgent needs. When a "warm handoff" is impossible, obtain contact information on referred individuals and contact them at the first opportunity to conduct intake.

Assessment/Case Plan - Conduct a case management assessment to determine needs in various areas, such as housing, physical health, food, clothing, substance use, mental health, education, employment, finances, legal issues, family support, and transportation. Develop goals and case plans based on the identified needs and with the participants' input. Periodically review the assessment and case plan to modify as needed.

Case Management - Build trusting, professional relationships with LEAD participants by maintaining

frequent contact using street-based outreach and meeting with them in the community, at their places of

residence, at the LEAD offices, and by phone. Use harm-reduction principles, trauma-informed care

practices, and motivational interviewing techniques to engage participants in making progress toward

achieving identified goals. Use the case plan as a guide to make referrals to various agencies and service

providers, accompanying and transporting when needed. Assist participants in securing public benefits

for which they may be eligible. Advocate for LEAD participants to ensure access to community

services, fair treatment, and consideration if involved in the criminal legal system. Utilize charitable

donations and available program funds to assist participants in obtaining basic needs.

Administrative:

Follow program policies and government requirements to maintain electronic and paper case

files on LEAD participants. Ensure all required case management forms are completed, and activities are

documented. Track participants' referrals to and connections with various service providers. Prepare

participant status updates to present at Operational Workgroup meetings. Maintain a current, thorough

resource guide showing community agencies that can assist participants. Provide monthly statistics to

the Project Coordinator for program evaluation data.

Partnership Related:

Attend and present updates at all Operational Workgroup meetings, bringing awareness to any barriers

to delivering case management services. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with LEAD program partners and service agencies that can assist participants. Develop and maintain working relationships with law enforcement officers to strengthen the referral process. Communicate with the Project Coordinator to ensure that training opportunities meet staff needs and that best practices are in place for LEAD.

General Knowledge and Skills (will possess at the time of employment or will be expected to learn upon employment):

General Knowledge of the dynamics of MH/DD/SA behavioral health disorders (BHD) and their impact upon persons served and their families; the bio/psycho/social factors involved in (BHD); the principles of harm reduction; the criminal-legal system; up-to-date principles/techniques (evidence-based/best practices) of crisis response, prevention, and intervention application to individuals possessing (BHD); the community resources available to persons with (BHD), to include behavioral health, social service, community services, and self-help groups; knowledge of service record documentation requirements as set for by the LEAD Coordinator and PCC policies and procedures.

General Skill in the application of crisis assessment/prevention/intervention techniques that are considered evidence-based/best practices as defined by the NC Division of MH/DD/SA and LEAD Coordinator, and organizational policy/procedure; skill in the delivery of services using accepted crisis treatment modalities, to include, individual, family, marital, and in-community; skill in establishing/maintaining effective therapeutic and professional relationships with persons served and/or their family members; behavioral health providers; skill in setting boundaries, resolving conflict, and de-escalation; and, skill in accurately documenting services provided and billed.

Qualifications:

At a minimum, the individual must meet the NC Division of MH/DD/SA requirements for a Qualified Professional (QP).

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field from an accredited college/university and 2 years experience in case management working with the target population or a Bachelor’s degree in a non-human services field from an accredited college/university and 4 years experience in case management working with the target population.

Additional Job Requirements:

Demonstrated passion for serving individuals experiencing homelessness and co-occurring disorders.

Ability to prioritize workload and daily activities and to complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner.

Must effectively hear and communicate with other employees, professionals, law enforcement, the public, and persons served.

Must have physical mobility to respond and provide service in various community and onsite locations.

Must provide services in community locations, with an escort from law enforcement if necessary.

Must maintain a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Part of this position requires consumer transportation using a company-supplied vehicle.

Must operate a telephone, fax machine, and computer hardware/software.

Requires superior writing skills and the ability to compose complex and sophisticated professional documents, assessments, and reports. Requires the ability to comprehend and explain complicated clinical documents and professional literature.

Willingness to work in a high-stress/risk environment driven by team performance.