Pretrial Navigator

Job Title: Pre-Trial Navigator

Reports To: Clinical Supervisor

Job Status: Full Time

Job Location: Community Based

About RWC:

At Roots Wellness Center we treat co-occurring disorders through the lens of social justice. We believe that for many, chronic social Injustice fuels the cycle of illness, addiction, and pain.

Come and work for a company that is at the forefront of social justice, with a commitment to addressing racial and socioeconomic disparities in behavioral healthcare. We are on a mission to provide marginalized individuals and families with excellent clinical care and close the gap within marginalized communities.

Summary:

The Pre-Trial Navigator is responsible for providing support to individuals released from the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center (ADC) during the pretrial period. This role involves working closely with individuals to identify and address barriers that may hinder their ability to attend scheduled court dates. The Pre-Trial Navigator facilitates connections to community resources, tracks referrals, and provides ongoing support until the pretrial conference or case adjudication. Pretrial period includes intake (booking), 1st appearance, 2nd appearance and pretrial conference. Navigator services end after the pretrial conference or if the case is adjudicated before the pretrial conference.

The Pre-Trial Navigator will support anti-oppressive/anti-racist practice, and trauma-responsive practice, through their administrative, and operations support of program staff and interns working on site, in community/office, and remotely to address socioeconomic and health disparity. Experience and interest in working with clients and colleagues with a range of identities including age, developmental and acquired disabilities, religion, spirituality, ethnicity, race, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, relationship structure, indigenous heritage, national origin, immigration status, and gender is required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establish contact with individuals released from the ADC within two hours of their release (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM).
• Must be available after-hours for contact (Monday-Friday, 6:00 PM - 8:00 AM), as well weekends and holidays.
• Maintain a caseload of 25-30 of new and ongoing clients
• Meet with clients to assess immediate needs, and provide or refer to appropriate services (housing, food programs, medical/mental health care, etc.) via phone, in person or virtually.
• Create individualized action plans for each participant, outlining specific needs and steps to mitigate barriers to court appearances.
• Complete a pretrial support plan that identifies barriers and needs to be successful during the pretrial period
• Work with clients to confirm court dates and locations, and resolve any obstacles preventing attendance (e.g., transportation, childcare, etc.).
• Provide and track referrals for critical support services, including but not limited to:
• Emergency housing and shelter programs.
• Emergency food programs and food pantries.
• Mental health or medical services.
• Substance abuse treatment programs.
• Work with community partners, including JusticePoint, to ensure effective service delivery and coordination of resources.
• Obtain prior authorization from the Office of Safety and JusticePoint before assisting with identifying additional supportive services that may be required, including:
• Transportation to and from court appearances.
• Clothing for court.
• Childcare services on the day of court appearance.
• Access to prepaid phones or phone cards for communication with the court, legal representation, or navigator services.

Qualifications Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate or bachelor's degree in social work, criminal justice, human services, or a related field is a plus.
• At least 2 years of experience in community outreach, case management, social services, or a related field.
• Experience working with justice-involved individuals, particularly in pretrial or reentry programs, is preferred.
• Strong understanding of local community resources, particularly housing, food security, mental health, and substance abuse services.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and maintain accurate documentation.
• Proficient in virtual communication tools and comfortable with flexible work hours.

Work Environment:

• Primarily community-based with some remote or virtual work.
• Flexible hours required, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to accommodate participants' needs.

Roots Wellness Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.

Salary : $21 - $23