Description

About Us

The pretrial stage is a critical juncture in the larger criminal justice process; whether or not someone gets out of custody after arrest is a major determinant of the ultimate outcome of the case, as those who remain in jail are  more likely to face a conviction than those who are released. In addition, the presumption of innocence and constitutional protections against excessive bail are two of our most foundational legal principles. Despite these facts, and against the backdrop of mass incarceration nationwide, jail populations in San Francisco and across the country are disproportionately composed of pretrial individuals. 

We work to address this critical issue by providing alternatives to pretrial incarceration. By doing so, the San Francisco Pretrial Diversion Project does its part to prevent unjust harm and unnecessary incarceration. Rather than languishing behind bars, newly arrested people can be released to our services to receive care, support, case management, and referrals to outside treatment providers. Our services are diverse and wide-ranging in recognition of the many needs that justice-involved people may have. Further, San Francisco has been the seat of new bail reform initiatives in California, which has afforded us the opportunity to continue to grow and build on our 45 years of experience overseeing pretrial services in the City and County.

Summary

The primary responsibility of the ACM Case Manager is to provide a pretrial detention alternative for previously incarcerated individuals by maintaining a supportive, pro-social environment for all ACM clients to support their success in maintaining court compliance by providing and connecting clients to community support services. The ACM Case Manager is responsible for accurate and timely completion of client releases, client risk and needs assessments, referrals to community-based organizations for services, and verification of program engagement.

Availability on weekends and evenings is required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure all clients released to ACM by the San Francisco Superior Court are picked up from the San Francisco County jail system in accordance with established policy and procedures at the ACM department’s earliest opportunity.
• Conduct thorough and concise one-on-one intake interviews/safety assessments.
• Under the supervision of the ACM Supervisor, create, monitor, and modify client treatment plans to ensure they meet the ongoing needs of clients.
• Collect and maintain current contact and outreach information for all ACM clients. 
• Work to connect clients with substance use and/or mental health service options through community linkages, intakes, and escorts.
• Ability to complete the PSA (Public Safety Assessment) tool.
• Understand and apply the PSA (Public Safety Assessment) tool to client treatment plans.
• Review and monitor ACM cases to ensure program engagement and compliance with release and/or program conditions.
• Engage clients in case planning and quickly connect clients to appropriate primary case management in the community.
• Conduct program verification follow-ups.
• Provide outreach services, including appointment and court appearance escorts.
• Establish and cultivate mutually respectful relationships with clients, SFPDP staff members, and community partners.
• Work collaboratively with ACM team members to meet departmental and agency goals.
• Attend and participate in weekly client case conferences as well as monthly ACM team and all-staff meetings.
• Accurately document client progress in the database through case management reporting.
• Work to ensure all client-related data is accurately captured in the information management system at all times.  
• Explain the criminal justice process to clients and answer questions regarding their ACM release conditions and compliance.
• Adhere to the highest standards of professionalism in regard to ethics, values, and principles of case management. 
• Adhere to all laws and regulations regarding HIPAA, confidentiality, contractual agreements, ethics, and professional boundaries.
• Punctuality and regular and reliable attendance as well as punctuality at all meetings, training, and other job-related appointments.
• Perform other duties as directed, developed, or assigned, such as facilitating groups.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Qualifications

Qualification Requirements

Vaccination Requirement: Based on recommendations from the CDC and other health agencies; and due to the work we do in the jails, SFPDP recommends that employees get vaccinated in order to prevent them contracting the virus. This is also recommended to prevent the spread of the virus to others in our workplace. Currently, SFPDP does not require employees to be vaccinated. Employees who have not been vaccinated are also recommended to wear a mask while in the workplace to prevent contracting/spreading the virus; however, this is not required. This policy may change based on recommendations from the CDC and other health agencies. Must secure finger image screening and semi-annual TB screening.

Education and/or Experience:  Must hold a four-year degree in psychology, sociology, criminal justice, or a related field and one year experience as a case manager working with vulnerable populations; or an Associate Degree and the equivalent of two cumulative years of full-time case management experience working with vulnerable populations; or a High School Diploma or GED and four cumulative years of full-time case management experience working with vulnerable populations. Experience working with high needs and high risk systems-involved adults from diverse backgrounds is required. Knowledge of San Francisco community-based service providers as well as familiarity with the Harm Reduction case management model is preferred.   

Language Skills:  Read, write, and verbally communicate effectively and professionally with other employees, clients, and outside agencies. Ability to diplomatically deal with difficult situations and people, while exhibiting a consistent level of professionalism.

Technical Skills:  Strong computer skills required. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office suite products and Google applications.

Reasoning Ability:  Ability to think independently, to exercise discretion, and to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of factual situations where no specific guidelines exist.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or report form and to exercise good judgment in applying that information.

Other Skills & Abilities:  Able to work with little or no supervision under pressure. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to get along with and work cooperatively with others.

Background Checks and/or Licensing Requirements: Criminal Background check by the SF Sheriff’s Department for jail clearance and reference checks.

Equipment/Machinery:  Operate equipment such as, but not limited to, personal computer, calculator, fax machine, copier, phone, security system, and door locks.  

Physical Demands 

• Stand and walk or sit alternatively depending on specific needs of the day. Estimate 20% of time is spent on feet and 80% sitting at a desk.
• Occasional need to perform the following physical activities: bending/stooping/squatting, climbing stairs, pushing, pulling, twisting, lifting and reaching above shoulders. 
• Occasional need to perform standing and walking activities.
• Constant need to perform the following physical activities: writing/typing, grasping/turning, finger dexterity.
• Lifting/carrying up to 5 lbs. frequently and 25 lbs. occasionally. 
• Vision requirements: constant need to complete forms, read reports, view computer screens. Frequent need to see small details. Frequent need to see things clearly beyond arm's reach.
• Hearing requirements: constant need to communicate over telephone and in person.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Salary : $66,200 - $69,600