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 Discharge Planner will complete an in-custody needs assessment and orientation (Interview) for all referred clients that includes: collecting current contact information; recording and updating information in SFPDP’s confidential client database; completing a Triage Assessment; collecting a treatment history summary; introducing clients to the program and services; and providing an understanding of San Francisco Pretrial Diversion Project’s (SFPDP) role and expectations. The Discharge Planner will make all appropriate referrals in order to provide comprehensive case management as well as conduct follow ups with the client and community resource providers.

In order to facilitate a comprehensive system of care, SFPDP collaborates with community-based and faith-based organizations, health centers, workforce development centers, and criminal justice agencies. The Discharge Planner will carefully facilitate long term connections to community resource providers as well as continue to cultivate the existing relationships SFPDP currently has with many community resource providers.

The Discharge Planner will use motivational interviewing techniques to effectively communicate

SFPDP’s role and expectations as well as gather accurate information from clients. The Discharge Planner will run daily reports of inmates in order to prioritize and complete interviews based on release date. SFPDP recognizes that some clients have more intensive needs than others. The Discharge Planner will prioritize the deployment of case management and related resources based on the information gathered in the assessment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Run daily reports of inmates in custody that encompass top 2% of bookings and other referrals; to prioritize triage by release date
• Complete one on one intake interviews and accurate assessment of needs/risk to assess client’s Triage Score
• Facilitate community connections to services based on needs assessed at intake; make appropriate referrals to Substance use, medical, mental health, educational, employment, and housing services in the community & coordinate intake dates with client’s release date
• Build close partnerships with community service providers by conducting regular site-visits visits and case conferencing
• Acquire and maintain jail clearance
• Collect and maintain data for all clients and referrals, including post release follow-up and outcomes;
• Programming that specifically targets clients who are likely to become homeless on release and provides information about housing services or that maintain landlord registries in the area where the ex-offender wishes to live;
• Facilitate transfer of clients to pre-release facilities near their intended home, so they can begin to search for housing and work, reconnect with family and loved ones, and access community supports;
• Utilization of community services within jails, to provide stronger support to clients who have a history of homelessness, as well as those with mental illness.
• Under the supervision of the Court Supervisor, create re-entry plans, including post-release supervision requirements for all in-custody clients determined to be appropriate for the general ACM caseload;
• Work to connect clients with substance use and/or mental health service options through community linkages, intakes, and transports;
• Engage clients in case planning and quickly connect clients to appropriate primary case management in the community;
• Understand and accurately complete the PSA (Public Safety Assessment) tool;
• Adhere to the highest standards of professionalism in regards to ethics, values, and principles of case management;
• Adhere to all laws and regulations regarding HIPAA, confidentiality, contractual agreements, ethics, and professional boundaries;
• Acquire and maintain all personal background clearances as directed by ACM Supervisor
• Punctuality and regular and reliable attendance as well as punctuality at all meetings, trainings, and other job-related appointments; and
• Perform other duties as directed, developed or assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY None.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Vaccination Requirement: San Francisco Pretrial requires all employees to be working on-site, fully vaccinated, with booster shot, and in continuous CDC compliance against COVID-19. Applicants are required to submit proof of vaccination prior to beginning employment, and ongoing as requested. In accordance with the law, San Francisco Pretrial will accommodate employees who cannot be administered the COVID-19 vaccine for medical or religious reasons, and applicants should contact our HR department if they have questions about this requirement or wish to request an accommodation. Must secure finger image screening and semi-annual TB screening.

Education and/or Experience: Must hold a two-year degree in psychology, sociology, criminal justice, or a related field. One year or more experience as a case manager working with vulnerable populations is a plus. 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. Proficient in Microsoft Office suite products and Google applications.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to think independently, to exercise independent 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, report or schedule 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. Knowledge of the functions and procedures of superior courts, of legal and human services agencies, such as Adult Probation, Social Services, Public Defender Offices, Police and Sheriff Departments including jail operations preferred.

Background Checks and/or Licensing Requirements: Criminal Background check by the SF Sheriff’s Department. 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. Estimates 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 10 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.

EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I have read, understand, and voluntarily commit myself to the general guidelines contained in this document. I also understand that this is only a basic description of my job, and it does not, nor is it intended to, outline all of the specifics of the responsibilities that I will be expected to perform. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary : $71,300 - $74,900