Detention Center Care Coordinator - Lea County

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Responsible for aiding detainees in accessing services with outside agencies and resources to improve educational, health, occupational, relational, emotional and behavior goals.
• Performs complex pre-release case management for the reentry and integration of detainees discharging from the Detention Center. Assesses case progress, compiling of case reports containing relevant information and responsible for linking available services in-line with the overall well-being and re-entry of the detainee.
• Coordinates the development and implementation of offenders' service and treatment plans; makes recommendations; and monitors case management for offenders enrolled in programs.
• Assists in the development of program policies and procedures; assists with program monitoring and evaluation; and assists with coordinating activities to produce an effective reentry process.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with others, including classification officers, program participants, probation officers, community wellness staff, outside agencies and other collaborating partners. Field work will be required.
• Provides ongoing case management and serves as a liaison with detainees and service providers; implements follow-up and aftercare plans for detainees; disseminates information on community resources for detainee placement in follow-up treatment and/or programming.
• Documenting, filing and maintaining case history, preparing reports and serving as detention liaison for government organizations, schools, courts and other essential services.
• Make referrals and contact agencies to coordinate services. Work with providers to develop wrap around services.
• The Care Coordinator will work closely with the Health & Wellness Care Coordinator for client transfer and continuum of care.
• Will be cross trained in other components of the department to assist in progression of growth in other areas.
• Required to attend weekly and monthly meetings as directed by the supervisor.
• The functions of the Care Coordinator are not limited to those set forth above. The employee will perform such functions, duties or assignments as given by the Lieutenant, Assistant Director or Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Administrative training or certification preferred.
• Specialized training/experience in case management, tracking, file retention preferred.

Experience:

• Experience in the criminal justice or human services field.
• Experience with client contact and case management strongly preferred.
• Experience with high risk or confrontational clients and familiarity with the judicial process strongly preferred.

Certifications, Skill, and Licenses:

• Valid New Mexico driver's license.
• Good communication and public relation skills required. Effective written and verbal communication to interface with government organizations, courts/probate officers and essentials services.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English.
• Computer literacy required, knowledge of word processing, database management, and spreadsheet software.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.

Physical Functions/Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative and not necessarily exhaustive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to sit for up to four hours at one time and up to eight hours total per day, with an opportunity to stand and walk intermittently through the day.
• Ability to crouch, kneel, and/or bend as needed to perform essential duties.
• Ability to work with arms bent for up to four hours at one time and up to eight hours per day.
• Ability to push/pull with arms with a force of 5 lbs. periodically.
• Ability to lift items weighing up to 20 lbs. to waist level frequently and to eye level or overhead occasionally.
• Ability to grasp and manipulate objects as needed to perform essential duties such as writing; depressing buttons; switched and instrument keyboard components; and similar duties.

Mental Functions/Requirements:

• Must be able to understand and follow oral directions and instructions.
• Must be able to read, understand, and follow written directions and instructions.
• Must be able to give oral and written directions and instructions.
• Must be able to read and understand such items as contracts, grants, project guidelines, court orders, and similar documents.
• Must be able to write such items as letters, reports, offender evaluations, and similar documents using proper format and grammar.
• Must be able to plan, direct, and prioritize own work activities as well as, occasionally, those of others in an efficient manner.
• Must be able to effectively safeguard confidential information.
• Must be able to use tact and courtesy in working with a wide range of individuals, including the public, often under tense circumstances.
• Must demonstrate sufficient and adequate mental and emotional stability in order to meet the rigors of a position requiring direct contact with offenders.

Other:

• Ability to perform essential duties and adapt to working conditions.
• No history of felony or misdemeanor criminal convictions involving moral turpitude, violence, distribution of controlled substances, or dishonesty.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative but not necessarily exhaustive of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Performs work mainly indoors.
• Normally is not exposed to temperature extremes, noise factors, vibrations, except those associated with normal operation of office equipment or vehicle.
• Works primarily on even carpeted or tiled surfaces which are normally dry but may on occasion be wet or slippery.
• May be required to use stairs, elevator or escalator during performance of essential duties.
• Work is primarily conducted during daylight hours; however, employee is subject to occasional call out.
• May work alone with or without direction, or with one or more people in a select group. May on occasion work with a large group.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Interview; may involve an interview panel.
• Criminal record check.
• Driving record check.
• General employment background check.
• Alcohol/Drug screen; positive results are disqualifying.