Social Service Coordinator

Position Summary & Duties Responsible

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general direction from supervisor; responsible for the intake, interview and assessment of inmates in accordance with pertinent Federal, State laws and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for the review of inmate history and records to determine eligibility for social services benefits/program which is not limited to: housing, shelters, treatment, food stamps, Medicaid, discharge planning, medical service centers, community custody and other pertinent resources. Confidentiality and knowledge of Federal and State laws and regulations are critical in carrying out assignments. This is a correctional facilities work environment which requires direct interactions with inmates who are designated at various levels of classifications.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conduct case management services for assigned inmates; assess inmates' needs including but not limited to: drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, behavioral health and provide reentry resources.
2. Act as key point of contact for assigned units/inmates to solicit for and assist in the enrollment for benefits/enrollment/eligibility programs.
3. Conduct initial interviews with inmates; review prior history of detention or arrest; review documents from other facilities or prisons as required; prepare, maintain and update inmate files, consulting with other department staff and outside professionals to ensure the proper discharge planning to include processing of social services documentation.
4. Responsible for the timely and accurate documentation and reporting of case management processes; maintain case notes and complete associated documentation.
5. Create and maintain partnerships to facilitate effective social services initiatives and outcomes.
6. Serve as liaison with community benefit providers and MDC.
7. Monitor program compliance with laws, rules and regulations related to case management services policies and other standard operating procedures.
8. When assignment is located at the Community Custody Program (CCP), act as primary liaison and perform focused services with all facets of the criminal justice system by facilitating classification to CCP by court order or through a review process and ensure timely and accurate follow-up on all aspects of communication, to include reporting and recording requirements and other duties related to CCP as outlined above.
9. Perform other job-related duties as required or assigned.

*The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required of all employees assigned to this job.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor Degree in related field, plus three (3) years of work experience in criminal justice, social work, counseling, case management or related field; OR any related combination of education from an accredited college or university or related experience totaling seven (7) years in criminal justice, social work, counseling, case management or related field. Related education and experience may substitute for the required education and experience and may be interchangeable on a year for year basis.
2. Knowledge of the basic operations, services and activities of a correctional program, program development and implementation, and the operation of the court system.
3. Knowledge of community social services and benefits available to inmate's reentering the community.
4. Knowledge of counseling and case management techniques.
5. Knowledge of the methods and techniques of determining security level required for individuals and the principles and practices governing inmates' rights.
6. Skill in the use of computers to generate reports and maintain records.
7. Ability to interview and evaluate inmates for program eligibility and the ability to interpret court documents.
8. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, in oral and written English.
9. Ability to work flexible schedule to include evening and weekend hours.
10. Ability to analyze hazardous situations in a rational, mature and confident manner and to act effectively; to remain calm and effective under stressful situations.
11. Ability to interact effectively and professionally with administration, subordinates co-workers, inmates and the general public.
12. Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions; project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
13. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with staff, subordinates, County officials, and the general public.

Supplemental Information

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

1. Employee must successfully complete the post-offer employment medical examination, and a background investigation.
2. Employee must comply with Bernalillo County safety policy requirements.
3. Employee must successfully complete and attain within nine (9) months from date of hire: 1) National Institute of Corrections Evidence Based Practices, Course #4, "Essential Elements of Case Planning and, 2) the Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility training program through the State of New Mexico.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. The majority of essential duties are performed indoors in a temperature-controlled environment.
2. Outdoor duties are sometimes required in performance of essential duties and worker is exposed to natural weather conditions while performing outdoor duties.
3. Work hazards or potential work hazards include those of a correctional facility environment with exposure to noise and dangerous situations that could involve serious bodily injury and other health hazards.
4. Worker may be exposed to intermittent noise and vibration, a variety of fumes and odors, contagious diseases and potentially hostile and dangerous situations.
5. Indoor working surface is even and may be carpeted or tiled.
6. Indoor surfaces are typically dry and may involve the use of stairs.
7. Outdoor surface may be even or uneven and may be wet or dry.
8. Outdoor duties may involve the use of stairs or ladders and may be performed on inclines or hills.
9. Outdoor surfaces may include natural ground, asphalt, or concrete.
10. Employee may be required to work a flexible schedule.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS AND MATERIALS

1. Equipment typically used to perform administrative duties include the telephone, computer, telefax machine, photocopy machine, and pager.
2. Worker may handle first aid and oxygen equipment on an occasional basis.
3. Materials and products typically handled in the performance of administrative duties include a wide variety of forms and paperwork, reports, various writing utensils and a wide assortment of other basic office supplies and materials.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Bernalillo County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.