Public Defender In Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

This is a full-time non-exempt position primarily responsible for the assessment of client functioning and the development, preparation, and implementation of a comprehensive Targeted Case Management Service Plan. Responsible for monitoring all services received by TCM clients, resource development, service linkage, crisis intervention services and client advocacy. Works as an interdisciplinary team member. Work assignments will be discussed at bi-weekly planning meetings. Goals and objectives will be developed, and priority assignments identified. Maintains all TCM records and other relevant paperwork accurately and promptly.

Primary work hours will be Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm with a 30-minute lunch (37.5 hours/week) unless otherwise agreed upon. This position requires flexibility to work non-traditional hours, including evening and weekends, to participate in an after-hours on-call rotation, as scheduled, and outreach events and WCSI activities. The CJS TCM must be willing to adjust their schedules as needed to support these initiatives. While the primary focus of this role is working with adults, the position also requires occasional interaction with children during on-call responsibilities.

Compliance:

As with all WCSI positions, it is the expectation that employees adhere to WCSI, County, State and Federal guidelines, regulation, policies, and laws which govern the business and service of WCSI.

This position requires the employee to perform their daily job duties and responsibilities in an unstructured work environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Includes the following, (other duties may be assigned as deemed necessary by management):

Case Management Activities:
Assess client need utilizing the Environmental Matrix and Strength Based Assessment (SBA), client and/or collateral interviews, and reviews of clinical and social information. Needs assessment will consider current and historical information, with emphasis on precipitating factors to deteriorated functioning. Develops, prepares and implements a comprehensive Targeted Case Management Service Plan which includes short- and long-term goals/outcomes based on client, provider and TCM team input. Goals and outcomes are strength oriented and clearly operationalized to facilitate assessment of progress. Outcomes will be directed towards reduced hospitalization, independent living, improved vocational/educational status and social supports. Conducts regular, documented re-evaluations of client progress. Ensures face-to-face contact to the client based on program requirements, working on a variable schedule as assigned by supervisor.
Crisis Intervention Activities:
Participates in a rotating system to ensure that 24-hour crisis services are available. Responds to both face-to-face and telephone requests for intervention. Evaluates clients and works with Crisis Intervention services to arrange for urgent psychiatric care, if needed. Ensure that all alternatives to hospitalization have been explored.

Monitoring and Coordination Activities:
Monitors all services received client by reviewing cases; meeting with family, significant others, relevant providers, advocates and attorneys; and attending TCM team meetings. Participates in interdisciplinary and psychiatric treatment team meetings as required. Ensure client’s needs are met through utilization of natural supports and other social services. Investigate new resources and communicate with respective providers on the client's behalf. Maintains current directory of community resources. Assist client with identification, linkage, access and coordination of these resources.

Specialization:

Manages needs for those clients who are currently in County Prison or State Correctional Institutions.  Works with community providers, court of clerks, public defender, etc to work for the timely release of the individual. Advocates for medication routine and safety while inside the institution and provides referral assistance and linking to housing, entitlements, treatment and community activities upon release. Monitors and follows up with the individual at least bi-weekly, but in most circumstances, weekly.  This position may also service community clientele based on the needs of the department.
 

Advocacy Activities:
Advocates for the client to ensure responsiveness from natural, community, generic and specialized services. Advocacy includes providing information, removing barriers, and creating options and resolving problems.
Case Documentation/Service Accountability:
Maintains Targeted Case Management records and documents all client activity, including contacts with clients and collateral contacts. Reviews charts for compliance with regulations. Prepares for annual record audits by the county and state. Efficiently completes paperwork and other program related material and meets monthly performance standard expectations. Ensures that all services provided align with the established WCSI service provisions standards, including actively promoting high-quality client-centered care while monitoring service delivery to meet productivity benchmarks.

Community Engagement and Outreach:

Actively participate in community engagement and outreach efforts. This includes attending and contributing to at least two outreach events and/or WCSI activities annually. The Acute TCM will play a key role in representing the organization, fostering relationships with community partners, and promoting the organization’s mission and services. Flexibility in scheduling is essential to accommodate these events, which may occur during evenings and weekends. The Acute TCM should demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, ensuring effective collaboration and engagement with diverse community members.

Professional/Technical Responsibilities:
Extensive knowledge of theories, principles, and techniques related to service provided. Ability to establish/maintain effective working relationship with clients, associates and agency personnel. Knowledge of community resources and ability to facilitate coordination activities. Ability to prepare clear, concise reports and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Social Service related field.  Previous Casemanagement experience preferred.

Language Skills:

Strong Interpersonal skills, effective oral and written communication skills.

Certificates, Registrations, Licenses:

Valid PA Driver’s License, Proof of Valid Auto Insurance, Act 34 (Criminal Record), and Act 33 (Child Abuse) and FBI Clearance. There will be monthly screenings of PA Medicheck List, LEIE (List of Excluded Individuals/Entities) and SAM (System for Award Management).

Other:

This position requires the availability and utilization of the employee’s personal vehicle, for purposes of transportation to and from work appointments.  Transportation of clients in personal vehicles is not permitted, as agency vehicles are available for this purpose.

As a requirement of employment, certain personal information (Birth Date, Driver’s License, Diplomas, Transcripts, etc.) can be shared in confidential communication as related to regulations, licensure and/or insurance carrier contracts.

As with all WCSI positions, this position will adhere to all random drug screening requirements, as set forth by WCSI Policy.

ENVIRONMENT, PHYSICAL and MENTAL CONDITIONS

Physical/Mental Demands: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to operate a motor vehicle, sit, stand, walk, bend and lift objects of up to 10 pounds.  The employee regularly uses a computer, phone, fax, copier and other essential office equipment to carry out daily work assignments.

Substantial problem solving in response to urgent/emergency situations, which may require immediate action.  Ability to apply principles of leadership and management in daily practice.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, BH Casemanagement is provided as needed in the place where the client resides or needs the service.  Casemanagement is a community-based service and offers service in the client's home, community center, and place of worship or treatment center. Case managers will provide linkage, monitoring, access to services; provide assessment and service planning, problem resolution and informal support network building for clients on their caseload in a client driven fashion where and when it is needed.  Exposure to outside weather conditions will exist.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

It is WCSI’s business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with disabilities.

This position description is not an employment agreement or contract, but rather a description of the expectations of job duties and responsibilities as assigned to this position.  Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this position description and the position classification, at any time without prior notice.