Assistant Criminal Justice Liaison

Position Summary:

Person in this position will be primarily responsible for assisting the Criminal Justice Liaison in duties required to perform outreach in the state of Florida, complete screening assessments and make "placements" for criminally involved persons who are living with a chronic substance abuse problem, and who may also be living with mental illness. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

Essential Job Functions:

• Serve as back up to the Criminal Just Liaison in corresponding between WestCare and Drug Courts, the County Jails, Public Defender's Office, Department of Corrections, and other criminal justice entities, for the receiving and processing of referrals (for placement) of criminally involved clients living with chronic substance abuse.
• Completely track and store all required documentation accurately
• Communicate with staff and clients regarding court hearings and facilitate client attendance at hearings
• Communicate with counselors to ensure that required reports have been submitted to the legal entity requesting them
• Assist clients in addressing current legal and child custody needs via phone calls and video meetings
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of available community resources and act as liaison to persons involved.
• Complete client admission documentation (DC5-404, ASAM, Screenings) and add to new client chart
• Establish and maintain a County-wide network of transitional housing and other recovery focused programs which will accept referrals of criminally involved homeless persons.
• Complete a monthly referral and waitlist report and submit to designated administrative staff
• Serve as a back up to the Criminal Justice Liaison in representing WestCare at court and probation hearings, as needed.
• Communicate daily with Criminal Justice Liaison regarding active client information to ensure timely communication with Drug Courts, Department of Corrections, and other criminal justice entities,

Essential Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2+ years of experience in the field of substance abuse, criminal justice, mental illness or social services preferred.
• Ability to handle crisis situations and make appropriate decisions independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Superior organizational skills.
• Extremely strong computer skills, to encompass all Microsoft Office applications.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice, social work or other related field preferred.
• Minimum Associates Degree with comparable years of qualifying experience required.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed primarily in a professional, office setting.
• Regular attendance is required.  Working overtime is required and essential to perform job duties at times.
• The normal work routine involves no exposure to human blood, body fluids or tissues.  However, exposure or potential exposure may be required as a condition of employment. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be readily available to every employee.

WestCare is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment at WestCare is contingent upon
successful completion of a pre-employment drug test,
pre-employment physical and criminal background check.