POST Case Manager

Full Job Description

Job Summary
This position is critical to the POST unit, providing engagement and intensive case management services to individuals experiencing substance use issues, homelessness, poverty, mental/behavioral challenges, in active drug use, and suspected of low-level drug offenses, non-violent crimes, and/or prostitution. The Case Manager will provide direct services to a caseload of approximately 25 individuals. Case managers provide outreach, long-term engagement and supportive services for participants through intensive case management activities and collaboration with POST partners, service providers, treatment and housing providers and other community organizations.

This position is funded for one (1) year from the POST SAMSHA Grant. Future years of funding are contingent on grant availability and other funding sources.

Department: Office of Community Health & Safety

Requirements

General Application Requirements:

You must submit or show proof of all of the following at the time of application (unless otherwise indicated below) or your application will be disqualified. Disqualifications based on any of these General Application Requirements are not subject to a Civil Service appeal.

• Applicants must submit a complete application, including education, work experience, a resume (if applicable) and completed supplemental questions.
• Applicants must be or become residents of the City of Pittsburgh prior to employment and remain a resident throughout employment.
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A current, valid Class C Pennsylvania Driver's License is required prior to appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Written requests for accommodation based on the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act will be considered by the Department of Human Resources & Civil Service on an individual basis.


NOTE: The City of Pittsburgh, as a matter of policy, conducts pre-employment and promotional background investigations on all candidates being considered for positions. The background investigation includes, but is not limited to, criminal background, driver's license, and City of Pittsburgh real estate tax payments. Candidates may be disqualified from consideration based on the results of their background investigation, as it relates to the job for which the applicant is being considered.

NOTE: Candidates being considered for employment must submit official transcripts verifying post-secondary education (college/university, trade school, etc.) prior to hire.

Qualifying Requirements:
Your work experience and education/training will be evaluated to determine if you meet the qualifying eligibility requirements listed below for this position. You will receive notice of your eligibility status.


• WORK EXPERIENCE: The application must clearly show three (3) years of full-time experience working with individuals experiencing substance use issues. (Less than full-time experience will be calculated on a pro-rated basis.)

EDUCATION/TRAINING: High school diploma or equivalent required.

Further education/training/social work degree, associate degree, degrees related to the fields of human services, direct care, criminal justice, or human development is desirable.

(See NOTE under the General Application Requirements Section above regarding the verification of education/training).

EQUIVALENCY: Education/training and/or work experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis if the application clearly shows the required number of years to meet the Total Qualifying Requirement for this position (based on the sum of work experience and education/training listed above).

The Total Qualifying Requirement is three (3) years.

Qualifications

If you meet the qualifying requirements listed above, you will be sent a letter of admission (when applicable) for the following examination(s).

You must pass the written and/or performance examination(s) to have your name placed on the official Civil Service eligibility list for this position.

Candidates who receive job offers must pass a medical examination (when applicable) prior to start date.




• Written: None required for this position.

• Performance: None required for this position.

• Medical: None required for this position.

Additional Information

Participant Services

• Provides structured Intensive Case Management services consistent with program policies.
• Provides outreach and Intensive Case Management services for assigned participants.
• Engages with participants on the street and at social service provider facilities to establish a working relationship and offer services.
• Assesses participants for severity of chemical dependency and housing status and determines needs for other services, e.g., medical, mental health.
• Assists participants in gaining access to a variety of funding programs.
• Assists participants in finding care, treatment, housing, and navigating social service programs.

Develops and implements an individualized service plan (ISP) which addresses the needs of the participant for underlying needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and health care in addition to the primary objective of substance use disorder treatment or reduction/elimination of drug/alcohol use through self-change methods.

This service plan must be person centered with the participant’s input reflecting needs assessment.

• Updates ISP periodically to reflect movement toward or attainment of articulated goals and the emergence of new participant needs and to help the participant move toward the achievement of autonomy.
• Provides advocacy and support for participants within the criminal justice system including court appearances and written communication. This can include navigating previous encounters like active warrants and failure to appear.
• Accompanies participants to appointments as needed and/or requested by participant.
• Assists participants in developing a spending plan and shopping plan.
• Advocates for participants with a wide variety of other service providers as needed by participant.
• Assists participants in gaining entry to other service programs.
Partnership Activities:

• Develops and maintains a working relationship with sobering centers staff, DHS workers, ROOTS staff, OCHS social workers, chemical dependency treatment providers, mental health providers, health care providers, shelter providers, housing department, landlords, detox centers, out-reach staff, protective or representative payees, and other community programs which may support participants.
• Develops relationships with housing resources, the housing authority and assists the participant in gaining access to appropriate housing.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with POST partners including Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Courts, Public Defenders Office, Allegheny Courts and Judges/Magistrates.
• Attends regularly scheduled working group meetings and the staffing of participants with partners.
• Identifies gaps and barriers in available community resources and advocates for systemic changes.
• Attends POST team meetings and other required meetings.
Administrative Duties

• Develops and maintains participant files for assigned caseload according to program, contract and state requirements.
• Manages and populates the database system Julota to keep participant information organized, accessible and safe.
• Prepares documents for operational work groups OWG's) to advocate in favor of participants needs.
• Meets periodically with project management staff to ensure the operational success of the program and address gaps and needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

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