Care Coordinator - Forensics

Lutheran Social Services; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision

403(b) retirement

Paid time off

Employee assistance

Mileage reimbursement

Training & development

Career growth

Job summary

Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan is seeking a compassionate Forensic Care Coordinator to support adults in the criminal justice system toward competency restoration across Dane, Sauk, Columbia, Jefferson & Walworth Counties. You will coordinate treatment, navigate systems, and help clients build recovery pathways in community and jail settings.

Starting pay is $31.00 per hour. The role includes ongoing training in Motivational Interviewing and trauma-informed practices,

Qualifications

• Experience in case management, behavioral health, or recovery services.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and person-centered approaches.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Assess client strengths, needs, and functioning to build plans.
• Coordinate mental health, housing, and community services.
• Meet clients in community and jail settings and collaborate with courts and providers.
• Attend clinical supervision and maintain timely documentation.
• Advocate for client needs and support independence and recovery.

Skills

Case management

Behavioral health

Criminal justice

Trauma-informed care

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or related field

Job description

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) is a private, non-profit, human service agency providing a variety of services throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Over the years, LSS has grown to become one of the largest human service agencies in the two state area serving more than 125,000 clients annually. We are looking for passionate, mission-driven individuals like you to help provide services including outpatient behavioral health management, international, domestic and special needs adoptions, older adult services, support services for children, youth and families, community corrections programs and support services for adults with disabilities and/or mental health concerns.

Motivated by the compassion of Christ, we help people improve the quality of their lives. Does this describe your personal mission statement? Are you motivated to serve by sharing your talents?

Forensic Care Coordinator (Competency Restoration Programs)

Service Area: Dane, Sauk, Columbia, Jefferson & Walworth Counties

Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan (LSS)

Compensation: $31.00 per hour

Make a Difference at the Intersection of Mental Health, Recovery, and Justice

Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan (LSS) is seeking a compassionate and motivated Forensic Care Coordinator to support adults involved in the criminal justice system who are working toward competency restoration. This role serves individuals throughout Dane, Sauk, and Columbia Counties, helping them access treatment, navigate complex systems, and build successful paths toward recovery and community integration.

If you are passionate about mental health, criminal justice, and helping individuals achieve meaningful change, this opportunity offers the chance to make a lasting impact every day.

Compensation & Benefits

Starting Pay: $31.00 per hour

In addition to competitive compensation, LSS offers:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Mileage reimbursement
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Supportive, mission-driven culture
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement

About the Role

The Forensic Care Coordinator provides comprehensive, person-centered case management services for individuals enrolled in Wisconsin's:

• Outpatient Competency Restoration Program (OCRP)
• Jail-Based Competency Restoration Program (JBCR)

You will work directly with clients in community settings and county jails, collaborating with treatment providers, court systems, correctional facilities, family members, and natural supports to coordinate services and support competency restoration.

This position receives ongoing training in Motivational Interviewing, including monthly coaching and quarterly fidelity reviews, along with other evidence-based practices designed to improve client outcomes.

What You'll Do

• Complete assessments of client strengths, needs, and functional abilities
• Develop and implement individualized, person-centered service plans
• Coordinate mental health, substance use, housing, medical, and community services
• Meet with clients in community and jail settings throughout the service area
• Collaborate with courts, correctional facilities, treatment providers, institutions, and natural supports
• Facilitate person-centered team meetings
• Providing legal education to competency clients
• Utilize trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches, including Motivational Interviewing
• Maintain timely and accurate electronic documentation
• Participate in clinical supervision, training, and professional development
• Testify in legal proceedings as required
• Advocate for client needs while promoting independence and recovery

Why This Position Matters

This role plays a critical part in helping individuals restore competency, engage in treatment, reduce barriers, and successfully transition within their communities. You will serve as a bridge between behavioral health, criminal justice, and community support systems while helping clients work toward meaningful life goals.

Qualifications

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or a related field, including:

• Social Work
• Psychology
• Criminal Justice
• Counseling
• Community Mental Health
• Substance Use Counseling
• Rehabilitation Counseling
• Recreational Therapy
• Vocational Counseling
• Other qualifying human services degrees

Preferred Experience

• Experience in case management, behavioral health, substance use treatment, criminal justice, or community-based services
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and person-centered practices
• Understanding of mental health and substance use disorders
• Ability to collaborate across multiple systems and stakeholders
• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills

Requirements

• Valid Wisconsin Driver's License
• Reliable transportation
• Ability to meet LSS driving and insurance requirements
• Successful completion of required background and regulatory checks

Travel Requirements

• Daily travel throughout Dane, Sauk, and Columbia Counties
• Occasional overnight travel may be required

Join LSS

At LSS, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to thrive. Join a team dedicated to restoring hope, supporting recovery, and creating stronger communities throughout Wisconsin.

Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor Degree of Hum. Serv. or Related Field (required)

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.