LEAD Case Manager

Reach Project Inc; City of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 34,192 - 35,817; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits eligible

Job summary

Reach Project Inc. in Ithaca, NY seeks a Case Manager for the LEAD program to provide intensive case management and client engagement for individuals suspected of low-level offenses.

You will work within a harm-reduction framework to connect clients with housing, health, and social services, coordinating with LEAD partners to support diversion from the criminal justice system. The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, experience with vulnerable populations, and a valid NY driver’s

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience serving populations affected by poverty, behavioral health conditions, or mental illness from a harm-reduction approach.
• Local travel as part of job duties (valid NYS driver's license preferred).

Responsibilities

• Provide Outreach and Intensive Case Management for assigned clients (approx. 25 on caseload).
• Develop and update individualized service/recovery plans with clients.
• Engage participants at streetside and service sites to establish rapport and offer services.
• Assess health, housing, transportation, safety, and basic needs for participants.
• Assist clients in accessing funding programs (e.g., SSI, VA) and housing support.
• Accompany clients to medical appointments and help with public transportation.
• Provide non-clinical crisis support after hospitalization or incarceration.
• Educate and refer individuals to recovery supports and treatment options.
• Collaborate with LEAD partners (police, prosecutors, public defenders, social services).
• Advocate for participants within the criminal justice system; assist with court appearances and communications.
• Maintain participant files and timely documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by REACH supervisor.

Skills

Harm reduction

Client engagement

Case management

Crisis intervention

Advocacy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

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Job description

Position Title: Case Manager – Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD)Reports to: Community Outreach and Case Management SupervisorThis full-time REACH position provides critical case management services in support of the City of Ithaca LEAD project. REACH provides low-threshold, harm reduction-oriented primary care in a multi-disciplinary, integrated practice to further the REACH Mission of ensuring health equity to all who typically face stigma in the current healthcare system.LEAD is a collaboration involving local police, prosecutors, public defenders, corrections officers, and social service providers, designed to divert individuals arrested or suspected of low-level drug offenses and/or other misdemeanors into social services rather than the criminal justice system. The LEAD team is passionate about creating a welcoming, hospitable environment while providing quality services in a client/patient-centered manner. We value diversity as part of our commitment to social justice, and appreciate hard work, creativity, and enthusiasm.LEAD Case Manager Position Goals:The Case Manager role is critical to the LEAD project in providing client engagement and intensive case management services to individuals suspected of low-level drug offenses and other misdemeanors. The Case Manager will provide direct services to a caseload of approximately 25 individuals. Duties include but are not limited to:Provide Outreach and Intensive Case Management services for assigned clients.In collaboration with clients, develop, implement, evaluate, and update as required/appropriate Individualized service plans and or recovery plans (for individuals with substance use disorder or co-occurring mental health diagnoses) these plans should include the following components.Engage participants on the street and at social service provider facilities to establish a working relationship and offer services.Assess participants for severity of health, behavioral and/or drug user health needs including but not limited to housing, nutrition, clothing, safety, security, etc.Assist participants in gaining awareness and access to support services and a variety of funding programs (e.g., SSI, VA).Work with individuals to utilize public transportation independently and accompany participants to medical appointments as needed.Assist participants in finding housing and maintaining occupancy.Provide non-clinical crisis support after hospitalization, incarceration, and other occurrences that might cause distress.Educate, engage and refer individuals with substance use disorder and or co-occurring mental health diagnoses about the various modes of recovery, formal recovery supports, and options for treatment.Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with LEAD partners including Ithaca Police Department, Tompkins County Sheriff, city, and prosecutors’ offices.Provide advocacy and support for participants within the criminal justice system including court appearances and written communication.Develop and maintain accessible participant files and timely documentation.Other duties as assigned by REACH supervisor.Required:High school diploma or equivalent required.Experience serving populations impacted by extreme poverty, behavioral health conditions, and mental illness from a harm reduction model of care.Possession of a valid New York State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License (local travel on behalf of the agency is a job requirement).Benefits:This position is full-time, benefits eligible position.This salary range for this postion is $24.82 - $26.00/hour.REACH is dedicated to health equity, we are committed to hiring and developing well-qualified staff who reflect the racial, ethnic, social, and cultural diversity of the people we wish to serve. People of color, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.