Lead Forensic Coordinator - (Internal Employees Only)

Wisconsin Community Services, Inc.; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A social services organization in Milwaukee is seeking a Lead Forensic Coordinator. This position requires ongoing service coordination and advocacy for individuals in various competency programs. The successful candidate will track treatment needs, mentor staff, and coordinate community support. Ideal applicants will hold a Bachelor's degree in a related field, possess case management experience, and have knowledge of mental health services. The role involves driving within a four-county area and engaging with diverse populations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field required.
• Experience working with individuals with mental illness preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and insured automobile needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide service coordination for various counties.
• Serve as a lead trainer for forensic staff.
• Coordinate treatment planning and monitoring for participants.

Skills

Case management

Crisis intervention

Mental health knowledge

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in related human service field

Job description

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Wisconsin Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/Disability/Vet).

Lead Forensic Coordinator - (Internal Employees Only)

Job Code: 2026-BHS-001 | Location: Milwaukee | Department: Forensic Services Unit - All Forensics Programs | FT/PT Status: Full Time

ONLY CURRENT WCS FORENSIC SERVICES STAFF ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.

The closing date for applications is 1/23/2026.

Position Summary:

Provide ongoing service coordination, monitoring, treatment planning and advocacy to residents of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Kenosha counties who are participating in the Competency Programs (JBCR and OCRP), Conditional Release Services Program (CRS), and the OARS Program.

Essential Functions:

• Serve as a lead trainer and mentor for new forensic staff and interns.
• Track and review post release and quarterly paperwork as required by DHS, providing feedback to case managers regarding content and timeliness (keeping supervisor informed)
• Work with the Program Supervisor to develop/enhance program quality assurance tools and assist with QA.
• Assist with assignments of new referrals/admissions.
• Participate in the interview process for new forensic staff and interns.
• Serve as positive role model for all staff; acting as a resource and providing support (to them) as needed.
• Coordinate staff training schedule.
• Build and nurture positive working relationships with stakeholders and funders.
• Facilitate any/all participant and team staffings in the Supervisor’s absence.
• Maintain a reduced caseload, as determined by the Supervisor.
• Coordinate, plan and monitor ongoing treatment needs and compliance with treatment for all program participants by providing assessment, treatment planning, assertive case management, symptom management, medication monitoring, crisis-intervention and coordination of multi-disciplinary team meetings as per program protocols and the DHS contract.
• Coordinate community support services and/or directly provide assistance to clients with activities of daily living to include, but not limited to, coaching and hands on assistance in the areas of housing, money management, vocational/educational pursuits, scheduling and transportation to appointments.
• Engage and develop a supportive one-to-one therapeutic relationship with each participant.
• Utilize Motivational Interviewing skills as a primary skill/tool to enhance participant participation and success.
• Monitor ongoing treatment needs and compliance with treatment for all program participants by providing assessment, treatment planning, assertive case management, symptom management, medication monitoring, crisis-intervention and coordination of multi-disciplinary team meetings as per program protocols and the DHS contract.
• Encourage and develop natural support for each participant including family members, neighbors, friends, the community, etc.
• Respond to crisis situations using agency approved approaches/techniques.
• Responsible for developing and submitting Court documents when appropriate: Pre-Dispositional Investigations, Conditional Release Plans, Alternative CR Plans (TPA’s), Discharge/Transition Plans and all Status Reports.
• Create and maintain participant service documents including but not limited to: Assessments; Release Plans; ISP’s; service plans; QPN’s; suicide risk assessments; crisis plans; budgets, AFH/Rent Justification forms and release of information forms.
• Comply with DHS quality standards, DHS Connect (EHR)SharePoint protocols, format requirements and time frames for all documents and communications.
• Ensure maximum participant financial contribution and third-party payment toward cost-of-service provision by applying for appropriate insurance benefits, using to the fullest extent patient assistance programs, county services and community resources.
• Provide on-going communication and coordination with treatment providers, DOC/DCC, prison staff, and other service agencies.
• Frequent home visits and transporting of participants in the community using personal vehicle when appropriate.

Other Duties And Responsibilities:

• Timely collection of necessary medical records, lab results and information for CRS, OCRP/JBCR and OARS participants per program protocol.
• Rotational crisis line coverage.
• Appear and testify at court hearings.
• Attend training, meetings, and staffings as needed.
• Other job-related duties may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position.
• In the event of resignation, staff will plan to work from the Forensic office in Milwaukee for the last 2 weeks of employment to complete all designated paperwork. Staff will meet with their supervisor daily to review work progress and outstanding tasks. On the last day of employment, staff will turn in all agency equipment to their supervisor.

Job Qualifications:

Minimal Qualifications and Salary Schedule: Bachelor’s Degree in related human service field; knowledge and one year work experience in the Conditional Release and Competency Programs preferred; experience in case management and service coordination; experience working with individuals with mental illness, substance use or other special populations required; must have a valid driver’s license and insured automobile; must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug test.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities:

Knowledge of and experience in mental health and substance abuse services including assessment, treatment plan development, psychotropic medications, side effects and symptom management; knowledge of the legal system and forensic psychiatric issues; risk management; resourcefulness and flexibility responding to changing client needs; knowledge of entitlements such as Medicaid, Medicare, SSI/SSDI, Veterans benefits; above average written and verbal communication skills; positive interpersonal skills; good organizational and time management skills; ability to work independently as well as a team member; familiarity with computers; interest and commitment to social justice.

Other Job Information (if Applicable)

Work Relationship and Scope:

Reports to the Forensic Services Supervisor. Has contact with a wide variety of individuals including service recipients, program staff, DHS, DOC/DCC, MHI, WPS and BCI staff, psychiatrists, treatment providers, family members and the public.

Personal Attributes:

Follow the agency Code of Conduct; adhere to established policies and procedures of the agency and of all funding sources; conduct self in an ethical manner; maintain professional and respectful relationships with program staff, other WCS staff, participants and all external persons and agencies involved with service provision; sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic and disability issues; demonstrate commitment to agency values and mission.

Working Conditions:

Job is performed in a combination of office setting and field work throughout a four-county region (including the inner city of Milwaukee) with individuals who are participating in the CRS, OCRP/JBCR and OARS Programs; some of whom may be unstable and symptomatic at times. The position requires travel to the MHI’s and various state prisons throughout WI. Most work is performed in the community, primarily in participant’s homes. Staff members are expected to transport participants as needed.

Typical workweek: Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30, although some flexibility is necessary to include possible weekends, and holiday coverage. Also involves rotational 24hr crisis line.

Physical Demands:

There is frequent driving throughout a four-county region to the MHI’s and various prisons throughout WI. The position requires an ability to drive for periods of time throughout the day. Must be able to go up and down stairs, lift and carry 20 pounds to assist with routine client moves. Staff are expected to assist participants with light household chores as necessary. Office work involves sitting at a desk and conducting computer work.