Caseworker, Adult Specialty Courts

GENERAL SUMMARY

The purpose of this job is to collaborate with supervising Probation Officer to monitor the participant’s compliance with program requirements and to submit recommendations regarding incentives, sanctions, and treatment when necessary. This position includes preparing documentation for and presenting at team meetings and/or review hearings.  The caseworker will assess participant needs and goals and assist in creating strategies and connecting participants with resources to meet goals.  Data collection, entry, and interpretation is necessary in this position. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Conducts screenings, intakes, and participant meetings.
• Performs comprehensive assessments and contacts other agencies, courts, police, and prosecutors to gather and evaluate data to determine participants needs. 
• Makes community resource referrals for participants regarding medical concerns, housing, counseling, employment, education, etc.      Follows up on participant aftercare. 
• Monitors participants’ compliance with program rules and requirements.  Responds to program violations. 
• Attends team meetings and court hearings; presents and/or testifies as needed. 
• Prepares LEIN request forms. 
• Refers participants for treatment screening, drug testing, and other program requirements. 
• Observes and conducts drug testing of participants when needed. 
• Informs participants of program and probation requirements and court orders. 
• Maintains contact with probationers and their supportive services. 
• Responds to courtroom emergencies including probation violations.
• Performs all other duties as assigned. 
• Maintains case records in the Drug Court Case Management Information System.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in psychology, criminal justice, social work, counseling or a closely related field.  Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience:   1-3 years case supervision experience (including internships and on-the-job training), preferably in a court or counseling, mental health, correctional, substance abuse agency or related area.

Required Licenses or Certifications

Valid Michigan driver’s license. 

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Drug Court Case Management Information System
• Michigan Automated Prescription System
• Drug Court Program, policies and procedures
• Drug testing procedures
• Court statutes, court rules, and procedures related to probation matters
• Other resources in the community to which participants can be referred for assistance
• English grammar, spelling, punctuation
• Legal terminology and court procedures
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment

Skill in:

• Typing and writing
• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships 
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature

Ability to:

• Assess and counsel
• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries