Lead Case Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Reports to: REACH Director of Behavioral Health

This 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.

● 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 access to a variety of funding programs (e.g., SSI, VA)

● Assist participants in finding housing and maintaining occupancy.

● 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.

Qualifications:

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.

● The ability to respectfully engage and develop a working alliance with the people we serve.

● Ability to set clear boundaries, resolve conflict, and de-escalate issues.

● Dependable, prompt, ability to work under pressure, receptive to change, willingness to learn, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

● Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, participants, and outside contacts from a wide variety of ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds, good diplomatic skills.

● Possession of a valid New York State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License (local travel on behalf of the Agency is a job requirement).

● Must be able to pass a NY State Patrol criminal background check.

Preferred:

● An undergraduate degree related to social services or behavioral health.

● Individuals with lived experience including criminal justice experience are encouraged to apply.

● Street outreach experience providing services and resources to the populations we serve.

● Knowledge of the value of trauma informed support and care.

● Understanding harm reduction principles.

The REACH Project Inc. is a nonprofit organization with the belief that all individuals deserve respectful, equitable, access to compassionate healthcare in a setting where they will not be stigmatized or judged based on drug use, homelessness, or any other issue that may cause less than adequate care in today's healthcare environment.

Company Description

The REACH Project Inc. is a nonprofit organization with the belief that all individuals deserve respectful, equitable, access to compassionate healthcare in a setting where they will not be stigmatized or judged based on drug use, homelessness, or any other issue that may cause less than adequate care in today's healthcare environment.\r\n\r\nThe REACH Project owns and operates the first low threshold, harm reduction medical practice in Ithaca, NY