Diversion Specialist

Wheeler's vision is that all people will have the opportunity to grow, change and live healthier, productive lives. Our mission is to provide equitable access to innovative care that improves health, recovery and growth at all stages of life.

POSITION SUMMARY

Diversion First is a state-wide effort to ensure all youth in Connecticut have the opportunity to be diverted away from formal processing in the juvenile justice system for low level offenses which otherwise result in a referral to juvenile court, thus improving the youth’s long-term outcomes.

Diversion First will utilize the Youth Diversion Team (YDT) model, a reimagined Juvenile Review Board which has evolved in Connecticut for over 40 years. This is a restorative justice approach designed to focus on repairing harm and offering supported supervision to address underlying needs. Youth take accountability for their actions, repairing the harm while community accountability ensures that the youth's needs are met. Shared accountability reinforces the youth's connection to the community and engagement in pro-social behaviors. Diversion First staff screen and refer for needs, including but not limited to, behavioral/mental health, substance use and trauma. Participants will be provided with case management support throughout the process to ensure success.

SALARY

$48,000

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

BA/BS degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology, counseling or related field required.

Must have a valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation.

LOCATION

New Haven, CT

SCHEDULE

Full time

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

At Wheeler, we're committed to not only supporting your career growth but also ensuring your well-being and security. Here's how we invest in you:

Nurture Your Health:

• Comprehensive medical and prescription insurance through Centivo
• Comprehensive dental and vision insurance through Cigna
• Access to wellness programs to support your physical and mental health

Secure Your Future:

• Enjoy peace of mind with company-paid life and AD&D insurance
• 403(b) Plan, with contributions from the company

Fuel Your Career Growth:

• Pursue your educational goals with our Education Reimbursement Program
• Access training and development opportunities
• Receive a productivity incentive to recognize your hard work and dedication
• Get reimbursed for licensure/certification expenses

Maintain Work-Life Harmony:

• Recharge with generous paid time off, including:
  • 15 vacation days per year to explore and recharge
  • 8 sick days per year for your well-being
  • 2 personal days per year for your personal needs
  • 2 floating holidays per year to celebrate what matters to you
  • 9 paid company holidays to spend with loved ones
• Access free and confidential counseling through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides coordination for referrals as well as establishes and maintains referral agreements and linkages with community referral sources or ancillary service providers.

Develops and maintains strong working relationships with the Police Department, Public Schools, Juvenile Probation, DCF and all area service providers who may provide services to children, youth and families appearing before the community YDT (Youth Diversion Team).

Provides direct case management services and develops case management plans specific to each assigned client and family, including interventions necessary to increase the probability of treatment completion, and to improve life functioning. Assists in maintaining the forms for the community YDT.

Maintains records of case management activities for reporting and tracking purposes and completes all documentation for client medical records in accordance with documentation timelines and in compliance with Medicaid, licensing and other accreditations (e.g., care plans, contact notes, progress notes). Additionally, obtain past incident reports, medical, academic, social, and physical histories of youth referred to the community YDT and provides these materials to the community YDT members as needed.

Determines eligibility for the YDT, gains parental and youth agreement to participate in the YDT and its procedures, and ensures the signing of appropriate forms by the parent(s) and youth.

Performs required screenings with the youth and prepares summary reports for the community YDT members, which include but are not limited to assessment results and determination of recommended additional assessments/services.

Decides with community resource providers to implement the community YDT recommendations.

Maintains ongoing family and collateral contact as needed to ensure diversion expectations are being met.

Attends team meetings, staff meetings, or rounds to assist in coordinating case management and review of case.

Supports daily program specific operational functions as required. May transport clients to appointments or linkages as appropriate. May provide translation to support clinical care as appropriate.

Provides service in the office and/or community settings outside of the office (e.g., homes, schools, hospitals, institutions, other community locations) as defined by the program.

Administers standardized screening tools and collects data as defined by program.

Provides and/or supports safety planning and crisis intervention with appropriate supervision and as defined by program.

Continues to develop knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expression of groups served as well as uses appropriate methodological approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding of culture.

Wheeler Clinic is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.