Case Manager

Title : Case Manager (I-III)
Division: Project 180 - Rapid Diversion Program
Pay Scale : $25.24 - $30.62/hour
Location : Van Nuys Courthouse

The Organization
SSG-Project 180 turns lives around through innovative, wraparound services that keep people out of institutions and in their communities. Project 180 is a leader in the forensic treatment space, offering high-quality, specialized treatment programs that serve thousands of justice-involved individuals. Our programs span criminal justice intercepts and include pre-arrest interventions, court-based diversions, jail in-reach, and intensive post-release services. Project 180 operates in partnership with County agencies including the Department of Mental Health (DMH), the Department of Health Services (DHS), and the Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD).

The Program
The Rapid Diversion Program (RDP) is a County-operated program that diverts criminal defendants out of the criminal legal system at the early stages of the court process. The program provides in-court mental health evaluation, linkage to treatment services, and case management support to participants, whose criminal case is dismissed upon successful program completion.

The Position
Under the supervision of the Program Supervisor, the Rapid Diversion Program (RDP) Case Manager is responsible for providing wraparound, field based case management and rehabilitative services to a caseload of approximately 20 diversion clients. A successful RDP case manager will foster strong collaborative relationships with external treatment providers and RDP court staff. Success in this role hinges on actively engaging clients, supporting them in achieving meaningful recovery goals, and enhancing their utilization of community resources. Job title (I-III) to be established based on years of relevant experience.

Essential Functions
Provide wraparound, field-based services to support recovery goals 

• Actively engage clients in services through the development of strong rapport, consistent contact and use of motivational interviewing. Provide outreach services as needed, meeting clients “where they are at” (service location, client’s point of view).
• Services to target cornerstones of recovery oriented care (instilling hope, empowerment, self-responsibility and engaging in meaningful roles). Ensure service delivery is consistent with ethical standards and a harm reduction, strength based, trauma informed framework.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of available community resources. Complete needs assessment and link clients to community resources. Monitor ongoing participation in services/use of resources and facilitate problem solving to target barriers. Accompany clients to linkage appointments when appropriate.
• Teach prosocial and recovery skills (i.e. communication, problem solving, anger management skills) for long term stability in the community.
• Engage and join with collaterals (family members, court) as appropriate. Provide education related to mental health recovery to better support clients. Engage in client advocacy.
• Conduct custody pick ups from LA county jails.

Support clients in successfully adhering to court requirements 

• Support new clients in understanding the court process, appropriate court conduct, and their specific responsibilities for diversion.
• Assist clients in attending scheduled court appearances, providing transportation and accompaniment as necessary.
• Procure written progress reports from community providers and submit them to court within established deadlines.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with RDP court staff, engaging in ongoing collaboration to ensure clients receive high-quality services consistent with clients responsibilities for diversion.

Documentation and Reporting 

• Maintain comprehensive case notes in the electronic health record per program guidelines.
• Participate in program data collection per program guidelines.

Fulfill baseline Project 180 staff expectations 

• Regular attendance required. Holiday or weekend work may be required.
• Maintain and uphold Agency mission statement, values, policies, procedures, and principles.
• Perform other duties as needed.
• Maintain active license and/or registrations as applicable (i.e. BBS, CCAPP).

Skills and Abilities

• Empathetic and relational: Demonstrates strong communication and relationship-building skills to effectively engage clients.
• Culturally competent: Understands and responds sensitively to diverse backgrounds, identities, and needs.
• Resourceful and efficient: Navigates and utilizes available resources quickly and effectively to support client outcomes.
• Collaborative: Works well within diverse teams to address complex challenges and achieve shared goals.
• Adaptable: Responds flexibly to shifting client needs and dynamic work environments.
• Critical thinker and problem solver: Applies analytical and creative thinking to overcome barriers and support client success.
• Detail-oriented and organized: Manages time effectively while maintaining accuracy and thorough documentation.
• Effective communicator: Delivers clear, professional, and solution-focused communication with clients, court partners, and the Project 180 RDP team.
• Emotionally intelligent: Accepts feedback constructively and navigates difficult situations with professionalism and diplomacy.
• Respectful and professional: Maintains courteous, helpful interactions and appropriate professional boundaries at all times.

Minimum Qualifications 
Required: 

• Experience working with culturally diverse populations.
• Valid CA driver’s license, proof of insurance and own vehicle required. Ability to transport clients in personal vehicle as needed.
• Spanish speaking.
• Must not be on any type of legal supervision (probation or parole).
• Verification of Employment Eligibility and Background Check.
• Basic computer skills.
• Case Manager I: Less than 2 years case management experience
• Case Manager II: 2 years case management experience
• Case Manager III: 3 or more years of case management experience

Preferred: 

• Previous case management experience.
• Lived experience with homelessness, mental health/substance use recovery or the criminal justice system.
• Experience working with the forensic and/or dual-diagnosed populations.

Supervisory Responsibilities
None

Environmental Conditions (Working Conditions)
Job duties are to be performed both in office and field settings, including the assigned courthouse.

Physical Requirements
The employee is expected to move about the worksite throughout the day, which may involve walking, standing, and climbing stairs, or using a mobility device, or similar. The employee is expected to drive, carry a maximum of 20 lbs, listen, and speak in order to complete job requirements.

Mental Requirements
The employee must be able to do any/all of the following: perform complex and varied tasks such as synthesizing information and making decisions without immediate supervision; handle routine distractions, interruptions, noise, and uncontrollable changes in priorities/work schedules; interact professionally and diplomatically in high-stress situations; create and follow plans; meet deadlines