Case Manager (Interim) in Los Angeles, California at Project 180

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

Interim Housing is a county-funded Department of Health Service (DHS) Office of Diversion and Reentry (ODR) program for individuals declared incompetent to stand trial. Instead of receiving services in a state hospital or locked facility, individuals are diverted to receive community based competency restoration. The Interim Housing program provides intensive, wraparound behavioral health services at 4 transitional housing sites.

The Position

Under the supervision of the Program Supervisor, the Case Manager is responsible for providing intensive, wraparound, field based case management services. Case Managers also serve as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team. A successful case manager will actively engage this population in services, supporting their clients in making progress towards meaningful recovery goals and increasing utilization of community resources. Case Manager (I-III) to be established based on years of relevant experience. This is an interim position with an anticipated end date of October 31, 2026 with the possibility of the position becoming permanent.

Essential Functions

Provide intensive, 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 (ie communication, problem solving, anger management skills) for long term stability in the community.
• Engage and join with collaterals (family members, probation, 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 and accompany clients to court appearances.
• Apply racial equity lens to all elements of clinical care.

Coordinate care with a multidisciplinary treatment team

• Actively contribute to planning and execution of clinical interventions in collaboration with the treatment team. Leverage unique skills and abilities of team members in service delivery.
• Participate in coordinated outreach and engagement efforts with treatment team.
• Collaborate with external partners (ie residential substance treatment facilities, primary care clinics, etc) to ensure high quality, integrated care.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain comprehensive case notes in the electronic health record per program guidelines.
• Adhere to DHS/ODR documentation 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 assigned by supervisor.
• Maintain active license and/or registrations as applicable (i.e. BBS, CCAPP)

Skills and Abilities

• Empathetic, strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Culturally competent: Understands and is sensitive to diverse backgrounds and needs
• Resourceful: Efficiently navigates and utilizes resources available
• Collaborative: Able to work in diverse teams to solve complex issues
• Adaptive to changing circumstances and client needs in a dynamic environment
• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills, remains calm under pressure.
• Detail-oriented, organized and has strong time management skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA or BS in any field, and at least 1 year of case management experience, or in lieu of a BA, at least 2 years of case management experience.
  • 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 experienc
• 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.
• Must not be on any type of legal supervision (probation or parole).
• Verification of Employment Eligibility and Background Check
• Basic computer skills

• Previous case management experience
• Lived experience with homelessness, mental health/substance use recovery or the criminal justice system
• Spanish speaking
• Experience working with the forensic and/or dual diagnosed populations.
• Experience working on an interdisciplinary team in a mental health or hospital setting.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Environmental Conditions (Working Conditions)

Job duties are to be performed both in office and field settings.

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.