Reach In Specialist - Access Point

Job Responsibilities:

Position Summary

This position provides screening and assessment services to individuals in state/county correctional facilities and Milwaukee County community for Substance issues and recovery support needs.

Essential Functions

• Respond to referrals from the Wisconsin State Dept. of Corrections, probation and parole, BMCW and other sources to complete AODA screens and assessments (ASAM, ASI and Avatar) for substance use/mental health recovery support services in Milwaukee County.

• Requires interviewing consumers while they are incarcerated or in the community. May require travel to out of area county correctional facilities.

• Provide Orientation Sessions at state correctional facilities and in the community to explain the Community Access to Recovery Services (CARS) (formerly WIser Choice) to potential clients as scheduled.

• Assist Recovery Service Coordinators and community partners to create a plan to facilitate release to the community with services in place.

• Provide review and quality assurance of referrals and feedback information from community partners and treatment teams.

• Ability to collaborate with a variety of agencies and coordinate meetings and referrals essential for enrollment.

• Attend meetings sponsored by Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division and other contract partners for process evaluation and process change as required.

• Work with the Milwaukee County Access Point Unit to facilitate the Voucher process or assist with obtaining insurance.

• Complete all forms on-line and in writing required by the Milwaukee Behavioral Health Division protocol.

• Collect and maintain data on all activity in the database as in a timely manner directed.

• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports for outcome analysis as required.

• Collect and enter Health Study data into the Milwaukee County database.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in educating and engaging defendants in the treatment process.

• Participate in Recovery Support meetings as appropriate.

• Other duties and responsibilities as determined by the Administrator.

Job Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Highly organized and attention to detail and follow through. Excellent communication and writing skills a must. Ability to work with diverse populations. Knowledge of the issues of substance abuse and addiction issues required. Knowledge of criminal justice and available community resources preferred. Experience in interviewing, screening and assessment preferred. Computer skills are essential. Must be willing to participate in training in a variety of computer systems as required.

Minimal qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, or Human Services required.

• Combination of experience and degree preferred.

• Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License, automobile insurance and access to an automobile required.

• Requires some travel.

• Must be able to use a computer and type a minimum of 35 WPM.

• Must be able to meet security clearance standards set by the Wisconsin Dept. of Corrections and Milwaukee County.

Other Job Information (if applicable):

Work Relationship and Scope: Reports directly to the Access Point Supervisor. Has contact with a wide variety of individuals including incarcerated individuals, correctional staff, probation and parole staff, WCS staff, substance use ODA and recovery support services providers, funders, family members and the general public.

Personal Attributes: Follow agency Code of Conduct; adhere to established policies and procedures of the agency and of all funding sources; conduct self in an ethical manner; maintain professional and respectful relationships with program staff, other WCS staff, clients and all external persons and agencies involved with service provision; sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic and disability issues; demonstrate commitment to agency values and mission.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in the office and in the field (8:30am – 4:30pm). Requires travel to state correctional facilities. Averages 40 hours per week with flexible work schedule to accommodate travel time. Requires ability to use a computer regularly.

Physical Demands:Sitting at desk or in interviews for up to 2 hours at a time; sitting/driving in a vehicle for extended periods for travel; requires good hearing and ability to communicate verbally; hand and finger dexterity for data entry and typing for record keeping.

Wisconsin Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability, status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.