Deflection Case Manager - Washington County
Job Description:
Through a combination of referrals, assessment, and individual meetings with people being served, Case Managers (CMs) explore what services and supports are needed or desired based on individual needs. CMs provide equitable access to coordinated access systems, assess and triage people for housing and other resources, and build connections to underserved communities. This dynamic position is highly mobile and requires strong coordination and engagement skills. CMs work collaboratively with a dynamic team consisting of peer support specialists, other non-profits, medical professionals, public safety professionals, and more to support participant goals.
The Washington County Deflection Program (WCDP) provides an opportunity for persons cited or arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance (PCS-U) to avoid prosecution through successful engagement in treatment. This program is a collaborative effort involving law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, Behavioral Health, Community Corrections, and treatment and recovery providers.
Within this program, the Case Manager initiates contact with individuals referred through the deflection process or law enforcement referrals and conducts intake and assessment to determine service needs. A primary focus of this role is connecting participants to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment providers for assessment and ongoing care. The CM works closely with program partners, including law enforcement and program coordinators, to support participant engagement and successful diversion outcomes. This role is case management-focused and informed by lived experience and peer values, though it is not a designated peer support position.
Qualifications
Values Alignment: TPC strives to honor cultural and spiritual diversity in the communities we serve and Voice and Choice through trauma-informed practices with a Social Justice lens. Our values of Voice and Choice mean we believe in the person’s right to make their own decisions and that people are the “experts” in their own lives. We have an unwavering belief in every person’s ability to learn, grow, and recover.
Being committed to Social Justice means being committed to constantly assessing our organizational values and the extent to which we are modeling or falling short of them. It also means listening to feedback from our stakeholders and others who have interacted with our organization and taking the time to understand and reflect on those interactions. This commitment is extended from the organization, as well as each employee of TPC.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate’s degree, or higher in a relevant field, preferred.
Background Check: A criminal background check will be conducted by TPC in accordance with the TPC background check policy. A criminal record does not necessarily exclude an individual from employment with TPC.
Pre-Hire Drug Screen: As part of TPC's commitment to fostering a safe, productive, and professional workplace, we require pre-hire drug screenings for all potential employees. The screening will be conducted in accordance with TPC's drug screening policy and applicable state and federal laws.
Motor Vehicle Records Search: For positions that require driving, The Peer Company conducts a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) search in accordance with company policy, insurance requirements, and applicable state and federal laws.
To be eligible for a driving-required position, candidates must meet the following minimum driving standards:
- No major driving violations within the past 3 years (i.e. - DUII, careless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, etc.)
- No more than 3 moving violations within the past 3 years (i.e. - speeding, failing to yield, running red light, etc.)
Experience:
- Identifies as having at least 2 years of lived experience in recovery with addiction challenges preferred (may include both addiction and mental health challenges)
- Associate's degree with 2-3 years of experience or high school diploma and 4-5 years of experience.
- Experience with mental health recovery is desirable and highly valued
- Understands the principles of trauma informed care, recovery, consumer-involvement, and trauma-informed care
Licensure/Certification:
- Peer Support Specialist (OHA Traditional Health Worker certification) or MHACBO CRM certification preferred
- CADC I credential is preferred
- Valid Oregon Driver’s License and proof of automobile insurance required. Access to reliable personal vehicle required
Skills:
- Ability to network and collaborate with diverse groups of people who have varied skills, knowledge, and goals
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret mental health and recovery periodicals, professional journals, and government regulations
- Well-developed writing skills including the ability to write for publication (e.g., reports, technical assistance guides, and educational and training materials)
- Ability to create, implement, and analyze assessment systems and processes to drive program growth and participant success
- Knowledge of case management best practices
- Typing and general technology skills to navigate electronic systems easily and efficiently (e.g., email, Microsoft Teams, data systems, etc.)
Essential Functions:
- Provide outreach and engagement to people experiencing homelessness focusing on safety, trauma informed approaches, and relationship building to assist people to connect to shelter, housing, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, and other services
- Initiate contact with individuals referred through the deflection program or law enforcement referrals and complete intake and assessment processes
- Coordinate with community partners for access to medical, mental health, addiction services, SUD treatment providers, and other relevant services when needed
- Collaborate closely with law enforcement, deflection program coordinators, and criminal justice partners to support participant engagement and diversion outcomes
- Administer VI-SPDAT and VAT tools for Coordinated Access prioritization
- Support individuals to obtain documents necessary for housing placement
- Participate in TPC, Coordinated Access for Adults System Case Conferencing, deflection-related meetings, and other relevant partner meetings as needed
- Create and maintain relationships and resource knowledge specific to the local populations served, including familiarity with Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) providers and deflection resources
- Serve as a liaison for resources and opportunities for TPC, participants, and community partners
- Stay updated/current on emergent and existing community resources and broader community issues impacting participants
- Conduct and complete program-specific intake forms and documentation requirements
- Input and maintain updated and comprehensive participant files, service notes, and other data in Ventus Rex, HMIS databases, and other required data systems
- Maintain accurate, updated, and comprehensive participant records to meet program and grant requirements
- Answer inquiries about TPC programs, deflection services, and how to send referrals
- Understand data collection and all digital data collection services to ensure grant deliverables are met
- Communicate with staff, supervisors, and partners in a timely fashion
- Regular travel by car to meetings/events with participants, team members, law enforcement partners, and community providers
- Stay updated/current on events/issues in the broader community by attending annual Peerpocalypse conference and other professional development opportunities as appropriate
- Other relevant duties as assigned
