Corrections Case Manager

Internal candidates will be considered before external candidates.

GENERAL PURPOSE
The Corrections Case Manager, with direction, is responsible for assessing the needs of inmates and providing them with access to services suitable to their needs.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
This position reports directly to the Corrections Treatment Coordinator.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position is not responsible for the supervision of other employees.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION
Conducts interviews of inmates utilizing appropriate assessment practices to determine case management direction and level of care via a comprehensive case management plan. Updates plans as necessary.

Utilizes case management documentation software for case planning, referrals, and tracking.

May facilitate the inmate’s treatment to address their needs when warranted.

Provides assistance to inmates throughout their incarceration period and monitors their progress to ensure they meet county, state or federal requirements for their release from incarceration.

Coordinates funding arrangements and authorizes or recommends services for inmates.

Orients inmates to the programs, policies, procedures and treatment processes.

Coordinates and provides access to available social and ancillary services such as housing and medical services.

Determines and assigns in-house inmate employment and prepares payroll for same.

Coordinates with inmate and county or state agencies to ensure efficient and timely movement from intake to discharge of inmate. 

Attempts to resolve inmate complaints and formal grievances when they are presented. 

Answers inmate requests and provides counseling when necessary.
Works with other departments, officials and programs to provide and/or obtain information concerning inmate treatment programs.

Develops status reports on inmates for the courts and conducts follow-up at required intervals. Monitors progress and/or performs utilization review activity.

Contacts inmates’ families when directed to relay information concerning inmate status.

Prepares statistical data reports on a monthly basis, annual basis, and as otherwise requested.

Ensures compliance with department policies and procedures and established regulatory standards.

Receives training on best practices and implements and utilizes evidence based practices throughout duties.

Attends internal and community based meetings, maintains files and keeps records as assigned.

*An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE - Completion of a high school, or general equivalency, diploma; AND

Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, or a related behavioral or social science field; AND

At least two (2) years of full time experience in corrections or criminal justice.

URINE DRUG SCREEN – As a post-offer, prerequisite for appointment, appointees must pass a urine drug screen.   

DRIVER’S LICENSE - Employees assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license with an acceptable driving record.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION – A post offer criminal history check, child abuse clearance, and motor vehicle driving record check will be completed. Failure to successfully pass the background investigation will be cause for the offer to be rescinded.  

Employees assigned to this title will be required to submit to a criminal background check and child abuse clearance at least every three (3) years, per the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). Employees will be required to stay aware and adhere to PREA regulations and understand the circumstances of said federal regulations.

Additionally, motor vehicle driving record checks will be completed on an annual basis. 

FIRST AID CERTIFICATION – Employees assigned to this title must maintain annual certifications in first aid, cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillation (AED).

ALL STAFF MUST CLEAR THE X-RAY MACHINE UPON ENTRANCE TO THE FACILITY AND ARE SUBJECT TO SEARCH AT ANY TIME. 

ALL MANDATORY TRAINING AS OUTLINED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS ADMINISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED AS AN ESSENTIAL FUNCTION OF THE JOB.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES  
Thorough knowledge of the methods and techniques commonly used in inmate programming and treatment, including those required by state, local and federal law.

Thorough knowledge of NCDOC policies and procedures.

Knowledge of first aid treatment.

Ability to learn current social, economic and health problems and available resources to address such problems.

Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, other departments, and outside agencies.
Ability to work with persons who have physical, mental or emotional disabilities or who are economically disadvantaged or involved with the criminal justice system.

Ability to plan and organize work, prepare records and reports, set priorities, and maintain a caseload in an effective and timely manner with minimal supervision.

Ability to provide inmate programming as required by law.

Ability to influence others.

Ability to provide staff training through program certifications obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and the National Institute of Corrections.

Ability to cope with crisis situations.

Ability to follow orders explicitly.

Ability to write concise and accurate reports or correspondence

Ability to empathize with persons of different backgrounds.

Ability to communicate with inmates, co-workers, other agencies and the public both verbally and in writing.

Ability to perform simple mathematic calculations, i.e. calendar dates for entry/release.

Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems and/or equipment used by the agency, office, or related units.

Ability to operate and drive a motor vehicle.

Ability to interpret and explain policies and procedures to others. 

Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English to perform the duties of this position.  

Ability to speak and understand Spanish is strongly preferred.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Two-way radio or other communications equipment, first aid equipment, flashlight, personal computer (including Microsoft Office and other word processing software), writing implements, calculator, fax machine, copy machine, any other equipment issued or provided by the department.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk or hear.  

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to thirty (30) pounds. 

The physical demands described here are representative of those which must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. May be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and/or blood/body fluids. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, urine drug screen, reference check, and background checks.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.


FLSA STATUS:        FLSA EXEMPT (NOT ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)
DESIGNATION:        CAREER SERVICE
PAY GRADE:            CS-23
UNION STATUS:      NON-UNION

Updated November 2021