D&A Program Specialist I (Criminal Justice Assessor)

• The Program Specialist I is responsible for the completion of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) triage and linkage, screening and assessment, and providing case management services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Supports individuals in identifying appropriate treatment, recovery supports, and essential services to improve social, emotional, economic, and physical stability while promoting a substance-free lifestyle and successful community reintegration. The primary focus is on those who are pending court sentencing, violations or pending violations, and/or re-entering the community from jail.

This position is supervised by the Drug & Alcohol Department. This position is assigned to the Probation, Parole, and Pretrial Services Department.
A person in this position is expected to demonstrate the system of care practice model, which maximizes all resources around an individual or family.  This system of care includes child and adult serving agencies and community partners that join with an individual or family to meet their goals.This is a specialized position within the Single County Authority (SCA) responsible for independent planning, developing, implementing, and managing the delivery of drug and alcohol assessment, referral, and case management services for justice-involved individuals. The position requires a high degree of coordination and collaboration among the SCA, treatment providers, and criminal justice system partners, including but not limited to the Criminal Court staff, District Attorney’s Office, Defense Counsel, Bail Agency, Adult Probation/Pre-Trial Services, and Chester County Prison.

• Completes Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Screening and/or Assessment for justice-involved individuals at the Criminal Justice Center.
• Collaborates with supervising officers and criminal justice partners to support compliance with court-ordered conditions, addresses substance use and behavioral health needs and promotes stability and successful community integration.
• Ensures timely communication of clinical recommendations and treatment level of care determinations to appropriate court and criminal justice stakeholders. 
• Ensures appropriate and timely referrals to substance use treatment providers, support services, and community-based resources, as needed.
• Provides case management services to individuals re-entering the community from incarceration to support treatment engagement, stabilization, and continuity of care. 
• Provides additional resources on supportive services, including but not limited to housing, transportation, medical care, mental health services, benefits, and other community resources. 
• Advocates for clients and provides support, encouragement, and guidance throughout the case management process. 
• Coordinates substance use treatment and ancillary services to support successful treatment participation and community re-entry. 
• Assists clients with funding resources and options for treatment, if needed. 
• Maintains ongoing communication and collaboration with treatment providers, criminal justice agencies, correctional staff, and other service systems to ensure coordinated and effective service delivery.  
• Completes all required documentation, maintains accurate client records, and ensures compliance with all department, state, and federal regulations. 
• Collects, compiles, and reports data in compliance with department, state, and/or federal reporting requirements. 
• Identifies and communicates system issues, service gaps, and client care concerns to appropriate department staff for review and resolution. 
• Ensures effective communication and coordination of services with internal staff and multidisciplinary team members, as appropriate.
• Maintains strict confidentiality as mandated through HIPAA and other federal and/or state regulations regarding substance use disorder.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Human Services, or related field.
  • Undergraduate or graduate coursework with majors in public health, health services administration, health education, public health administration, public administration, nursing, , social work, hospital administration, or other closely related areas, may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of four years.
• Four years of professional experience involving substance use disorder services and/or program development, program monitoring, or the delivery of program services in the areas of public health, health, allied health sciences, or alcohol, tobacco or other drug prevention, intervention or treatment services.
• Related education may substitute for required experience and related experience may substitute for required education. Unrelated education or experience will not be accepted.

Preferred:

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or related social sciences field.
• Clinical License in Pennsylvania, including LPC, LSW, LCSW, PhD, PsyD, LMFT)
• Drug and Alcohol Counselor Certification in Pennsylvania, including CADC, CAADC, PMAC)
• Substance Use Disorder 101
• American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)

Other Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge and abilities
A person in this position is expected to demonstrate the system of care practice model, which maximizes all resources around an individual or family. This system of care includes child and adult serving agencies and community partners that join with an individual or family to meet their goals.
Strong demonstrated abilities required:

1. Verbal and written skills
2. Screening and Assessment skills
3. Sound reasoning and judgement skills
4. Organizational/Time Management skills
5. Interpersonal/Team skills
6. Customer Service skills
7. Analytical/Problem Solving skills
8. Prioritization/Multi-tasking skills
9. Motivated/Works Independently
10. Flexibility
11. Detail Oriented
12. Confidentiality
13. Honesty, Integrity and Professional Ethics

Also required:

• Ability to work extended/non-traditional hours.
• Valid driver’s license; travel required.

Preferred:
- General working knowledge of County of Chester policies and procedures.

 Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer/Technical skills

• Basic Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word and Excel.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and travel/drive for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands/fingers for typing.
• Ability to hear and speak clearly. 
• Visual acuity to read computer screens and written documents.
• Minimal physical exertion; occasional standing, walking, kneeling, stopping, crouching, and squatting.

Work Environment

• Low to moderate noise level; occasional exposure to uncommon noise levels.
• Exposure to clients who have infectious diseases/illnesses.
• Occasional individual work with clients who have history of behavioral issues, including violence.

Other Duties

• This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities required for this job.        Responsibilities may be assigned or changed at any time.

Additional Information

• Relevant background checks, clearance, physicals, drug tests and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.
  • PATCH – Criminal History
  • Childline
  • FBI Fingerprinting
  • Drivers History