TCMP Benefit Worker (Chowchilla, CA) - 132529

UCSD Department of Psychiatry is one of the most innovative and productive academic departments in the country, offering challenging career opportunities in the diverse areas of advanced educational programs, cutting-edge research, and state-of-the-art clinical services. The department is committed to offering a dynamic learning environment and growing opportunities to its talented and dedicated employees.

The UCSD Department of Psychiatry is contracted to provide Transitional Case Management Program (TCMP) services for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations (CDCR). TCMP services are provided for eligible incarcerated persons and parolees under the jurisdiction of CDCR and the State Department of Mental Health.

Under close supervision, the incumbent will work full time (M-F, 8 hours per day, with work start and end times varying between 6am-5pm) at various CDCR correctional facilities (prisons), throughout California as well as other regional institutions as directed by management within the Department of Psychiatry. Incumbent will work as a Benefit Worker (BW) managing full caseloads consisting of incarcerated persons releasing from CDCR institutions, who are: (1) potentially eligible for benefit entitlements {i.e., Medi-Cal, Social Security, and Veterans Affairs}, (2) diagnosed as having HIV/AIDS, (3) diagnosed as having a mental illness, and/or (4) incarcerated persons determined to be in need of community-based continuity of care upon release from incarceration, (i.e., hospice, hospital/acute care, skilled nursing/long-term care, in-patient mental health care, board & care/assisted living, in-home health care, dialysis, oxygen [intermittent and continuous], chemotherapy, medications, etc.. BW will determine potential benefit eligibility based on medical/mental disability, financial, and/or age. BW will assist in the benefit application process, will complete, and submit application for California State sponsored Medi-Cal benefits, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Social Security Disability Income; and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. Act as a liaison with institutional and parole staff for cases that may require additional case management and collaborate on specific cases.

• Four years of related experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor's degree in related area.

• Must possess a valid California Driver's License and acceptable driving record.

• Must be eligible for clearance to visit and work inside the prisons and other CDCR facilities.

• Ability to perform intake evaluations.

• Assessment, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

• Ability to work in a collaborative manner with a diverse client group.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment managing large caseloads independently.

• Demonstrated ability to use computer information systems and solid computer literacy skills. Knowledge and experience in utilizing computer word processing to formulate documents, email for communication with other professionals, knowledge of internet to access resources as needed for client care and own professional development.

• Demonstrated accountability and excellent organizational skills to prioritize workload to promptly meet deadlines.

• Experience in professional case management and/or work effectively, both independently and in a team environment, to follow through with superior attention to detail and to complete tasks in a timely manner by a specific deadline.

• Ability to write concise, factual psychosocial notes, case summaries, coherent and timely reports. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and oral form. Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Experience working with community mental health resources, other mental health/recovery professionals, correctional and parole officers on behalf of clients.

• Strong demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality and use professional judgment when reporting information to clients, other professionals, and family members.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to foster a good working relationship with a wide variety of people, using tact, diplomacy, confidentiality, and flexibility. Demonstrated ability to use professional judgment to interpret, clarify and problem solve in a stressful working environment. Ability to work independently and maintain professional boundaries.

• Knowledge and understanding of clinical counseling principles, methods, procedures, and standards.

• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field.

• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local laws related to health and social welfare. Solid experience assisting clients with Social Security Administration, Veteran's Affairs and Medicare/Medical.

• Demonstrated knowledge and prior experience in professional case management and/or work with parolees/ex-offenders diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and/or Mental Illness. Casework experience must have included performing psychosocial assessments; developing benefit assistance, creating service plans; securing housing; conducting referral and follow-up progress evaluations.

• Training and experience using motivational interviewing techniques with incarcerated populations. Knowledge of various psychological theories and appropriate techniques for working with incarcerated populations. Understanding of theories and etiology for clients with co-occurring disorders.

• Experience with providing direct services to State Prison incarcerated populations including a thorough knowledge of prison culture, dynamics, and environmental risk factors.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be eligible for CDCR clearance to visit and work inside the prisons and Fire Camps.

• Must be willing to work full time in a minimum through maximum security state prison.

• TB screening test required annually.

• Must be willing to travel to cover other correctional facilities (prisons), throughout the State of California and other regional institutions as directed by management, to fulfill the TCMP program needs which may include overnight stay(s).