Criminal Division Services Field Officer

Allen County
Job Descriptions

DRUG COURT CASE MANAGER/FIELD OFFICER

Department: Superior Court – Criminal Division Services FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Classification/Level: A5 Date Last Reviewed:
Under the direction of the Criminal Division Services Director, the Drug Court Case Manager/Field Officer is responsible for monitoring the program compliance of high-risk clients arrested for alcohol/drug-related criminal offenses including clinical assessment/screening and referral, supervision, verification of education and treatment compliance, abstinence, employment and responsibility for financial obligations. The Drug Court Case Manager/Field Officer conducts home visits to ensure compliance that the participant’s residence is safe and suitable environment to foster a drug and alcohol free lifestyle.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Meets with clients to assess alcohol and/or drug use history and degree of abuse, conducts intake and admission sessions for participants in the Drug Court Program. Prepares all necessary documents and pertinent forms; distributes informational handouts, answers general program questions and explains all program rules and conditions.
• Conducts interviews with clients according to program terms and/or risk and needs assessment schedule, admits participants and explains in detail all rules and conditions of the Drug Court Program, evaluates clients’ progress toward completing terms of program, reviews deficiencies, refers individuals back to treatment centers and/or provides referrals to additional services.
• Conducts in-home field visits of all Drug Court/Vet Court program clients. Plans the field visit monthly calendar/schedule. Coordinates the visit schedule and route of travel; conducts a thorough search of the residences and vehicles; updates each client’s computer case notes, and notifies the individual case managers and the Drug Court team of each visit status.
• Supervises Drug Court participants and closely monitors for compliance with Drug Court rules and regulations and special conditions; makes home, face to face, phone and in office contacts with his/her assigned participants on a regular basis, recording all contacts on log sheets and retaining in participant files; makes contact with other agencies/employees of Drug Court participants to monitor progress/attendance; reviews messages received from assigned participants to determine proper compliance with attendance and daily leave and return schedules; records all class attendance in computer data bases; coordinates referrals for participant activities, agency appointments and chemical testing.
• Reviews and processes reports from treatment agencies concerning progress of clients; reviews all open cases and notifies agencies of clients running out of time.
• Conducts observed urine drug tests on a frequent, random basis and maintains chemical test records. Performs alcohol-sensor tests.
• Composes detailed notes and documents all case activities including all contact with clients/participants, their families, and other concerned person. Enters client/participant data into computer assuring accuracy and completeness of all information.
• Reviews and processes all reports from treatment providers and makes recommendations to the Drug Court Judge. Attends all court status hearings and provides testimony to the Court as needed.
• Responsible for development and implementation of policies and forms relating to the field/home visit operations of Criminal Division Services.
• Responsible for special projects as needed, such as observing and evaluating treatment programs, assisting with the preparation of grant applications, working with service agencies to develop new and/or specialized treatment programs and developing new program monitoring forms and special brochures.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice or related degree and three years experience in the human service area.
• Ability to obtain extensive assessment/interviewing training, alcohol/drug specific training and certification from the Indiana Counselors Association on Alcohol and Drug Abuse and PRI Instructor.
• Ability to obtain training and certification as a Court Substance Abuse Management Specialist (CSAMS) and/or Indiana Risk Assessment System (IRAS) certification, with continuing completion of all training, re-certification requirements and continuing education of a minimum of 20 hours annually.
• Complete approved firearms training and successfully qualify as directed, at a minimum annually.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Knowledge of all local, state and federal laws applicable to program operation and the ability to apply and enforce the regulations.
• Working knowledge of standard policies and practices of Allen County legal systems, Criminal Division Services and program operations with the ability to accurately complete required legal reports, make recommendations to the Court and apply and adapt procedures as cases demand.
• Ability to deal swiftly, rationally and decisively with potentially violent individuals in precarious situations and take authoritative action applying appropriate discretion and common sense.
• Knowledge of treatment programs and services available to clients from government, social and private agencies, with the ability to make referrals.
• Ability to effectively interview, investigate, counsel and work with clients and their families to assure proper completion of all probation and program requirements.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all department records and information.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply evidence collection and preservation techniques.

DIFFICULTY OF WORK:
The Drug Court Case Manager/Field Officer performs functions in accordance with legal requirements and generally applicable guidelines, exercising judgment to effectively supervise clients to assure satisfactory program compliance and resolve problems within and relating to case management functions. The Drug Court Case Manager/Field Officer work involves many significant variables, often requiring careful consideration of unique situations and a variety of complex, individual circumstances and choices.

RESPONSIBILITY:
The Drug Court Case Manager/Field Officer is responsible for specific case management of Superior Court Drug Court Program participants and resolving problems therein. The Drug Court Case Manger/Field Officer makes substantial contributions when conducting field supervision of Program clients. Deviations from accepted guidelines must be referred to the Director. Work is reviewed periodically for soundness of judgment, attainment of objectives, accuracy and completeness, compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations and continuing effectiveness and quality of assigned operations.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:
The Drug Court Case Manager/Field Officer maintains frequent communication with co-workers, program personnel and clients/participants, officials from the courts, various governmental and social service agencies, substance abuse counselors and agencies, families, employers and members of the general public for a wide variety of purposes, including making referrals, conducting client/participant investigation, assessing, monitoring and evaluating clients/participants, requesting and providing information, assuring compliance with applicable regulations and legal requirements and resolving problems.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
The Drug Court Case Manager/Field Officer performs duties in a standard office environment, with the ability to stand, be seated or walk at will, and in the field. The Drug Court Case Manager/Field Officer maintains frequent contact with aggressive, hostile, intoxicated and potentially dangerous, violent and abusive program clients/participants and their families.

SUPERVISION:
This position does not directly supervise anyone.

LICENSING:
Valid Driver’s License

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:
Assistant Director and Director of Criminal Division Services

HOURS:
8:00 am – 4:30 pm, 40 hours per week, with some early evenings and weekends to accommodate field visits. Some out of town travel, including overnight, to attend various meetings and seminars.

Please complete the application accurately and thoroughly. A resume is optional. Remember to save and submit your application. If applying for multiple positions, submit a separate application for each one. You'll receive an email confirmation once your application is received. Due to the high volume of applications, further communication will only occur if you're selected for an interview.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). Accordingly, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, age, disability or medical condition, national origin, and veteran status, and all other categories protected by federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. Reasonable accommodations for persons with a known disabling condition will be considered in accordance with State and Federal Law.