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OCJ -- Mental Health Court Case Manager, Problem Solving Courts

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE
CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
JOB DESCRIPTION POSITION TITLE : Mental Health Court Case Manage r
BUSINESS UNIT : Problem-Solving Courts (PSC)
POSITION CLASSIFICATION : Exempt
PAY GRADE : Grade 18
Salary: $70,242 Location: Various
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or as assigned
Date Posted: 2/3/2026
JOB SUMMARY AND OVERVIEW
The Mental Health Court Case Manager provides effective and comprehensive case management services for adult individuals participating in the Circuit Court of Cook County Mental Health Court (MHC) programs. Case managers work diligently with the participants, connecting them to resources and treatment while monitoring progress and providing thorough and accurate reports to the Mental Health Court team.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:
The essential functions of the Case manager include the following:

Conduct a clinical assessment to determine the eligibility of a candidate utilizing a validated assessment tool
Develop a clinical case plan tailored to the client, and ensure that the client can access needed community resources and mental health treatment and substance use treatment as needed
Oversee the candidate’s case for the duration of his or her participation in the program

Act as liaison between treatment providers and the criminal justice system, balancing the integrated treatment needs of participants, the mandates of the criminal justice system, and the appropriateness of community-based treatment and recovery supports

Provide and coordinate a continuum of treatment services onsite and/or in the community designed to maintain and enhance an individual’s recovery capital
Assess and provide linkage to clients for services including but not limited to assistance in obtaining food, housing, medication assistance, entitlements, and referrals for co-morbid conditions
Assist clients with accessing entitlements such as disability compensations, or other entitlement that would support the client’s care and rehabilitation as needed.
Communicate consistently and effectively with collateral agencies/contacts regarding client service needs and disposition
Attend scheduled Court staffings and status hearings/court calls
Maintain an accurate database of program participants from referral to termination

This document represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Willingness and ability to travel to court in Cook County. This work will regularly be performed at court locations that house the MHCs.

Education: Master of Social Work (MSW); Master of Arts (M.A.); Master of Health Science (MH) or Master of Science (M.S.) in Human Services, or other advanced degree in Human Services Field with concentrations in Mental Health, Criminal Justice, Substance Abuse, or related field
Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in the human services field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Currently working towards or have a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree, Ph.D./doctoral degree in related field.
Currently working towards or are Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Social Worker (LSW).
Experience working with adults in the criminal justice system, court operations, and/or project management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Experience with monitoring, compiling reports and data preferred
Knowledge of criminal justice system, court processes and legal terminology preferred
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, for a diverse range of audiences and settings
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, online collaborative tools, and overall computer skills/technical aptitude

Strong organizational skills and the ability to set priorities, organize time efficiently, and handle multiple demands.

Ability to handle pressure, work under stressful conditions and respond to crisis situations
Ability to work independently as well as in a team to complete project tasks
Must maintain confidentiality
Knowledge of the Illinois Supreme Court Problem-Solving Court Standards

Demonstrated commitment to serving underrepresented and vulnerable populations, including social and racial/ethnic minorities as well as those living with mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders.
Exhibits sensitivity, empathy regarding human service issues and projects a non-judgmental attitude towards those requiring assistance.

Physical Requirements:
•     On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time in front of a computer screen;
•     Able to ambulate throughout the workplace.
•     Intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding desk;
•     Perform simple grasping and fine manipulation;
•     Strength to lift files weighing up to 20 pounds; and
•     Use telephone and computer keyboard on a daily basis.
This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all required screening criteria.
Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment.

Information concerning the benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page .

Please apply by filling out the application at our Career Page .

THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.

Revised: December, 2025

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