TCMP Benefit Worker (Ione, CA) - 122158

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 Rehabilitation's (CDCR). TCMP services are provided for eligible inmates 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) at one of the 35 CDCR correctional facilities (prisons), throughout California as well as other regional institutions as directed by management. Incumbent will work as a Benefit Worker (BW) managing full caseloads consisting of inmates releasing from CDCR institution, 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) inmates 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.), and/or (5) inmates who, upon release, will have an annual income of less than 138 percent of the federal poverty line and who are recognized US citizens.

BW will determine potential benefit eligibility based on medical/mental disability, financial, and/or age. 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.

• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field; and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

• Must possess a valid California Driver's License and acceptable driving record, which must be maintained throughout employment and be willing to travel to various prison sites.

• 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.

• Working knowledge of DSM-V categories and differential diagnosis. Demonstrated ability to interpret and clarify differential diagnosis using DSM-V and ICD-10.

• 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.

• Proven 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 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 work independently and maintain professional boundaries.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

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

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

• TB screening test required annually.

• Travel between UCSD, prisons and other CDCR facilities throughout the State is required, which may include overnight stay.

• Must be willing to cover other locations throughout the State of California to fulfill the TCMP program needs.

Job offer is contingent on successful engagement in the UC COVID-19 Vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral).

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

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