LEAD Case Manager

Position Title: Case Manager – Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD)

Reports to: Community Outreach and Case Management Supervisor

This full-time REACH position provides critical case management services in support of the City of Ithaca LEAD project. REACH provides low-threshold, harm reduction-oriented primary care in a multi-disciplinary, integrated practice to further the REACH Mission of ensuring health equity to all who typically face stigma in the current healthcare system.

LEAD is a collaboration involving local police, prosecutors, public defenders, corrections officers, and social service providers, designed to divert individuals arrested or suspected of low-level drug offenses and/or other misdemeanors into social services rather than the criminal justice system. The LEAD team is passionate about creating a welcoming, hospitable environment while providing quality services in a client/patient-centered manner. We value diversity as part of our commitment to social justice, and appreciate hard work, creativity, and enthusiasm.

LEAD Case Manager Position Goals:
The Case Manager role is critical to the LEAD project in providing client engagement and intensive case management services to individuals suspected of low-level drug offenses and other misdemeanors. The Case Manager will provide direct services to a caseload of approximately 25 individuals. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Provide Outreach and Intensive Case Management services for assigned clients.
• In collaboration with clients, develop, implement, evaluate, and update as required/appropriate Individualized service plans and or recovery plans (for individuals with substance use disorder or co-occurring mental health diagnoses) these plans should include the following components.
• Engage participants on the street and at social service provider facilities to establish a working relationship and offer services.
• Assess participants for severity of health, behavioral and/or drug user health needs including but not limited to housing, nutrition, clothing, safety, security, etc.
• Assist participants in gaining awareness and access to support services and a variety of funding programs (e.g., SSI, VA).
• Work with individuals to utilize public transportation independently and accompany participants to medical appointments as needed.
• Assist participants in finding housing and maintaining occupancy.
• Provide non-clinical crisis support after hospitalization, incarceration, and other occurrences that might cause distress.
• Educate, engage and refer individuals with substance use disorder and or co-occurring mental health diagnoses about the various modes of recovery, formal recovery supports, and options for treatment.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with LEAD partners including Ithaca Police Department, Tompkins County Sheriff, city, and prosecutors’ offices.
• Provide advocacy and support for participants within the criminal justice system including court appearances and written communication.
• Develop and maintain accessible participant files and timely documentation.
• Other duties as assigned by REACH supervisor.