Description

Overview

FLSA: Exempt The Justice Support Services Social Worker (Reentry) provides assertive case management that includes proactive outreach, frequent client contact, and hands-on coordinator of services to justice-involved clients incarcerated in the La Crosse County Jail. This role focuses on preparing individuals for a safe and successful return to the community by addressing medical, mental health, substance use, housing, employment, and other social service needs. The majority of the workday will be spent in the jail setting.

Essential Leadership Functions 

Act with Integrity and Build Trust 

• Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions 

• Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints 

• Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives 

Drive for Results 

• Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes 

• Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results 

• Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring 

Develop Talent and Effective Teams 

• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth 

• Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential 

• Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team 

Lead with Vision and Strategy 

• Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals 

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long-term objectives 

• Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully 

Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking 

• Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives 

• Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment 

• Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others 

Build and Maintain Effective Relationships 

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization 

• Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team-minded thinking 

• Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders 

Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service 

• Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community 

• Incorporate community perspectives into decision-making processes 

• Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization 

Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence 

• Show self-awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations 

• Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks 

• Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others 

Essential Job Functions

Demonstrates self-leadership, seeks out opportunities for personal growth and development, accepts feedback and demonstrates ability to learn and apply.

Shares ideas and demonstrates respect, humility, honesty, and open-minded thinking.

Demonstrates flexibility, acceptance of change and emotional intelligence. Takes initiative and demonstrates the ability to think critically and strategically.

Participates as a contributing member of the team and brings authentic self to discussions regarding all aspects of the work.

Demonstrates ability to build and maintain effective relationships.

Contributes positively to an inclusive workplace.

Conduct risk, needs, and pre-release assessments with incarcerated clients to identify strengths and barriers.

Develop individualized, strength-based case plans that include relapse prevention, crisis planning, and supports for successful transition.

Coordinate and secure necessary services and resources such as medical care, behavioral health, substance use treatment, housing, employment, and vocational supports.

Assist clients in obtaining identification, vital records, and other required documents (e.g., State ID, Social Security card, birth certificate).

Arrange transportation and release logistics to ensure immediate access to services upon release.

Maintain consistent contact with clients, providing warm handoffs to community-based workers or service providers.

Provide case management for individuals with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders, ensuring accurate documentation, and monitoring of individual case plans.

Facilitate in-jail programming, including skill-building groups and programming to support readiness for reentry.

Educate clients about available community resources, navigating reentry challenges, and overcoming barriers related to criminal history.

Support clients in setting and achieving realistic personal and treatment goals.

Maintain communication with attorneys, courts, probation/parole, and community providers.

Collaborate with jail administrators and staff, law enforcement, and neighboring jurisdictions to promote information sharing and coordinated client support.

Secure, coordinate, and monitor services from other agencies and professionals to ensure continuity of care.

Develop, implement, and review written procedures to ensure program compliance, service quality, and accurate documentation of progress.

Monitor client progress post-release up to 60 days until a warm hand occurs to a community provider and adapt case plans to reduce recidivism and promote long-term stability.

May occasionally work outside standard business hours (8 a.m.4:30 p.m.) to meet client or program needs.

Physical demands: Large percentage of time spent talking and hearing. Approximately half the time spent sitting and using near/far vision; low fingering and occasional lifting (up to ~35 lbs.). Some standing, walking, climbing, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and bending/twisting. Occasionally transports individuals to appointments or to connect to community resources. Ongoing work will be inside a county jail. Uses automobile, telephone, copier, and computer/keyboard.

This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of social welfare programs, human growth and behavior, and current social/economic issues and the way these problems affect individuals and families.

Understanding of laws, regulations and practices related to state and federal public welfare programs.

Familiarity with criminal justice system dynamics and community behavioral health/substance use resources.

Ability to work with diverse populations.

Ability to relate to people in an unprejudiced and understanding manner with concerns for their circumstances and feelings.

Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to prepare clear reports.

Ability to plan and organize work to meet program objectives and deadlines.

Competence in using computers and case management systems for client data entry.

Ability to participate meaningfully in supervision and professional training.

Training, Experience and Other Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in Social Work (or related degree such as Sociology, Psychology, or Criminal Justice).

Strong preference for at least one year of responsible social work experience working with co-occurring disorders and substance abuse, knowledge of the criminal justice system and familiarity with mental health services.

State of Wisconsin Social Worker certification required. If not certified at time of application, applicants must have applied for a Temporary or Training Certificate and obtain regular Certification within specified time limits.

Basic computer keyboarding and data entry skills.

A valid driver's license and access to personal transportation (or other reliable means) for city and rural travel is required.

Flexibility in scheduling to meet program and jail operational needs.

Perform other duties as assigned; this job description is illustrative rather than exhaustive.