Job Description
Title: Resource Navigator (I-III)
Division: Project 180 - Rapid Diversion Program
Pay Scale: $24.45-$29.66/hour
Location: San Fernando Courthouse, Los Angeles County
The Organization SSG-Project 180 turns lives around through innovative, wraparound services that keep people out of institutions and in their communities. Project 180 is a leader in the forensic treatment space, offering high-quality, specialized treatment programs that serve thousands of justice-involved individuals. Our programs span criminal justice intercepts and include pre-arrest interventions, court-based diversions, jail in-reach, and intensive post-release services. Project 180 operates in partnership with County agencies including the Department of Mental Health (DMH), the Department of Health Services (DHS), and the Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD).
The Program The Rapid Diversion Program (RDP) is a County-operated program that diverts criminal defendants out of the criminal legal system at the early stages of the court process. The program provides in-court mental health evaluation, linkage to treatment services, and case management support to participants, whose criminal case is dismissed upon successful program completion.
The Position The Rapid Diversion Program (RDP) Resource Navigator provides in-court service linkage and treatment support services for new RDP clients. This role reports to the RDP Program Supervisor and operates out of a LA county courthouse. The Resource Navigator is responsible for linking new clients to appropriate services and resources as recommended in their treatment plan. A successful Resource Navigator will demonstrate a robust understanding of mental health and substance abuse treatment programs within the system of care, adeptly forge partnerships with service providers, and work with urgency to facilitate program connections for defendants in LA County criminal courts in mental health diversion. The Resource Navigator collaborates closely with the RDP Mental Health Clinician in a team oriented manner to ensure high quality treatment planning and seamless service delivery. Job title (I-III) to be established based on years of relevant experience.
Essential Functions Link clients to appropriate treatment services - Observe client assessments and collaborate with Mental Health Clinician to develop comprehensive treatment plans for program linkage determination.
- Identify and enroll clients in appropriate treatment programs (e.g. residential substance treatment, mental health clinics, etc.), moving with particular urgency for clients in custody.
- Support clients to accept, participate in, and adhere to their treatment programs, using techniques such as motivational interviewing and facilitating problem solving.
- Accompany clients to linkage appointments, when appropriate.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of behavioral health treatment programs and community resources and how to navigate the LA County system of care.
Coordinate participant treatment program with court-based needs - Support new clients in understanding the court process, appropriate court conduct, and their specific responsibilities for diversion. Ensure clients are aware of and attend upcoming court dates as needed.
- Maintain a detailed log of client progress and status of pending linkages.
- Collaborate with defense attorney to understand any court-based requirements and coordinate efforts. Provide routine linkage updates.
- Engage and join with collaterals, e.g. family members and court, as appropriate. Provide education related to accessing mental health recovery services to better support clients. Engage in client advocacy.
- Service delivery is consistent with ethical standards and a harm reduction, strength based, trauma informed framework.
- Collaborate with RDP Mental Health Clinician throughout the screening, treatment recommendation processes and linkages to ensure alignment.
Coordinate day-to-day operations with external stakeholders and case management team - Build and maintain strong working relationships with RDP court staff, including but not limited to attorneys, judicial assistants and judges.
- Collaborate with public and private community health, mental health, and social service agencies.
- Liaise between case management team and court staff to support client treatment. Consult with the case management team regarding treatment plan and the status of any pending linkages.
Documentation and Reporting - Maintain comprehensive case notes in the electronic health record per program guidelines.
- Participate in program data collection per program guidelines.
Fulfill baseline Project 180 staff expectations. - Regular attendance required. Holiday or weekend work may be required.
- Maintain and uphold Agency mission statement, values, policies, procedures, and principles.
- Perform other duties as needed.
- Maintain active license and/or registrations as applicable (i.e. BBS, CCAPP).
Skills and Abilities - Empathetic and client-centered: Demonstrates strong communication, advocacy, and relationship-building skills to effectively support and engage clients.
- Culturally competent: Sensitive to and respectful of diverse backgrounds, identities, and needs.
- Resourceful and solution-focused: Quickly identifies, accesses, and connects clients to appropriate community resources, even in urgent or complex situations.
- Collaborative: Works effectively within diverse teams to address challenges and achieve shared goals.
- Proactive: Anticipates potential issues and takes initiative to address them.
- Adaptable: Navigates changing circumstances and client needs in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Strong problem-solver: Applies critical and creative thinking to overcome barriers and promote client success.
- Quick learner: Demonstrates intelligence, sound judgment, and the ability to efficiently learn new systems and processes.
- Organized and detail-oriented: Manages time effectively while maintaining accuracy and thoroughness.
- Effective communicator: Communicates clearly and professionally with clients, court partners, and the Project 180 RDP team in a solution-focused manner.
- Emotionally intelligent: Receives feedback constructively and handles difficult situations with diplomacy and professionalism.
- Respectful and professional: Treats others with courtesy and maintains appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
Minimum Qualifications Required: - Experience working with culturally diverse populations.
- Valid CA driver’s license, proof of insurance and own vehicle required. Ability to transport clients in personal vehicle as needed.
- Must not be on any type of legal supervision (probation or parole).
- Verification of Employment Eligibility and Background Check.
- Basic computer skills.
- Resource Navigator I: Less than 2 years case management experience
- Resource Navigator II: 2 years case management experience
- Resource Navigator III: 3 or more years of case management experience
Preferred: - Previous case management experience.
- Previous experience as a CENS worker.
- Lived experience with homelessness, mental health/substance use recovery or the criminal legal system.
- Experience working with the forensic and/or dual-diagnosed populations.
- Spanish speaking.
Supervisory Responsibilities None
Environmental Conditions (Working Conditions) Job duties are to be performed both in office and field settings, including the assigned courthouse.
Physical Requirements The employee is expected to move about the worksite throughout the day, which may involve walking, standing, and climbing stairs, or using a mobility device, or similar. The employee is expected to drive, carry a maximum of 20 lbs, listen, and speak in order to complete job requirements.
Mental Requirements The employee must be able to do any/all of the following: perform complex and varied tasks such as synthesizing information and making decisions without immediate supervision; handle routine distractions, interruptions, noise, and uncontrollable changes in priorities/work schedules; interact professionally and diplomatically in high-stress situations; create and follow plans; meet deadlines.
Job Tags
Full time, Work at office, Immediate start, Trial period,