DESCRIPTION

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 their assigned prison, as well as other regional institutions as directed by management, 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 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.

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

• 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.

• Demonstrated ability to use computer information systems and solid computer literacy skills. 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.

• Demonstrated 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 demonstrated ability to maintain stric