Discharge Planner

This position is responsible for collaborating with jail staff in the provision of mental health services for inmates with serious mental illness. Duties include providing effective treatment services for identified individuals; assuring aftercare using community-based resources to ensure that service needs are met upon release; and maintaining professional relationships and communications between Northwestern Community Services Board (NWCSB) and appropriate Jail Staff.

MAJOR

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborates with jail and NWCSB staff to review individuals for service needs and coordinate care for current NWCSB clients and those identified for referral prior to discharge.
• Maintains current list of community resources to assist inmates in discharge planning.
• Documents all service contacts and interventions in the Inmate’s Medical Record at the time service is rendered.
• Provides mental health community outreach to provide jail and law enforcement support and incarceration diversion when possible. This includes providing ongoing consultation to jail personnel regarding the care and management of inmates.
• Ensures there is follow-up care upon discharge from the facility so that the inmate has an adequate treatment plan that includes medication and NWCSB appointment.
• Provides consultation and training to jail staff.
• Interacts and communicates information with jail staff, NWCSB staff, and other agencies/persons essential to assuring that the Inmate’s mental health needs are addressed appropriately.
• Performs all duties in accordance with correctional jail policy and procedures, Virginia Department of Corrections standards, Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services regulations, and Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards and regulations as directed.
• Provides alternatives to individuals seeking psychiatric services that do not meet the seriously mentally ill criteria. This may involve referrals to peer support groups.
• Engages with incarcerated individuals identified as current clients of NWCSB to ensure they continue their psychiatric services.
• Transitions individuals actively receiving psychiatric services who plan to continue services with NWCSB by ensuring they have NWCSB appointments at release; working with jail medical staff to ensure they have a supply of their psychiatric medications on release that will last until their NWCSB appointment; and working with jail staff to provide the individual with information to help re activate or enroll in Medicaid or other health care exchange.
• Participates in clinical staff conferences to ensure the smooth integration and transition of clients into or between various aspects of the NWCSB service delivery system.
• Provide case management services to individuals after discharge from jail, including linking and coordinating appropriate community resources and support services.
• Assists individuals with enrollment in medication assistance programs as needed.
• Performs related duties as required or deemed appropriate to the accomplishment of the responsibilities and functions related to this position or in support of departmental and Agency goals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree earned from an accredited college or university in a relevant human services field
• At least one year of experience working with adults
• Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) eligibility
• A combination of mental health work experience or relevant education, and training indicates the possession of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform essential duties

Preferred Qualifications

For this position, the most competitive candidates will possess:

• Clinical experience in the provision of crisis intervention

Additional Requirements

• May be exposed to allergenic environments from client’s homes, including dust, smoke, pet contamination, cleaning supplies, etc.
• May be exposed to clients with infectious diseases
• Must be able to drive for long periods of time to travel in and out of the catchment area as needed
• Must be able to walk distances, climb and descend stairs, maneuver in and out of agency vehicles
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift/push/pull up to 25 pounds at times

SALARY: $55,145 – $59,074

POSITION: ID152

RETIREMENT: NWCSB participates in Virginia Retirement System.

DISCLAIMER: All full-time employees are eligible for a complete benefits package that includes enrollment in Virginia Retirement System. For more information about benefits and a complete list of current job openings, please visit our website,  Positions remain open and advertised until filled.