Mental Health Diversion Officer

GENERAL PURPOSE

Coordinates and facilitates diversion services for individuals with mental health needs who are involved in the criminal justice system. With regular attendance, this position connects participants with appropriate services and advocates and promotes successful outcomes.

Supervise clients to ensure they follow court requirements and support them in accessing needed services.
Supervise interns to ensure effective performance, adherence to County policies, and achievement of operational goals.

• Provide direct supervision of assigned court-referred cases related to mental health issues.
• Assist in the design, development, and implementation of policies and update and maintain policies, procedures, and guidelines for the Mental Health Program.
• Identify and develop relationships with community resources for services, including transportation and counseling, to address and meet the needs of clients and families.
• Record and maintain data and documents to assist in project validation to support funding, grants, and resources requests.
• Perform comprehensive intake and assessment services to clients and/or families with a variety of personal problems including alcohol and other drug abuse/addiction, depression, stress, finance, or inter-personal conflict.
• Conduct, score, and interpret assessment and evaluation tools including, the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory, Addiction Severity Index, Suicide Risk Assessment, and Level of Service/Case Management Inventory.
• Assess clients' needs and develop an individualized Diversion Contract to ensure successful completion of the program requirements.
• Engage client in areas such as symptom identification and education, relapse prevention, coping skills, activities or daily living, and health managements.
• Provide direction, encouragement, and guidance to clients in early stages of recovery.
• Coordinate and consult with social service agencies, community groups, private practitioners, and law enforcement agencies regarding the needs of participants.
• Consult with Diversion Officers on Mental Health cases and determine best approach based on client circumstances.
• Create and maintain records and reports of caseloads and client assessments, progress, evaluations, contacts, and activities.
• Supervise master's level practicum students.
• Design, develop, and conduct training and educational classes on a variety of topics to address clients' problems.
• Participate in Random Breath/Drug testing of Diversion clients.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Master's degree in social work, counseling, or a related clinical field.
• Must be a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner.
• 3 years of experience working with mental health clients as a case worker, probation officer, or case manager.
• Must obtain and maintain certification for drug testing within 6 months of employment.
• Have and maintain a valid Driver's License, as well as meet eligibility requirements of "acceptable driving standards" as defined by the County.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with diverse individuals.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively.
• Proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suite and other software related to data management, communication, and other common business processes.
• Ability to follow established policies and procedures for confidentiality while adapting to evolving privacy standards and technologies.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships within a team.
• Ability to understand, interpret, explain, and apply County policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and ethical standards of behavioral health, case management, and crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of criminal justice processes, diversion programs, and court procedures.
• Knowledge of community mental health resources, treatment programs, housing, employment, and social service agencies.
• Skill in conducting participant interviews, screenings, and needs assessments.
• Skill in developing individualized case plans and coordinating appropriate services.
• Skill in maintaining accurate case records and preparing reports, correspondence, and court-related documentation.
• Ability to establish rapport and maintain professional working relationships with individuals experience mental illness, substance disorders, and other behavioral health challenges.
• Ability to effectively assess participant needs and connect individuals with appropriate treatment and community resources.
• Ability to de-escalate difficult situations and respond calmly during crisis.

The work environment is typically a professional office setting, involving regular use of computers, standard office equipment, and frequent interaction with both internal staff and the public in a structured, task-oriented atmosphere. Work hours may include evenings, early mornings, weekends, call-ins, and holidays. Reasonable…