LeCSI Program Coordinator (Closes 7/3)

Summary

The Legal Connection, Support & Intervention (LeCSI) Program Coordinator is a professional position within the Office of Developmental Supports (ODS), Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS). This position is responsible for working directly with individuals registered with ODS who also have legal system involvement.

This position requires the development and maintenance of relationships with the individuals on the Coordinator’s caseload, and also with legal system as well as community resource partners. Through these partnerships we look to establish streamlined procedures maximizing access to justice and minimizing trauma for LeCSI participants.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assures court and justice system facility compliance with ADA and all needed accommodations for assigned participant, including physically accessible accommodations, assistive technology as needed, communication supports (iPad, picture/social stories, interpreters, ELL supports, etc.)
• Develops individual habilitation plans with the individual to avoid repeated contact with the legal system and to process the trauma involved in experiencing it.
• Attends all court and court-related appearances as authorized by the individual, including Family Court, Orphans’ Court, and MDJ through probation / parole.
• Closely collaborates with the participant’s legal team to ensure the participant’s understanding and their legal team’s understanding of them, and the ID/A system.
• Coordinates and participates in all cross-system team meetings, including partners within ODS and DHS, as well as: Justice Related Services, Pretrial Services, Office of the Public Defender, District Attorney’s Office, Problem Solving Courts Team, and others.
• Coordinates with the participant’s Supports Coordinator, support team, provider staff, and other staff within ODS to ensure a proper translation of legal system involvement, requirements, and responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of child and adult serving systems within the Department of Human Services.
• Skilled at facilitation of meetings and conversation.
• Possess an understanding of the principles of Trauma Informed Care
• Experience with at least one division of the legal system and its opportunities and challenges.
• Comfortable attending court hearings and communicating with attorneys and other court personnel.
• Comfortable and competent while testifying in open court.
• Creative problem solving / mediation skills.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, including mediation and group facilitation.
• Good computer skills, including data collection and analysis.
• Returning citizens or those with lived experience are encouraged to apply.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Master’s degree in social work or related field, plus 1 year of practical experience.

-OR-

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field, plus at least 3 years of experience in an MH/ID setting.

-OR-

• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that meets the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Act 33, 34 and FBI clearances.

-AND-

• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.