Resource Navigator (Temporary)

About the role

The Resource Navigator (RN) is a temporary position within the Pretrial Release Evaluation Program (PREP) at SSG-Project 180. PREP is a County-operated program that releases criminal defendants from the county jail system during the arraignment stage. The RN provides in-court screening and linkage to supportive services for pretrial clients, focusing on connecting them to appropriate housing and treatment services.

Responsibilities

• Complete in-court assessments to determine eligibility for PREP interim housing reception site.
• Complete initial housing and treatment referrals and coordinate client linkage with housing providers as appropriate.
• Provide ongoing program and referral process information to attorneys and court personnel.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of behavioral health treatment programs and community resources and how to navigate the LA County system of care.
• Cookordinate participant treatment program with court-based needs.
• Support new clients in understanding the court process and appropriate court conduct. Ensure clients are aware of upcoming court dates as needed.
• Engage and join with collaterals (family members, court) as appropriate. Provide education related to accessing mental health recovery services to better support clients. Engage in client advocacy.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with 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.
• Attend scheduled meetings outside of the primary courthouse location, including mandatory attendance at in-person meetings at least once a month.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.

Skills and Abilities

• Empathetic, strong communication, advocacy and relationship-building skills.
• Culturally competent: Understands and is sensitive to diverse backgrounds and needs.
• Resourceful: Efficiently navigates and utilizes resources available for treatment linkage.
• Collaborative: Able to work in diverse teams to collaboratively solve complex issues.
• Proactive: Anticipates potential issues, and takes the initiative.
• Adaptive to changing circumstances and client needs in a dynamic environment.
• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Detail-oriented, organized and has strong time management skills.
• Courteous, respectful and helpful with others. Maintains appropriate professional boundaries.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Environmental Conditions (Working Conditions)

Job duties are to be performed both in office and field settings, including the assigned courthouse. 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.

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.

Pay

$25.24

Schedule

Interim position with an anticipated end date of January 8, 2027 with the possibility of the position becoming permanent.