Transition Age Youth (TAY) Forensic Specialist
About Us
Human Services Administration Organization (HSAO) is dedicated to improving the lives of our clients by offering comprehensive service coordination for individuals involved in behavioral health, criminal justice, and educational systems. Our team-oriented approach ensures that clients and families receive the support they need to build on their strengths, overcome challenges, and achieve long-term recovery and success.
Job Overview
The Transition Age Youth (TAY) Forensic Specialist will provide direct and indirect services for 20-30 young adults (ages 16-24) involved with both the Transition Age Youth (TAY) Initiative and the Criminal Justice System. This is a highly collaborative, team approach position that works closely with the County TAY Providers, as well as the Behavioral Health and Criminal Justice system. This role provides assessment, court advocacy, service planning, and care coordination from arrest through community reintegration.
Responsibilities
- Client Engagement: Review referrals to determine intercept point (court, jail, community); conduct outreach and maintain monthly in-person contact; engage clients in Allegheny County Jail and community settings
- Assessment and Service Planning: Complete ANSA assessments within required timeframe; develop and implement Court Service Plans with multidisciplinary teams
- Court Involvement: Attend client involved court hearings; present Court Service Plans and client progress
- Care Coordination & Resource Linkage: Link clients to mental health and drug & alcohol services; assist with accessing services, including employment, education, housing, benefits, medication, clothing, identification, etc.; collaborate with TAY Initiative Providers and treatment teams
- Documentation & Compliance: Complete assessments, service plans, case notes and encounter forms within specified timeframes; meet established productivity and quality standards; comply with HIPAA confidentiality policies
- Professional Development: Participation in individual supervision, agency meetings, and ongoing trainings
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in social work, Psychology, Education, Criminal Justice, Political Science, Sociology, Social Welfare, or a related field
- 3 years of direct client experience in a behavioral health, Juvenile Justice or Criminal Justice System, or human services setting
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Ability to navigate multiple electronic health records and Microsoft Office Products
- Demonstrated cultural competence and the ability to work with diverse populations
Additional Requirements
- Full-time position requiring 40 hours per week
- Valid Pennsylvania driver's license with access to personal vehicle
- Current auto insurance that meets minimum collision coverage requirements
- Act 33, Act 34, and FBI Clearances (including Institutional Clearances through the National Crimes Informational Center)
- Ability to meet with clients inside Allegheny County Jail
- Ability to complete required onboarding training within 30 days of hire
Work Conditions
- Full-time position (40 hours per week), with occasional evening or weekend hours to meet client needs
- Hybrid work model (up to 2 days a week after probationary period): Field-based with the option to complete administrative tasks remotely
Compensation
- $24.52/hour, totaling $51,000 per year
Benefits
- Time Off: start with 18 days of paid time off, 5 sick days, and 10 holidays annually
- Health Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision coverages; Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
- 401(k) Matching Program
- Mileage and parking reimbursement for travel during work hours