Holistic Defense Advocate

Ideal Candidate will have: Understanding of the criminal legal system Understanding of mental health diversion criteria, Assembly Bill 1810, and Penal Code 1001.35-36 Experience assessing adults and transitional age youth living with severe mental illness and co-occurring disorders Experience working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities Strong written advocacy skills Ability to work independently, organize and prioritize work, and meet critical deadlines Ability to multi-task, handle high-stress situations, thrive under pressure, and adapt to change Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to handle difficult situations with tact and diplomacy Experience interviewing and assessing clients Excellent communication skills which include the ability to exchange information in a clear, concise, and organized manner to diverse groups of people to help them understand process objectives and priorities Experience working with individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of being homeless Ability to work successfully in a team environment, make positive contributions, and assist others as necessary Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and personalities Strong research and analytical skills Adaptability, a positive attitude, and an impeccable character Ability to maintain confidentiality Have proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office Bilingual ability is strongly desired, but not a requirement Examples of Duties Utilizes a client-centered approach to support individuals through all phases of system involvement, from arrest through community reintegration. Conducts biopsychosocial assessments and collateral interviews with clients and families to determine clinically and medically appropriate community treatment and resources. Provides crisis intervention and support services to clients as needed. Conducts regular community and jail facility visits. Identifies mitigating factors and prepares social history reports to advocate for fair sentencing. Supports attorneys with mental health diversion assessments and treatment planning. Develops culturally competent assessments, recommendations, and release plans for courts. Provides expertise to assist judges and attorneys understand client circumstances. Collaborates with families, community partners, and other public agencies to coordinate services. Connects clients to mental health services, substance use treatment, and medical care. Develops emergency and transitional housing placements. Advocates for community-based solutions as alternatives to custody. Identifies and connects individuals to available social services. Identifies underlying issues that may have led to legal system involvement. Develops comprehensive reintegration plans following incarceration. Collaborates with County partners to achieve program goals and outcomes. Employment Standards Possession of a bachelor’s degree including 30 semester or 45 quarter units of course work in social work, psychology, sociology, child development, or other behavioral sciences; AND two years of professional social work experience; OR, Two years of experience performing duties comparable to a Social Service Worker with Santa Barbara County; OR, A combination of training and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities. Additional Requirements: Possession of or ability to obtain a valid California Class C Driver’s License may be required. Independent travel, including transportation of clients, within the County, throughout California, out of state, or country is required. Will be required to work outside normal business hours. Positions allocated to this class may require bilingual skills. Knowledge of: interviewing and life skills counseling techniques; medical, psychological, educational, and social service resources, needs, problems, attitudes, and behavior of assigned client population; function of public assistance and social services systems; the practical application of human behavior and child development/parenting or aging principles; socio-economic/psychosocial factors affecting individual behavior, independent living social functioning, and social abnormalities.