Job Description

Title: Resource Navigator (Interim)
Division: Project 180
Pay Scale: $25.24

The Organization

SSG-Project 180 turns lives around through innovative, wraparound services that keep people out of institutions and in their communities. Project 180 is a leader in the forensic treatment space, offering high-quality, specialized treatment programs that serve thousands of justice-involved individuals. Our programs span criminal justice intercepts and include pre-arrest interventions, court-based diversions, jail in-reach, and intensive post-release services. Project 180 operates in partnership with County agencies including the Department of Mental Health (DMH), the Department of Health Services (DHS), and the Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD).

The Program

The Pretrial Release Evaluation Program (PREP) is a County-operated program that releases criminal defendants out of the county jail system at the arraignment stage of legal proceedings. The program provides in-court screening, linkage to treatment services, dedicated housing and case management support to participants while their criminal case is open.

The Position

Under the supervision of the Program Supervisor, the Resource Navigator provides in-court screening and linkage to supportive services for pretrial clients. This role reports to the Central courthouse in downtown Los Angeles. The Resource Navigator is responsible for linking new clients to appropriate housing sites and treatment services. A successful Resource Navigator will demonstrate a robust understanding of mental health and substance abuse treatment programs within the system of care, facilitating program connections. They are responsible for developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with external treatment and housing providers.This is an interim position with an anticipated end date of January 8, 2027 with the possibility of the position becoming permanent.

Essential Functions

Link clients to appropriate housing and treatment services

• 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.

Coordinate 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.
• Collaborate with defense attorney to understand any court-based requirements and coordinate efforts. Provide routine linkage updates.
• 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.
• Service delivery is consistent with ethical standards and a harm reduction, strength based, trauma informed framework.

Coordinate day-to-day operations with external stakeholders and case management team

• 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.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain comprehensive case notes in the electronic health record per program guidelines.
• Participate in program data collection per program guidelines.

Fulfill baseline Project 180 staff expectations.

• Regular attendance required. Holiday or weekend work may be required.
• Maintain and uphold Agency mission statement, values, policies, procedures, and principles.
• Perform other duties as needed.
• Maintain active license and/or registrations as applicable (i.e. BBS, CCAPP).

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.

Minimum 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.
• Resource Navigator I: Less than 2 years case management experience
• Resource Navigator II: 2 years case management experience
• Resource Navigator III: 3 or more years of case management experience

• 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Environmental Conditions (Working Conditions)

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

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.