About Us

The pretrial stage is a critical juncture in the larger criminal justice process; whether or not someone gets out of custody after arrest is a major determinant of the ultimate outcome of the case, as those who remain in jail are  more likely to face a conviction than those who are released. In addition, the presumption of innocence and constitutional protections against excessive bail are two of our most foundational legal principles. Despite these facts, and against the backdrop of mass incarceration nationwide, jail populations in San Francisco and across the country are disproportionately composed of pretrial individuals. 

We work to address this critical issue by providing alternatives to pretrial incarceration. By doing so, the San Francisco Pretrial Diversion Project does its part to prevent unjust harm and unnecessary incarceration. Rather than languishing behind bars, newly arrested people can be released to our services to receive care, support, case management, and referrals to outside treatment providers. Our services are diverse and wide-ranging in recognition of the many needs that justice-involved people may have. Further, San Francisco has been the seat of new bail reform initiatives in California, which has afforded us the opportunity to continue to grow and build on our 45 years of experience overseeing pretrial services in the City and County.

Summary

This position will be assigned to the Program Department, serving all clients that are referred to the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). In this position, the LCSW will work with individuals on pretrial release, identified by the program case managers or managers as having higher mental health needs. The incumbent will provide comprehensive assessment, crisis intervention, case management, individual and group therapy, and substance abuse services. Clients will receive time-limited mental health and substance abuse services at the Pretrial office. Clinicians will be assisting clients in meeting their needs on a short-term, limited basis, and will make ongoing referrals as appropriate. Part of the SF Sheriff Department’s collaboration with Community Based Organizations comprehensive effort to treat high risk clients in the community and to reduce unnecessary use of institutional care.

Licensed or currently working towards your license is acceptable.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides ongoing mental health services, including psychotherapy (Individual, Group and Family), Crisis Intervention, Case Management and Outreach to a caseload of severely mentally ill clients; 


• Make case terminations and discharge plans, when clinically appropriate; 


• Develops a comprehensive individual service plan for each client, integrating knowledge of a wide range of human service resources; 


• Provides consultation to a multi-disciplinary treatment team on the psychosocial ramifications of psychiatric illness; 


• Facilitates treatment coordination among various agencies and advocates for and links clients to needed services; 


• Provides consultation to and maintain liaison with campus and community programs, including educational, legal, and social organizations involved in case management; 


• Acts as a liaison to inpatient units to facilitate referrals and service treatment; 


• Screens referrals for meeting program criteria; conducts intake of new clients, including assessment, community functioning, and service needs, when appropriate. This entails assessment of presenting problems, psychosocial history, mental status and diagnosis (DSM-IV); 


• Responds to unscheduled “walk-in” clients, utilizing crisis intervention techniques and providing 5150 services as needed; 


• Serve as weekly OD screening clients for entry into the clinic; 


• Maintains client’s records according to California, City and County requirements. Records data in client’s charts. Meet program productivity standards; 


• Assist in processing quality improvement requests; 


• Complete billing and other documentation of services in a timely fashion; 


• Attends staff and clinical team meetings, and participates in training sessions (e.g., In services, grand rounds); 


• Identifies program problems and make recommendations to supervisory and administrative staff; 


• Provides education to the community regarding program services, client needs and treatment; 


• Assists in planning and providing in-service to staff; 


• Provides orientation and didactic training to interns; 


• If desired and appropriate, supervise student(s) and participate in student training program meetings; 


• Perform other duties as directed, developed or assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Vaccination Requirement: Based on recommendations from the CDC and other health agencies; and due to the work we do in the jails, SFPDP recommends that employees get vaccinated in order to prevent them contracting the virus. This is also recommended to prevent the spread of the virus to others in our workplace. Currently, SFPDP does not require employees to be vaccinated. Employees who have not been vaccinated are also recommended to wear a mask while in the workplace to prevent contracting/spreading the virus; however, this is not required. This policy may change based on recommendations from the CDC and other health agencies. Must secure finger image screening and semi-annual TB screening.

Education and/or Experience: Master’s degree in social work, psychology or related field from an accredited university. Possession of the requirements necessary for application for licensure as determined by the California Board of Behavioral Science. Case Management experience. Experience working with severely mentally ill adults, the homeless and dual diagnosed populations. Experience doing community based case management and the ability to do outreach including to SRO hotels. Experience working with individuals actively involved in the criminal justice system.

Language Skills: Read, write, and verbally communicate effectively and professionally with other employees, clients, and outside agencies. Ability to diplomatically deal with difficult situations and people, while exhibiting a consistent level of professionalism.

Technical Skills: Strong computers skills required. Proficient in Microsoft Office suite products and Google applications.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to think independently, to exercise independent discretion, and to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of factual situations where no specific guidelines exist. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, report or schedule form and to exercise good judgment in applying that information.

Other Skills & Abilities: Able to work with little or no supervision under pressure. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with others. Ability to work in a high stress, high volume area and work well under pressure, with deadlines and be detail orientated. Demonstrates excellent attendance and reliability. An understanding of mental health issues and sensitivity towards mental health clients.

Background Checks and/or Licensing Requirements: Criminal Background check by the SF Sheriff’s Department. Reference checks.

Equipment/Machinery: Operate equipment such as, but not limited to, personal computer, calculator, fax machine, copier, phone, security system, and door locks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand and walk or sit alternatively depending on specific needs of day. Estimate 20% of time is spent on feet and 80% sitting at desk.


• Occasional need to perform the following physical activities: bending/stooping/squatting, climbing stairs, pushing, pulling, twisting, lifting and reaching above shoulders.


• Occasional need to perform standing and walking activities.


• Constant need to perform the following physical activities: writing/typing, grasping/turning, finger dexterity.


• Lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs. frequently and 25 lbs. occasionally.


• Vision requirements: constant need to complete forms, read reports, view computer screen. Frequent need to see small detail. Frequent need to see things clearly beyond arm's reach.


• Hearing requirements: constant need to communicate over telephone and in person.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.