Pretrial Services Navigator

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The (READY) Navigator is a contracted position embedded within Santa Barbara County Public Defender’s Office –Community Defender Division. The position offers services to incarcerated Public Defender clients who have acute needs, such as mental health conditions, housing insecurity, drug and alcohol problems, or other vulnerabilities. The READY Navigator will act as a member of the client’s defense team to provide pretrial release planning to clients in county jail, coordinate reentry services post-release, and support individuals in the community pending resolution of their criminal matter.

The READY Navigator functions as a member of the client’s defense team, collaborating closely with the READY attorney and assigned deputy public defender, as well as the Public Defender’s Community Defender Division, conducts interviews of clients in jail to develop plans which can be presented during arraignment court proceedings for the purpose of securing pre-trial release and to develop and coordinate re-entry plans with appropriate community supports.

• The READY Navigator position must protect client confidentiality and maintain attorney-client privilege when working with Public Defender clients. The READY Navigator must be comfortable working in a carceral setting.
• The READY Navigator will attend initial court hearings for individuals with acute needs, providing information to attorneys and CDD advocates about service coordination to facilitate re-entry and pretrial supervision.
• The READY Navigator will connect clients on supervised pretrial release to mental health services, including arranging transportation and obtaining medications as needed.
• Ongoing communication with clients’ service providers will be maintained to gather information about services received, providing updates to attorneys at court hearings and accompanying clients to court when necessary.
• The READY Navigator will connect appropriate clients to substance use treatment providers, coordinating calls to the Behavioral Wellness (Be Well) Access Line and assisting with intake and treatment appointments.
• The READY Navigator connects released clients to housing, transportation, and coordinates calls to the Be Well Access Line for intake and treatment appointments.
• The READY Navigator will be trained in and utilize Motivational Interviewing techniques and understand the objectives of holistic defense.
• Participation in READY staff meetings and notification to the Public Defender of any staff changes are required.
• The Ready Navigator is responsible for providing an Individual Service Plan (ISP) to the client and to the
• Public Defender within one week from the referral date, outlining goals, strengths, and linkages to services.
• The Ready Navigator is responsible for tracking and providing agreed-upon data to the Public Defender,
• including clients engaged in evidence-based programs, racial and ethnic disparities, average jail days, clientsreceiving comprehensive treatment and support, and improved employment and housing measures.
• The READY Navigator should be prepared to respond to crisis situations promptly and effectively, providing immediate assistance and access to appropriate resources when needed.
• The READY Navigator transports clients in the agency-provided vehicle for appointments as required.
• The READY Navigator provides a weekly report to the READY attorney and Holistic Defense Manager,
• sharing updates, progress, and important information related to the job responsibilities and activities.
• The Navigator is responsible for promptly notifying the manager of any work orders that need to besubmitted or supplies that need to be ordered.
• The Navigator is responsible for attending staff meetings, ensuring timely completion of training, and accuratelycompleting timecards.
• The Navigator shall perform related duties as assigned by the supervisors at Good Samaritan and Public Defender. The Navigator shall maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures and maintain policies and procedures of the Santa Barbara County Public Defender.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• This section outlines the essential knowledge, skills and abilities are required to perform the daily tasks and job duties bulleted above.

*

• High School Diploma or equivalent: A minimum educational requirement to demonstrate basic literacy and
• communication skills.
• Must have experience in social services with knowledge of case management systems and planning
• techniques, and experience with individuals and families facing mental health and/or legal issues.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant social services field or a high school diploma with work-related experience.
• Three years of non-profit or related experience is preferable. Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Prior experience working with individuals and families dealing with mental health and/or legal issues.
• Excellent communication skills: Ability to effectively communicate with clients, attorneys, colleagues,
• and external stakeholders.
• Crisis intervention skills: Capacity to handle crisis situations and de-escalate conflicts.
• Empathy and compassion: Demonstrating genuine care and understanding for individuals in the legal system.
• Ability to work in a team: Collaboration and cooperation with other Public Defender staff, volunteers, and external
• agencies.
• Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel and Google).

Required Qualifications:

Employment Eligibility Verification:

• Must provide documentation to establish identity and employment eligibility in compliance with legal requirements. This may include a U.S. passport, Permanent Resident Card, or other acceptable forms of identification.

Negative Tuberculosis Test:

• Must provide documentation of a recent negative tuberculosis (TB) test result to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

Background Screening:

• Successful completion of a comprehensive background screening, which may include criminal record checks, employment history verification, and reference checks. Must Pass Santa Maria Jail background as well.

Pre-Employment Drug Screening:

• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening to ensure a drug-free workplace. A negative drug test result is required.

Driving Skills:

• Must meet the requirements set by our auto insurance carrier.

Insurance Coverage:

• Must be able to qualify for Good Samaritan Shelter insurance coverage, which may include meeting specific criteria related to driving record, insurance claims history, and other factors.

Personal Insurance Coverage:

• Must have personal insurance coverage that meets the requirements set by the employer.
• This may include liability insurance, automobile insurance, or any other type of insurance deemed necessary for the position.
• The coverage must be valid and maintained throughout the employment period.

Benefits:

Full-Time Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401k Matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays and Floater Day
• Employee Assistance Program
• Gym Membership Discount
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Working Advantage

Part-Time Benefits:

• 401k Matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Gym Membership Discount
• Working Advantage
• Please note that these benefits are subject to specific eligibility criteria and may be subject to change based on company policies and guidelines.

Work Environment:

The work environment involves interaction with Public Defender clients who are about to be released from jail, as well as various community partners such as mental health programs, community health clinics, Collaborative Courts, probation and parole officers, and other relevant stakeholders. Multi-disciplinary team meetings with both Public Defender staff and community partners might take place within the office premises or other designated locations. Considering the nature of the job, the work environment may involve dealing with sensitive and challenging situations, as it deals with clients who are incarcerated, some of whom may have co-occurring disorders or serve lengthy sentences. The Staff will need to maintain a professional and compassionate approach while working with these individuals.

Staff working in the READY Program manage an assigned group of clients who may be experiencing homelessness, substance use challenges, or mental health conditions, while maintaining detailed case documentation, and potentially providing court testimony. Throughout these office-based and field responsibilities, staff maintain a commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental atmosphere for all clients. It is crucial to establish an environment that prioritizes the well-being of both staff and clients. The work is carried out through a multidisciplinary team approach, involving professionals from various fields who collaborate to provide comprehensive support. Crisis management protocols and resources should be readily available to address emergencies related to substance abuse or mental health. Ongoing training and professional development opportunities within the Public Defender’s office equip staff with the necessary skills to effectively engage with clients and address their complex needs. Additionally, the work environment should prioritize staff self-care and support, recognizing the potential challenges and providing resources for their well-being. Confidentiality and privacy of client information are paramount, ensuring trust and maintaining ethical standards of the PublicDefender’s office. By fostering an inclusive and empathetic work environment, READY staff can effectively support clients on their path to recovery and stability.

Physical Requirements:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Some examples are:
• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
• Capability to navigate stairs multiple times during a shift is required.
• Proficiency in using hands and fingers to perform tasks such as typing, writing, handling paperwork, operating equipment, and assisting residents with daily needs.
• Sufficient vision and hearing capabilities to observe and respond to the environment, communicate with residents and colleagues, and maintain a safe working environment.

Mental Requirements:

• The mental demands outlined above are illustrative of the requirements necessary for an employee to effectively fulfill the fundamental duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations can be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill these essential functions. Here are a few examples:
• Emotional resilience to cope with challenging situations and provide support to individuals facing difficult circumstances.
• The nature of working with individuals experiencing homelessness can be emotionally draining. Staff must be aware of the signs of compassion fatigue and have strategies in place to manage their own self-care and prevent burnout.
• Establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries is crucial when working with vulnerable populations. Staff should be able to prioritize self-care, set limits on their emotional involvement, and practice self-reflection to prevent personal emotional strain.
• Serving a diverse population with various cultural backgrounds and identities. Staff should have a strong commitment to cultural sensitivity, respect for diversity, and the ability to communicate effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.
• The Good Samaritan Shelter is a non-profit, community-based organization that relies on all members of staff to work together to serve the community and clients. At times, you may be asked to take on additional tasks outside of your usual responsibilities as needed.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and ability required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Santa Maria, CA 93454 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Santa Maria, CA 93454: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person