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 Programs

The Pretrial Release Evaluation Program (PREP) and Rapid Diversion Program (RDP) are County-operated programs designed to divert or release criminal defendants from the county jail and criminal legal system during the early stages of the court process. Both programs provide in-court screening and/or mental health evaluations, linkage to treatment services, case management support, and connections to community-based resources. PREP additionally provides dedicated housing support to participants while their criminal case remains open, while RDP participants may have their criminal cases dismissed upon successful completion of the program.

The Position

Under the supervision of the Program Supervisor, the Case Manager is responsible for providing wraparound, field-based case management and rehabilitative services to a caseload of diversion and/or pretrial clients. The Case Manager develops and maintains collaborative relationships with court personnel, treatment providers, housing providers, and other community partners to support clients in achieving meaningful recovery goals and increasing utilization of community resources.

Successful Case Managers actively engage clients using a client-centered, recovery-oriented approach grounded in harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and strengths-based practices. Case Manager level (I–III) will be determined based on years of relevant experience.

Essential Functions

Provide Wraparound, Field-Based Services to Support Recovery Goals

• Actively engage clients in services through strong rapport building, consistent contact, motivational interviewing, and a “whatever it takes” approach.
• Provide outreach services as needed, meeting clients “where they are” both physically and emotionally.
• Deliver services aligned with recovery-oriented care principles, including hope, empowerment, self-responsibility, and engagement in meaningful community roles.
• Ensure all service delivery adheres to ethical standards and utilizes harm reduction, strengths-based, and trauma-informed frameworks.
• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments and maintain up-to-date knowledge of community resources.
• Link clients to appropriate behavioral health, medical, housing, substance use treatment, and social service resources.
• Monitor participation in services, identify barriers to engagement, and facilitate problem-solving strategies to improve outcomes.
• Accompany clients to appointments and linkage meetings as appropriate.
• Teach prosocial and recovery-oriented skills, including communication, anger management, problem-solving, and community living skills.
• Collaborate with collateral contacts including family members, probation, court representatives, and service providers to support client stability and recovery.
• Provide education regarding mental health and substance use recovery to clients and support systems.
• Advocate for client needs within systems of care.
• Conduct custody pick-ups from Los Angeles County jails as needed.

Court and Diversion-Related Responsibilities

• Support clients in understanding court processes, diversion requirements, and expectations for successful program participation.
• Assist clients with attending scheduled court appearances, including transportation and accompaniment when needed.
• Obtain and submit written progress reports from community providers within established court deadlines.
• Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with court staff and legal system partners to ensure continuity of care and successful diversion outcomes.

Coordinate Care with Multidisciplinary Teams

• Collaborate with internal teams and external providers to coordinate integrated care and service delivery.
• Participate in planning interventions, referrals, and individualized service plans.
• Leverage multidisciplinary team expertise to support client stabilization and recovery goals.
• Coordinate with treatment facilities, housing providers, medical providers, and community agencies to ensure high-quality care.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive case notes within the electronic health record in accordance with program guidelines.
• Participate in program reporting and data collection activities.

Fulfill Baseline Agency Expectations

• Maintain regular attendance; occasional holiday or weekend work may be required.
• Uphold agency mission, values, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain active licenses and/or certifications as applicable (e.g., BBS, CCAPP).
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication, rapport-building, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated cultural humility and ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Resourceful and knowledgeable in navigating community systems and services.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work across disciplines and agencies.
• Adaptable and able to respond effectively to changing priorities and client needs.
• Strong critical thinking, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations.
• Detail-oriented with effective time management and documentation skills.
• Emotionally intelligent with the ability to receive feedback constructively and maintain professional boundaries.

Minimum Qualifications

• Required
  • Experience working with culturally diverse populations.
  • Valid California driver’s license, proof of insurance, and reliable personal vehicle.
  • Ability to transport clients as needed.
  • Must not be on probation or parole.
  • Verification of employment eligibility and successful background check.
  • Basic computer proficiency.
• Experience Levels
  • Case Manager I: Less than 2 years of case management experience.
  • Case Manager II: 2 years of case management experience.
  • Case Manager III: 3+ years of case management experience.
• Preferred
  • Previous case management experience.
  • Lived experience with homelessness, mental health/substance use recovery, or the criminal legal system.
  • Experience working with forensic and/or dual-diagnosed populations.
  • Experience working on interdisciplinary teams.
  • Spanish-speaking.