The Difference Principle Careers & Volunteer Opportunities

Pretrial Case Managers are the nexus that serves the needs of defendants who are economically, racially, and ethnically diverse and assist those clients in navigating the criminal justice system. They hold the client accountable and help ensure court appearances and they remain arrest-free during the pretrial period. Clients often experience mental health and/or substance abuse disorders and require a Case Manager who is both empathetic and compassionate. The Case Manager should have knowledge of the criminal justice system and act as a neutral party between the client, the Court, Prosecutor’s Office, and defense counsel.

The Case Manager will monitor, supervise, and assist clients have successful pretrial supervision by identifying and addressing barriers to attending court hearings, develop knowledge and collaborative relationships with various community service providers, establish plans to meet and address client’s individual needs, prepare, and submit court reports of the client’s status and progress.

Youth Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) is a voluntary program designed to provide in-home mental health support and services to youth and their families who have mental health and/or substance abuse diagnosis. CCS helps individuals live their best lives by providing client-centered and selected services tailored to their unique needs including case management, therapy, mentoring, and other services as needed to meet self-identified goals.

The Youth CCS Service Facilitator is responsible for community-based support for the mental health and behavioral needs of youth and families. Youth CCS Service Facilitators support families through connection to community resources, client-centered services, and a strengths-based approach to healing.

As a member of the JusticePoint team, the Urinalysis (UA) Sample Collector coordinates, facilitates, and observes urine testing for program participants. This role requires strict adherence to testing protocols, professionalism, and a strong commitment to confidentiality and accuracy. The UA Sample Collector supports program operations by maintaining quality control standards and communicating results to the case management team.

JusticePoint operates several pretrial programs in Ramsey County, Minnesota, including Universal Screening, Pretrial Supervision, Diversion, and Treatment Court. These programs provide screening, assessment, and case management services for individuals involved in the criminal justice system. JusticePoint is part of a larger network of programs operating in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin under the parent agency, The Difference Principle.

This position will lead the JusticePoint programs in Ramsey County, MN, and directly supervises the Assistant Directors of Pretrial Supervision and Diversion, Jail Screening Coordinators, and the Office Manager. This position will also be responsible for strategic planning, policy and procedure development, program budgeting, and day-to-day operational oversight.

Pretrial Case Managers are the critical link for clients who are economically, racially, and ethnically diverse who are navigating the criminal justice system. They hold the client accountable, help ensure appearance at court, comply with court ordered conditions, and aid in remaining arrest-free during the pretrial period. The Case Manager will work with the client to identify any barriers for appearing in court.  The Case Manager will also refer clients to resources in the community to help address any identified individual needs and goals.  Clients often experience mental health and/or substance abuse disorders and require a Case Manager who is empathetic and compassionate.  The Case Manager should have some knowledge of the criminal justice system and act as a neutral party between the client, the prosecuting attorney’s office, and defense attorneys.

The Case Manager will provide supervision and assist clients in reaching successful pretrial supervision outcomes through case management that targets individual barriers and needs; complete assessments to help identify barriers and needs; help ensure the client attends all court appearances and remains arrest-free; refer to & have knowledge of available resources; prepare and submit accurate court reports outlining the client’s status and progress; maintain accurate records in the client database; and perform other duties as assigned.

The 3rd Shift Jail Screening Specialist (9pm-7am) is responsible for conducting interviews and assessments of inmates in the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center. The Jail Screening Specialist provides a detailed and objective report to the Court, Prosecution, and Defense. This includes the defendant’s assessed risk level and recommendations related to release conditions. The Jail Screening Specialist may assist in the process of releasing individuals from custody to pretrial supervision and in providing a more in-depth assessment to identify individuals who may be eligible for a Diversion agreement. Staff will also assist with Release Preparation and will be granted Delegated Release Authority.

The Treatment Court Case Manager provides case management for individuals who have entered into an agreement with Drug Treatment Court or Impaired Driving Court. Treatment Court is an alternative to incarceration for people with a substance use concern. This position helps people move beyond their involvement in the criminal justice system, rebuild their lives through sobriety, and connect to positive supports in the community. The Treatment Court Case Manager provides a broad range of comprehensive cognitive behavioral intervention services within the guidelines established by the agency and in keeping with Drug Court standards. These services will include screening and assessing client needs, ongoing referrals and linkages, monitoring, and advocacy services.

Case Managers will perform observed urine drug and alcohol screening of clients (collector must be of the same gender as the client providing the sample); will maintain a caseload of at least 25 participants; refer to & have knowledge of available community resources; help ensure the client attends all court appearances and is on track to complete the conditions of their agreement; provide accurate written reports to the court; enter and maintain case information in the electronic database; and other duties as assigned.

As a member of the JusticePoint team, the Urinalysis (UA) Sample Collector coordinates, facilitates, and observes urine testing for program participants. This role requires strict adherence to testing protocols, professionalism, and a strong commitment to confidentiality and accuracy. The UA Sample Collector supports program operations by maintaining quality control standards and communicating results to the case management team.

The Recovery Support Coordination program uses a strengths-based approach to help clients develop a recovery plan of care. The Recovery Support Coordinator (RSC) assists clients to establish their own path to recovery, address barriers, and meet their individualized goals. They provide support and coordinate services to address a client’s unique needs related to mental health and substance use. The RSC develops collaborative relationships with community service providers to support the client and meets with the client at the client’s location of choice (including the client’s home, the RSC office, and other community locations). This position will require frequent travel and driving throughout Milwaukee County—including transporting clients.

The Peer Support Specialist uses their own lived experience with substance use, mental health challenges, and recovery to support clients in overcoming barriers to achieving their recovery goals while engaged in various levels of treatment in Dodge County. The Peer Support Specialist meets one-on-one with clients in various community settings to develop and support recovery goals.

Through engagement and developing rapport, the Peer Support Specialist provides emotional support, compassionate listening, and community resource navigation. In collaboration with clinical staff, this position delivers evidence-based interventions to promote recovery. The Peer Support Specialist assists clients with issues related to housing, transportation, developing a social network, crisis support, personal and system advocacy, education, and employment in line with their recovery goals. To support clients’ self-advocacy, the Peer Support Specialist attends mental health and other provider appointments as needed. This position facilitates communication with other team members and encourages connection with natural supports and community involvement.

NO EXPERIENCE OR DEGREE REQUIRED!

Electronic Monitoring Installers/Specialists are responsible for installing, retrieving, and basic troubleshooting various electronic monitoring devices (GPS, Remote Breath, & Continuous Alcohol Monitoring) within 24 hours of request for service.  Installers will receive notification of the service request, secure the necessary devices/equipment, and meet clients at community locations and client homes. This position requires significant driving as you will be traveling to various work sites within your assigned area so you must have a valid license and auto insurance. Mileage reimbursement is available. This opportunity is ideal for college students, parents with kids in school, retirees, and/or someone looking for experience in the criminal justice field.