TCMP Worker; Avenal, CA

TCMP Benefit Worker (Avenal, CA) – 138058

Department
:
Psychiatry / Transitional Case Management Program

Worksite
:
Avenal State Prison, 1 Kings Way, Avenal, CA 93204

UC San Diego Health invites applications for a full‑time, career‑appointment benefit worker who will manage caseloads of released inmates eligible for Medi‑Cal, Social Security, VA benefits, and other support services while in transition to community care.

• Work full time (M–F, 8 hrs/day; start and end times vary 6 am–5 pm) at CDCR correctional facilities throughout California.
• Manage full caseloads of inmates releasing from state institutions who may be eligible for health or social benefits.
• Assess potential eligibility for Medi‑Cal, SSI, Social Security Disability, and VA benefits based on medical, mental, financial, and age criteria.
• Complete and submit benefit applications to California state agencies.
• Serve as liaison with institutional and parole staff and collaborate on cases requiring additional case management support.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and use professional judgment when reporting information to clients, other professionals, and family members.
• Document concise, factual psychosocial notes, case summaries, and timely reports in writing.

• Four years of related experience, education/training, OR a bachelor’s degree in a related area.
• Clearance to work inside CDCR prisons and facilities.
• Ability to perform intake evaluations and conduct assessments, problem‑solving, and critical‑thinking.
• Strong collaboration skills with diverse client groups.
• Capacity to manage large caseloads independently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Computer literacy: use of word processing, email, and internet for client care.
• Excellent organizational, prioritization, and deadline‑meeting skills.
• Experience in professional case management, both independently and in team settings.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Experience working with community mental health resources, mental health professionals, correctional and parole officers.
• Knowledge of clinical counseling principles, methods, procedures, and standards.

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws related to health and social welfare.
• Experience assisting clients with Social Security Administration, VA, and Medicare/Medical benefits.
• Experience with parolees/ex‑offenders diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and/or mental illness.
• Training in motivational interviewing techniques for incarcerated populations.
• Direct experience providing services to state prison populations and knowledge of prison culture, dynamics, and risk factors.

• Employment subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be eligible for CDCR clearance to work inside prisons and fire camps.
• Must be willing to work full time in a minimum through maximum security state prison.
• Must use safe and reliable transportation for all work‑related travel and be willing to travel to multiple prison sites.
• Annual TB screening required.
• Willingness to travel to cover other correctional facilities throughout California, including overnight stays.

• Final candidate must disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining a misconduct finding or an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct.
• “Misconduct” includes violations of UC policies prohibiting sexual harassment, assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination.
• Reference policies: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy, Abusive Conduct in the Workplace.

UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

Mid-Senior level

Full‑time

Administrative