Behavioral Health Caseworker: Crisis & Resource Advocate

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Lehigh County Mental Health Services is seeking a County Caseworker 2 to support individuals facing behavioral health challenges and help them access services. Duties include crisis intervention, information and referral, and conducting assessments to determine service needs.

The role emphasizes safety, legal compliance, and petitioning responsibilities under state law. Full-time hours are 8:00 am–4:00 pm, Monday–Friday, without telework option.

Qualifications

• Six months of experience as a County Caseworker 1; or
• Successful completion of the County Social Casework Intern program; or
• A bachelor's degree with a social welfare major; or
• A bachelor's degree which includes or is supplemented by 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences and one year of professional social casework experience in a public or private social service agency; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences.

Responsibilities

• Client Support: Gather information to identify social, economic, emotional, and health needs and assist clients in accessing services
• Crisis Intervention: Provide immediate support, manage crisis requests, and screen incoming referrals by phone, outreach, or walk-in
• Clinical Assessment: Recognize symptoms of mental illness during assessments and determine service needs
• Safety Assessment: Evaluate crisis situations, use de-escalation techniques, and conduct outreach assessments
• Legal Compliance: Understand the Mental Health Procedures Act and fulfill duty to warn requirements
• Petitioning Duties: Review 302 and Act 77 documentation and act as petitioner when needed

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Bachelor's degree with 12 credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice or related social sciences and one year of professional social casework experience

Any equivalent combination of experience and training with 12 credits in related social sciences

Job description

Lehigh County Mental Health Services is seeking a County Caseworker 2 to support individuals facing behavioral health challenges and help them access services. Duties include crisis intervention, information and referral, and conducting assessments to determine service needs.

The role emphasizes safety, legal compliance, and petitioning responsibilities under state law. Full-time hours are 8:00 am–4:00 pm, Monday–Friday, without telework option.