Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Caseworker

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 49,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Lehigh County Mental Health-Crisis division, seeks a County Caseworker 2 to support individuals facing behavioral health challenges. You will use sound decision-making to help people access services and navigate crisis situations in a team-focused environment.

We value clear communication and reliable support as you assess needs, intervene in crises, and coordinate eligibility for services. This full-time role offers stable hours and a formal civil service pathway.

Qualifications

• Six months of experience as a County Caseworker 1 or similar.
• Completion of County Social Casework Intern program or a qualifying degree/credits.
• A bachelor's degree with relevant social sciences coursework and professional experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience achieving the required coursework.
• Within two months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Responsibilities

• Gathers information to identify social, economic, emotional, and health needs and helps clients access services.
• Provides immediate crisis intervention, screens referrals by phone, outreach, or walk-in.
• Recognizes mental health symptoms during assessments to determine service needs.
• Evaluates crisis situations using de-escalation techniques and conducts outreach assessments.
• Understands Mental Health Procedures Act and fulfills duty to warn requirements.
• Reviews 302 and Act 77 documentation and acts as petitioner when needed.

Education

Bachelor's degree with a social welfare major

12 college credits in sociology/social welfare/psychology/gerontology/criminal justice or related social sciences + 1 year of professional social casework

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

Job description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Lehigh County Mental Health-Crisis division, seeks a County Caseworker 2 to support individuals facing behavioral health challenges. You will use sound decision-making to help people access services and navigate crisis situations in a team-focused environment.

We value clear communication and reliable support as you assess needs, intervene in crises, and coordinate eligibility for services. This full-time role offers stable hours and a formal civil service pathway.