Caseworker, (B276043-1), 206, Community Mental Health

City of Laredo; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Laredo is seeking a case management specialist to provide social services support and education to clients regarding mental health, coordinating with the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and medical team to assure the continuum of care, wellness, and prevention on improving healthier outcomes.

You will develop case management plans, assist clients in accessing eligible services, and maintain strict confidentiality of behavioral health progress, while advocating for clients' rights

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
• At least three (3) years of experience in casework management or a related field.
• Valid Texas Driver License and ability to meet driving requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provides case management intervention social services.
• Evaluates and conducts assessments using standardized tools.
• Engages in harm reduction counseling related to substance use/abuse, sexual health risks, and mental health.
• Enters behavioral health related data into electronic database.
• Generates program level reports on project activities.
• Advocates for clients (rights) within the community.

Skills

Case management

Communication

Confidentiality HIPAA

Multitasking

Spanish language

Driver license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field

Tools

Electronic health records

Job description

This position is grant funded. Therefore, it is solely dependent of availability of grant funds.

Provide case management, social services support, and education to clients regarding mental health. Will team up with the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and medical team to assure the continuum of care, wellness, and prevention on improving healthier outcomes. Provides case management plans to assist clients on improving their care and providing access on support care services they are eligible for. Advocates, monitors, and maintains the strict confidentiality of the clients' behavioral health progress in relation to their mental health.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Provides case management intervention social services.
• Evaluates and conducts assessments using standardized tools.
• Engagesin harm reduction counseling related to substance use/abuse,sexual health risks, and mental health.
• Enters behavioral health related data into electronic database.
• Generates program level reports on project activities.
• Provides risk reduction education and documents the accuracy and completeness of information provided to link individuals to services.
• Interviews and screens clients to gather information forreferral to appropriate agencies for medical or social services; ensures accepted interview practices are applied.
• Maintains updated contact information to agencies, referrals are made to and stay up to date on the services agencies provide.
• Evaluates information obtained from interview with client; identifies needs through social assessments or expressed concerns.
• Describes available resources and services to clients; provides referrals to proper organizations; ensures information provided is accurate and appropriate based on the client'sneeds.
• Visits client at place of residence when client lapses appointment with therapist; doctor or nurse practitioner.
• Composes monthly narrative reports summarizing monthly activities; ensures the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of the same.
• Documents accurate and complete notes to allow for better case management and to review charts to monitor each client's progress.
• Assists clients in getting financial assistance and transportation for out-of-town medical appointments.
• Assists all integrated behavioral health clients, including walk-in clients, needing assistance with applications, housing services, or other services.
• Assists the walk-in clients needing assistance with applications, housing services, or other services.
• Serves as advocate for client's rights within the community.
• Maintains personal information on clients, patients, businesses, or personnel in strict confidential manner as per City of Laredo Health Department's policies.
• Must follow all rules of telephone courtesy and HIPPA in all telephone communications.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of case management skills.
• Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
• Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• Knowledgeofchronic disease outreach.
• Knowledge of counseling principles, methods, and instructional techniques.
• Knowledge of available community social service resources for referral of clients.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, techniques, and practices of social work and health services of community resources and how to use them effectively and creatively.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with other professional groups to exercise tact, initiative, and good judgment in dealing with people.
• Ability to prepare reports and recommendations for administrative use.
• Ability to document efforts in assisting with the establishment and implementation of the health care plan.
• Ability to assess client needs and their situations with accuracy and clarity.
• Ability to apply case management procedures.
• Ability to understand the policies, procedures, and services of the department or agency.
• Ability to multi-task and manage several client cases at a time.
• Ability to communicate with medical staff, medical providers, psychiatrist, counselors, interns, and volunteers clearly and respectfully.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and respond to general public complaints.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment Locations

Never

• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site
• Confined space
• Warehouse environment

Sometimes

• Outdoor environment
• Vehicles

Often

• Office or similar indoor environment

Exposures

Never

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Seldom

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Communicable diseases

Travel

Never

• Regional travel
• National travel
• International travel

Often

• Local travel

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited* college or university in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
• At least three (3) years of experience in casework management or related field.

Foreign Education

• Applicants who have completed education outside of the United States must submit a foreign credential evaluation completed by a professional credential evaluation agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). The evaluation must verify the U.S. equivalency of the degree and identify the comparable U.S. degree level. Applicants are responsible for obtaining and submitting the required evaluation documentation.

Note

The City of Laredo is not responsible for any fees associated with obtaining a foreign credential evaluation or educational equivalency documentation.

Proof of TB Test/Screening will be required to be presented prior to employment.

Required Licenses and Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment

Desirable Licenses or Certifications

• Social Worker license by the State of Texas
• Temporary or Full Professional License in Substance Abuse Counseling related field by the State of Texas (i.e. Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor)

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at [phone], two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.