Human Services Specialist II - Case Manager Independent Living Program

City of Alexandria; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Alexandria seeks a Human Services Specialist II to provide case management and recovery coaching for individuals in the Independent Living Program (ILP). The role emphasizes coordinating treatment plans and connecting clients with housing, health care, and social services.

The successful candidate will conduct assessments, monitor progress, maintain records, and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to support clients’ housing stability and well-being.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in psychology, social services, public health, guidance, or related field; three years of experience in mental health and/or substance abuse services.
• Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, or related field; QMHP licensure or trainee eligibility; three years of experience.
• Valid driver's license issued by the state of residence.

Responsibilities

• Advertise and fill ILP beds; interview candidates with providers and select admissions based on eligibility and rating scales.
• Refer individuals for residential fee assessments and review resident handbook and program guidelines.
• Interview individuals for treatment planning; determine history, strengths, growth areas, stages of change, and preferences.
• Develop individual treatment plans with clients; provide case management and recovery coaching; assist with housing, finances, education, and employment needs.
• Provide supportive services such as crisis intervention, counseling, problem solving, life skills, and wellness planning.
• Conduct clinical assessments including bio-psychosocial assessments, diagnostic reviews, and WHODAS.
• Locate, procure, coordinate, and monitor delivery of necessary services.
• Assist individuals with applications and accessing entitlements and benefits.
• Act as liaison between substance use services, social services, mental health, housing, and property management.
• Advocate for individuals via court system, social services, employment, and housing; participate in interdisciplinary teams.
• Attend team meetings, trainings, and conferences; perform apartment safety and unit inspections.
• Document all required information in Credible BH and other records; manage program purchases and repairs.

Skills

Mental health

Substance use

Communication skills

Counseling skills

Crisis intervention

Resource coordination

Education

Bachelor's in psychology or related field

Master's in Psychology/Social Work/Counseling

QMHP licensure or trainee

Job description

Human Services Specialist II - Case Manager Independent Living Program

The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. About one-quarter square miles in the city have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Human Services Specialist II position.

An Overview

The Case Manager (CM) is responsible for providing supportive services to individuals who have a primary diagnosis of a Substance Use Disorder, with some Mental Health co-occurring disorders that live in the ILP program apartments. This position provides primary case management to the ILP participants, which includes coordinating and monitoring person-centered individual treatment plans; crisis intervention; recovery coaching; drug screening, diagnostic review; psycho-education; conducting clinical assessments as indicated; linking individual’s to needed services; and exploring community resources. Duties also include assessing and evaluating individual’s progress and maintaining clear and concise electronic health records.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate should have thorough knowledge of mental health and substance use disorders. Knowledge of available community resources, such as medical, legal, mental health and economic and social services. Knowledge of treatment issues related to behavioral, emotional, economic and social problems, including dual diagnosis, and substance use. Skill in engaging a variety of individuals and in communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing with those individuals, other professionals and citizens. Ability to perform individual and group counseling and or provide prevention and education services. Ability to evaluate individual needs and formulate goals to resolve social and emotional problems.

The Opportunity

• Ensure all ILP beds are advertised and filled in a timely manner. Interviews prospective candidates with providers and makes final admission selection based on eligibility criteria and rating scales.
• Refers individuals for residential fee assessments to establish rental amounts and then reviews resident handbook and program guidelines.
• Interviews individuals for treatment planning and to determine history, strengths, areas for growth, stages of change, and preferences.
• Develops individual treatment plans with clients and provides case management/recovery coaching, attending to needs such as maintaining housing, future housing, family relationships, meaningful activities, health care, financial management, education, training, job development, and employment.
• Provides supportive services to individuals such as crisis intervention, counseling, problem solving, life skills development, and wellness planning including medication psycho-education.
• Conducts clinical assessments as indicated, including internal agency bio-psychosocial assessment, diagnostic reviews, and WHODAS.
• Locates, procures, coordinates, and monitors the delivery of necessary services for the individual.
• Assists individuals with applications and navigating access to entitlements and benefits.
• Acts as a liaison between substance use services, social services, mental health, housing, and property management.
• Provides advocacy for individuals via the court system, social services, employment, and in securing housing.
• Meets regularly with an interdisciplinary team to aid in identifying necessary services for individuals.
• Participates in staff meetings and staff development programs.
• Attend regular team meetings, relevant training sessions, and conferences.
• Conducts apartment self-inspections and safety inspections and ensures that the units are well maintained, with proper emergency supplies.
• Completes all required documentation in the clinical record (Credible BH) to include treatment plans, quarterlies, annuals, and all necessary case management documentation as required by DCHS and DBHDS.
• Conducts program purchases for optimal operations and coordinates needed repairs with property management.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

About the Department

The Center for Adult Services (CAS) provides programs and services in Aging; Adult Protective Services; Clinical & Emergency Services; and Community & Residential Support Services for seniors and for persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders. CAS provides compassionate and effective person-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety and recovery for Alexandria residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders.

Bachelor's Degree in psychology, social services, public health, guidance, or a related field; three years of experience in the provision of mental health and/or substance abuse treatment services, including some experience at the level of Caseworker; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the State of their residence.

Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, or a related field; Possession of QMHP Licensure or have QMHP Trainee Eligibility. Three years of experience providing mental health and/or substance use services to adults with serious mental illness. Experience in mental health case management, including crisis intervention, recovery-oriented service planning, coordination of community resources, and collaboration with behavioral health, medical, and social service providers.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT:

This Human Services Specialist II position is covered by Administrative and Technical Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME.

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to: FBI/Federal Records Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; education/certifications; and driver’s license.

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00AM – 5:00PM