Caseworker Trainee

JOB SUMMARY

This is entry level professional social service work in our County Behavioral Health/Developmental Services Agency.

This is a full-time position in the Crisis Intervention Unit of Lancaster County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (BHDS). 

Employees who successfully complete a six-month probation in this classification are promoted to the Caseworker classification.

Employees in this position participate in formal and informal BH/DS agency training programs which provide knowledge of the methods, procedures, rules and regulations necessary to provide support and services to individuals experiencing a mental health emergency or in need of on-going case management.

The work assigned is limited in scope and difficulty, and is performed under close supervision, but as knowledge and skills are acquired, more latitude in judgment and decision making is permitted. Employees will learn how to employ casework skills to obtain essential information, counsel consumers and members of their families, and to help them utilize all available resources.

Work also involves the training and application of problem solving techniques.

Work is performed in accordance with established regulations, policies, and procedures, but employees are expected to exercise initiative and judgment in discharging their duties.

* This job comes with a $5000 sign on bonus

**This job requires first shift hours: Thursday - Sunday

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports directly to their assigned Supervisor.

This position can be assigned work through their supervisor, component Director, or department Deputy Director.

Work is reviewed daily by supervisors to ensure that proper policy and procedures are being followed and to provide immediate feedback or recommendations.

Work is also reviewed by the assigned supervisor through regularly scheduled supervisions, through observations both within the office and in the field, as well as a review of documentation, provider and consumer feedback and contacts, satisfaction surveys, unit meetings, and other methods as identified by the supervisor and as needed.

Additionally, all cases and activity are reviewed daily by crisis staff to determine the need for follow-up or disposition of a situation.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Participate in formal and informal training programs which provide basic knowledge relative to the agency purpose, the services provided and the consumer population.

Receive education related to the applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures that govern the operations of the agency and those specific to the Mental Health Procedures Act.

Learn how to work with individuals who are in crisis in order to help determine their needs, provide short term intervention, and link them with appropriate services in the community. Accompany seasoned staff on crisis outreaches to hospitals, police departments, or other community locations within the jurisdiction of Lancaster County.

Assist in facilitating voluntary and involuntary mental health commitments according to the Mental Health Procedures Act of 1966.

Learn how to appropriately respond to incoming calls to the crisis office.

Learn how to provide crisis counseling by telephone or by mobile face-to-face contact with consumers and families.

Become familiar with the dynamics of a 24/7 program including the expectation of helping to provide coverage for various shifts in the event of planned or unplanned staff absences.

Crisis staff are considered "essential staff" and are required to work during inclement weather and also during Holidays (12-hour shifts).  Staff in this position will be gradually rotated into the Holiday schedule. Learn how and when to provide assistance to other staff during mental health emergency situations with consumers.

Learn about the network of available community resources by reviewing resource files, site visits, and shadowing seasoned caseworker staff.

Receive instruction on how to use the electronic data base, how to document a crisis note, completing referral forms and all other relevant paperwork.

Attend staff meetings, case reviews, agency intake assessments, utilization reviews, case assignment and other meetings that provide an opportunity for deeper understanding of the agency operation.

Learn to advocate for consumers by observing seasoned employees interact with consumers, families, police, emergency services personnel, and provider agencies.

Learn how to make referrals for community agencies and resources to meet consumer needs.

Begin to develop a collaborative network of relationships both internal and external to the agency.  This includes the local social service agencies, insurances, managed care companies and the local emergency services systems.

Routinely provide transportation to and from consumer’s homes, meetings, outreach visits, and other relevant appointments in a timely manner and with reasonable accommodations.

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

All other duties as assigned by the Unit Supervisor/Unit director/Deputy Director of Mental Health services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

A bachelor’s degree which includes or is supplemented by successful completion of 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences: OR

Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related socials sciences.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Basic knowledge of current social case management principles, techniques and methods.

Knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems, and their impact on the growth and development of people.

Knowledge of human development and behavior including individual, family and group.

Ability to understand and accept the needs and rights of others and to work with adults who are physically challenged, emotionally troubled, or economically disadvantaged.

Ability to learn, interpret, and apply relevant laws, regulations and policies governing agency services.

Ability to learn how to effectively interact and establish positive relationships with consumers, families, treatment team members and the general public.

Ability to plan and organize work, prepare accurate records and reports, set priorities, and learn to maintain a caseload in an effective manner.

Ability to learn how to conduct interviews and assessments to better understand the needs of the consumer.

Ability to adequately express ideas orally and in writing.

Ability to use technology (computers, cell phones, etc.)

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

Must pass pre-employment drug screening test.

Must have acceptable background check that includes FBI Clearance, PA State Police criminal history and ChildLine clearances. Clearances are required prior to the start of employment and may not be more than one year old at time of employment.

A valid driver’s license, registration, insurance and acceptable driving history in accordance with County policy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to work in a busy and open environment.

Must be able to routinely provide own transportation to and from consumer's homes, meetings, outreach visits and other job-related appointments in a timely manner and be able to access those locations with reasonable accommodations.

This position has been identified as having the potential for exposure to Hepatitis B.  Access to training and a voluntary vaccination against Hepatitis B are provided.