Caseworker Senior BHDS

Lancaster County•Lancaster, PA

2d•$49,589 - $74,373•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a full-time case management position with the Mental Health unit of Lancaster County Behavioral Health/Developmental Services (BHDS). This position is within the intake component of the unit. The employee works with adults and focuses on the more complex and difficult situations and issues with emphasis on outreach/intake responsibilities directed towards individuals who are homelessness, including other marginalized populations with an SMI in the community. This employee will serve as the liaison to area hubs and providers serving the homeless population to better identify and assist individuals with SMI. This employee may be called upon to provide more intensive support to newly opened cases while awaiting transition to on-going case management. The employee not only takes the lead in determining consumer needs and eligibility for Mental Health services but also develops service plans and informational sessions to address those needs. The employee exercises considerable independent judgment and decision-making in facilitating the consumer’s use of community resources. This caseworker receives less supervision and works more independently than a Caseworker. The employee also assists in training new caseworkers and represents the agency in the community as needed. The employee serves as an initial resource for Caseworker staff throughout the agency. The employee also serves as a resource for outside providers and personnel in other County agencies. Because the employee works with adults it is important that the employee have an understanding of the principles of CSP (Community Support Program) and Recovery Principles.

Requirements

Two years of experience as a Caseworker for Lancaster County; or A bachelor's degree in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences and three years of professional social casework experience in a public or private social services 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.
Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing the administration of County Child Welfare or BHDS programs.
Knowledge of current social case management principles, techniques and methods.
Knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems and available resources.
Knowledge of human development and individual and group behavior and ways of working effectively with adults who have social, economic, emotional, or health problems.
Knowledge of the principles and methods applied in collecting, reviewing, analyzing and interpreting case management summaries, statistical data, and reports.
Knowledge of the organization and structure of the court, judicial, and legal systems as they relate to community BHDS programs.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public education and consultation, and the development of resources and educational programs and materials.
Knowledge of basic principles and practices of supervision and administration.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and their families, police, representatives from other community agencies and agency staff.
Ability to facilitate and negotiate between the judicial, legal, Child Welfare and BHDS systems.
Ability to analyze and evaluate program plans, operations, goals and objectives and make recommendations toward policy determinations.
Ability to function independently and decisively.
Ability to develop resources and educational materials and to speak before a variety of groups and organizations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality in high pressure situations.
Ability to plan and organize work, prepare adequate records and reports, and set priorities.
Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of others.
Ability to interpret and apply relevant laws, regulations, and policies governing agency services.
Ability to express ideas orally and in writing.
Acceptable PA State Police Criminal Record Clearance
Acceptable FBI fingerprint Clearance
Acceptable Drug Screening
PA Driver’s License and acceptable driving history
PA Childline child abuse history and clearance

Nice To Haves

Understanding of the principles of CSP (Community Support Program) and Recovery Principles.

Responsibilities

Function as a lead worker for BHDS serving as the Homelessness Liaison; collaborate with the Homelessness Coalition and other community partners to identify and serve individuals who are unsheltered through area hubs and other provider locations.
Schedule and conduct intake interviews, assessments and need analysis to gather information specific to the consumer; this involves both community intakes and homelessness network (homeless shelter, food hubs, etc.).
Provide information and resources to the homeless population to ensure they are receiving the appropriate services; as needed, assist individuals in connecting to those resources.
Complete referral forms and authorizations for services plus any other supportive paperwork as needed in directing the consumer to the appropriate level of service.
Provide back-up coverage for the Intake Screener and Hospital Liaison when on leave and/or responding to an influx of calls.
Schedule intake interviews for adults (and children as needed)
Conducts intake interviews, needs’ assessments and needs analysis to gather information concerning the consumer and presents information for clinical and utilization review
Completes referral forms and authorizations for services plus any other supportive paperwork as needed in directing consumer to the appropriate level of service.
Develops and sustains supportive, helping relationships of the consumer, family members, and provider agencies.
Responsible for a small caseload and the needs of the consumers on the caseload while awaiting an ongoing case manager.
Continually updates knowledge of both formal and informal resources offered in the community to better serve the consumer.
Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with the County’s Managed Care partner.
Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with the County's homeless shelters and food banks
Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with Philhaven LAPS Advocate on behalf of the consumer.
Complete numerous paperwork demands accurately and in a timely manner.
Coordinate goal-oriented service plans in cooperation with the consumers.
Develop and maintain accurate consumer records and case files; write reports and prepare complete intake summaries and social histories.
Determine whether to schedule financial liability assessments or to complete financial waivers depending on the service needs of the consumer.
Participate in staff meetings and training sessions.
Assist in the training and orientation of new staff in the unit as requested.
Coordinate and attend interagency treatment planning meetings.
Routinely provides own transportation to and from consumer’s home, meetings, outreach visits, and other job-related appointments in a timely manner and be able to access those locations with reasonable accommodations
Responsible for collecting statistics/data regarding community intakes and homeless intakes and fulfill reporting requirements as identified.
All other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.