Caseworker Trainee - BHDS (2 vacancies)

County of Lancaster•Lancaster, PA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is entry level professional social service work in our County Behavioral Health/Developmental Services Agency. We are seeking professional individuals to join our casework team for full-time case management positions in the Adult Administrative Mental Health and Blended Case Management Component. 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 perform social service and case management supportive services individuals with a serious mental illness. 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. 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.

Requirements

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
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.)
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 and acceptable driving history in accordance with County policy.

Responsibilities

Participates in formal and informal training programs which provide basic knowledge relative to the agency purpose, the services provided and the consumer population.
Learn about the network of available community resources by reviewing resource files, site visits, and shadowing seasoned caseworker staff.
Learn how to interview and assess needs of consumers.
Receive instruction on case note documentation, writing consumer service plans within specified time frames (30 days of admission) and 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 participating in treatment team meetings, medical and psychiatric appointments, and appointments at various social service agencies.
Make referrals for community agencies and resources to meet consumer needs.
Learn how to facilitate voluntary and involuntary mental health commitments.
Routinely provide transportation to and from consumer’s homes, meetings, outreach visits, and other relevant appointments in a timely manner and with reasonable accommodations.
Learn about the liability process and begin to schedule the financial assessments for consumers.
Receive education related to the applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures that govern the operations of the agency and those specific to Blended Case Management.
Begin to manage a small caseload of up to 15 consumers which includes maintaining required face-to-face or telephone contact with consumers.
Learn how to complete required paperwork per Blended Case Management Regulations and to do so with 50% accuracy.
Become familiar with the after-hours on-call process in preparation for participating in the coverage rotation.
Receive education related to the applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures that govern the operations of the agency and those specific to Mental Health Case management.
Begin to manage a portion of a full caseload of consumers (up to 100) which includes learning how to monitor progress, and keeping necessary individuals informed as part of the continuity of care.
Receive instruction on case note documentation, writing annual consumer service plans, completing referral forms and all other relevant paperwork.
Learn about Recovery and CSP Principles and how to apply this knowledge in providing case management to the consumers.
Begin to develop a collaborative network of relationships both internal and external to the agency. This includes the local agencies that serve adults, the provider agencies, insurances, managed care companies and the local community systems.
All other duties as assigned by the Unit Supervisor/Unit director/Deputy Director of Mental Health services