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

City of Laredo•Laredo, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Caseworker provides case management, social services support, and mental health education to clients. The position works with a Licensed Professional Counselor and medical team to support continuity of care, wellness, prevention, and improved health outcomes. It develops case management plans, helps clients access eligible support services, advocates for clients, and maintains strict confidentiality regarding behavioral health information. This position is grant funded and depends on the availability of grant funds. The role assesses client needs, provides referrals and risk-reduction education, documents client care and program activity, and assists clients with applications, housing services, financial assistance, and transportation for out-of-town medical appointments. It may involve visiting clients at home when they miss appointments with a therapist or medical provider. The employee may be required to drive a City vehicle for City business and perform other duties as assigned. The position is primarily sedentary and office-based, with occasional local travel and work in vehicles or outdoors. It requires the ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and to maintain sufficient health and physical condition to perform the duties. A bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field and at least three years of casework management or related experience are required. A valid Texas Driver License is required; an out-of-state license must be replaced with a Texas license within six months of employment. A TB test or screening must be presented before employment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
At least three years of experience in casework management or a related field.
Valid Texas Driver License; applicants with an out-of-state license must obtain a Texas Driver License within six months of employment.
Ability to maintain a valid driver's license and a good driving record.
Ability to communicate effectively in English orally and in writing, and in Spanish orally.
Ability to assess client needs and situations accurately and clearly, apply case management procedures, document efforts, and prepare reports and recommendations.
Ability to manage multiple client cases and understand departmental or agency policies, procedures, and services.
Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with medical staff, providers, psychiatrists, counselors, interns, and volunteers.
Ability to work cooperatively with professional groups, exercise tact, initiative, and good judgment, and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.
Ability to maintain sufficient health and physical condition to perform the duties of the position.
Proof of TB test or screening must be presented before employment.
Applicants with foreign education must submit an evaluation from a NACES- or AICE-member credential evaluation agency verifying U.S. degree equivalency.
Applicants offered employment must undergo a background check and provide certified school transcripts; selected applicants must complete pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.
Must be able to function in a principle-based organization with a culture built on character and core values.

Nice To Haves

Social Worker license from the State of Texas.
Temporary or Full Professional License in a substance abuse counseling-related field from the State of Texas, such as Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor.

Responsibilities

Provide case management interventions and social services support.
Evaluate clients and conduct assessments using standardized tools.
Provide harm-reduction counseling related to substance use or abuse, sexual health risks, and mental health.
Enter behavioral health data into an electronic database and generate program-level reports on project activities.
Provide risk-reduction education and document information accurately and completely to link individuals to services.
Interview and screen clients, gather information, and refer them to appropriate medical or social service agencies.
Maintain current contact information for referral agencies and stay informed about the services they provide.
Evaluate information obtained in client interviews and identify needs through social assessments or expressed concerns.
Explain available resources and services and provide accurate, appropriate referrals.
Visit clients at their residences when they miss appointments with a therapist, doctor, or nurse practitioner.
Prepare monthly narrative reports and ensure they are accurate, complete, and timely.
Document complete and accurate case notes and review charts to monitor client progress.
Help clients obtain financial assistance and transportation for out-of-town medical appointments.
Assist integrated behavioral health and walk-in clients with applications, housing services, and other services.
Advocate for clients' rights within the community.
Maintain client, patient, business, and personnel information confidentially in accordance with department policies, and follow telephone courtesy and HIPAA requirements.
Drive a City vehicle for City business when required.
Perform other duties as assigned.