Human Services Specialist

Arlington County VA•Arlington, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Arlington County's Department of Human Services (DHS) is hiring a full-time Human Services Specialist for its Specialty Docket/Court/Diversion and within the Behavioral Healthcare Division. This is a grant-funded position that will provide therapeutic recreation services for adults with mental health and substance use conditions within the program with additional as-needed services being given to the Forensic Jail Diversion Team. The focus of this position will include assisting participants to develop and enhance skills related to self-care, physical wellness, family and peer leisure pursuits, conflict resolution, stress management, positive peer modeling, treatment compliance, and to assist participants in developing a greater level of independence to successfully graduate. Arlington County DHS is committed to delivering client services in an effective, equitable, respectful, and trauma-informed manner. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring our clients are approached, engaged and cared for in ways that demonstrate competency, sensitivity and awareness of factors which impact the client experience including but not limited to: cultural identity, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity, religious/spiritual ascription, physical capability, cognitive and literacy levels, sexual orientation, and linguistic needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation, Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health, Counseling, or a related field
Some experience providing therapeutic recreation services to adults with mental health and/or substance use conditions
Current valid Therapeutic Recreation certification, or the ability to obtain one within a year
Applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver’s license, and must provide or authorize Arlington County to obtain a copy of official driving record.
Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual verbal ability in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Conducting comprehensive recreation therapy assessments for participants to identify areas of need and appropriate levels of service
Utilizing the outcome data of the RNR (Risk-Needs-Responsivity) Simulator Tool to identify appropriate level/dosage of treatment and implementing the identified plan
Attending court dates as required for participants
Developing individual and group programming
Participating and consulting as a member of the multidisciplinary teams regarding service delivery and care coordination
Collaborating with the teams regarding participants treatment needs and facilitating access to community mental health and substance use disorder services including recreational and self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous
Attending team meetings and providing information to the team regarding participant’s progress and areas of non-compliance
Providing input regarding the participant’s overall treatment plan