Social Counselor #1668 - Bilingual - PAT - Health and Social Services Division

Hamilton County • Chattanooga, TN

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, provides professional social counseling, care coordination, support, linkage to care, and/or clinical case management to various populations within Hamilton County in programs related to prevention, education, rehabilitation, and the development of self-sufficiency. This is a bilingual position, requiring proficiency in both English and Spanish. Employees are responsible for ensuring their contact information is current and they are accessible for public health emergencies, which may include modified work hours and mandatory response to mobilization calls. The role involves assessing social functioning, identifying needs and problems, providing education and counseling, developing improvement plans with clients, referring to community agencies, coordinating services, and assisting clients in accessing public and private resources. It may also involve conducting community outreach, home visits, and promoting program initiatives. Accurate documentation, maintaining liaisons with community resources, and data collection are also key aspects of the role.

Requirements

• Proficient in both English and Spanish (test required).
• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services, Nursing, Human Services, Early Childhood Education, Counseling and/or Behavioral Sciences or related field.
• One (1) year of direct work experience in Social Services.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• May require additional training or certifications depending on assignment.
• Must complete the HC Defensive Driving course and/or an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) prior to operating a County-owned vehicle.
• May require the applicant to pass an extensive criminal background check that includes fingerprinting.
• Extensive reference checks may also be required.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of federal, state and county laws, rules, regulations, policies, practices, and procedures related to counseling and social services providers.
• Knowledge of alcohol and drug treatment and education.
• Knowledge of professional counseling and social work methods, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of case management methods, practices, and procedures for assigned client population.
• Knowledge of community resources related to area of assignment.
• Knowledge of computer hardware, software, and peripherals.
• Knowledge of educational methods, practices and procedures related to population served.
• Knowledge of record keeping and file maintenance.
• Knowledge of customer service/public relations methods and practices.
• Skill assessing, counseling, motivating, and educating population served.
• Skill coordinating community resources based on client needs.
• Skill providing outreach and advocacy services.
• Skill analyzing, assessing, reviewing, updating, and maintaining documentation related to population served.
• Skill utilizing effective verbal and written communication in the development and presentation of reports, records, and information.
• Skill inputting and utilizing computer database systems.
• Skill utilizing customer service and public relations techniques when responding to inquiries and complaints.
• Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill effectively communicating in both oral and written form.

Responsibilities

• Works independently or as part of a team to assess an individual’s or a family’s social functioning; assesses individual/family needs and identifies problems; provides education, care coordination and/ or counseling on an individual or group basis; develops with the client an individual/family plan to improve social functioning.
• Refers individuals to community agencies based on needs and problems identified in the assessment; coordinates services needed; assists client in accessing private and public services and resources; follows up on referrals made and actions to be taken by the client; may evaluate and adapt educational materials for use with clients.
• Under direct supervision conducts community outreach and/or home visits, education, and promotion of program initiatives.
• Maintains appropriate and accurate documentation of services provided; maintains liaisons with community resources to ensure responsiveness; may collect data and file reports; performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Hamilton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level