Social Counselor #1668 - Homeless Health Services - Health & Social Services Division

Hamilton County • Chattanooga, TN

5d • 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. The Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division has a responsibility to respond quickly and efficiently when public health emergencies occur. All Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division employees are responsible for ensuring their contact information is current and they are accessible should a public health emergency arise. The Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division maintains a call down system to store contact information and mobilize staff in the event of an emergency. During a public health emergency, all staff are required to respond should a call to mobilize be made. During a public health emergency, work hours for any and all Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division employees are subject to modification to meet the needs of the community.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• May require additional training or certifications depending on assignment.
• Prior to operating a County-owned vehicle, all employees are required to complete the HC Defensive Driving course and/or an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) provided at the department level.
• This position may require the applicant to pass an extensive criminal background check that includes fingerprinting.
• Extensive reference checks may also be required.

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.

What This Job Offers

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