Social Worker 4

Our mission is to ensure that our clients voices are heard and that they receive every right and remedy afforded them under law.

Our goal is to provide high-quality legal counsel and representation to our clients address systemic issues that affect the rights of more than one client and require a remedy act as a clearinghouse for information relative to adults and children with mental health diagnoses and children in need of care and provide training to various individuals/agencies

Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) plus:

A masters degree in social work followed by three years of social services experience.

The official job specifications for this role as defined by the State Civil Service can be found here.

Job Duties:
Is a primary anchor on a Social Worker-Attorney collaborative team:
Acts as consultant on social work matters to the attorneys and the multidisciplinary team. Assists the attorney in client engagement and case evaluation.
Conducts general assessments when each case is first opened in the office: assesses what services may benefit the client what supports the client may have and if the client is in a state of crisis what immediate treatment might be needed. Makes recommendations based on this assessment.
Assists attorney in understanding clients mental health needs and familiarizing them with social service providers. Helps client prepare to testify. Advocates for clients: in court testifying as needed; or out of court with service providers and DCFS representatives.
Attends all case team meetings to offer advice make recommendations and/or help develop case strategies on all cases even those not currently assigned.
Conducts an investigation assists with client visits background research records requests subpoenas and other investigative and case assistant tasks. Checks in on every new case then provides recommendations to the attorney. For cases involving complex clinical issues that could benefit from the ongoing involvement of a social worker the attorney can refer the case for social work brief advice social work consultation (ongoing advice and some case tasks though often behind-the-scenes) or social work collaboration (the full integration of the MHAS social worker into the representation).
Provides periodic consultation to all staff on cases not currently assigned.
Monitors the outcomes of services provided to the clients through an assessment and evaluation system designed for quality control.
Prepares required social work reports such as assessments case summaries and social histories for the attorneys and other members of the multidisciplinary staff as well as for use in gaining productive services and court orders on behalf of the child-clients. Visits/interviews clients caretakers and others involved in Child in Need of Care proceedings to establish and maintain an adequate and professional relationship with our clients and to identify particular problems or complex issues. Manages assigned caseload as part of team to represent CINC clients; prepares reports and documents regarding clients; assists with correspondence with clients; documents work on case through case management system (Prime); assists with both in court and out of court advocacy.
Conducts and/or participates in special projects related to child welfare particularly those from Louisianas Pelican Center for Families and our federal partner programs through the ABA NACC and FJI.
Represents MHAS and its social work programs by participation on local state or national committees and boards.
Provides guidance assistance supervision and training to peer mentors who are former foster youth with lived experience.
Attends local state or national conferences and seminars on topics related to MHAS work.

Performs case management on an interdisciplinary inter-agency team:
Ensures the agency can provide a holistic approach to child representation as required by the Louisiana Supreme Court by addressing the social-emotional developmental aspects of the case thus freeing the attorney to expand their focus on the legal aspects of each case.
Conducts evaluations of clients in cases involving complex clinical issues aimed at identifying any unique problems manifested in specific high-risk populations particularly those with special needs mental health concerns and adverse childhood experiences i.e. trauma. Makes recommendations based on these evaluations on the need for provision of additional or different services and facilitating referrals as needed.
Collects and interprets school and medical records and evaluations and prepares required social work reports such as assessments case summaries and social histories for the attorneys and other members of the multidisciplinary staff.

Participates with the attorney or independently in relevant client planning meetings and conferences including but not limited to Family Team Meetings Interagency Support Coordination meetings Individual Service Plan meetings treatment team meetings IEP meetings etc. Does weekly/bi-weekly check-ins with the clients to ensure communication remains open and any updates or concerns on cases are being addressed before the court hearing or after court as needed.
Regularly interfaces with DCFS workers foster parents CASAs and service providers acquiring up-to-date information on any issues concerns or problems that may affect the client.
Updates case team members on information gathered shares ideas and recommendations on identified problems or complex issues and collaborates on best ways to effectively advocate for resources to address client needs.
Visits (interviews) clients regularly to establish and maintain a professional relationship to help gain clients trust and to encourage the client to confide personal and familial issues that need to be addressed.
Provides consultation to interdisciplinary staff other Social Service or Social Work Staff and community agencies regarding the psychosocial aspects of service to children in foster care. Provides consultation and works jointly with multidisciplinary case team to develop recommendations and case strategies for client. Helps clients understand the legal process they face: what will be expected of them; what their options are; what to expect in court; and what to expect as they work their case plan with DCFS. Is available for the clients questions and concerns. Interfaces with DCFS workers advocates for clients and keeps attorneys abreast of client needs.
Remains readily accessible to clients to address questions and concerns about attending or testifying in court; what to expect as they work their case plan with DCFS; how the CINC legal process works; and all options available to them.
Attends court hearings and provides expert testimony as needed. Develops rapport with the child client caretakers and other stakeholders in order to best serve the multidisciplinary team in its task of representing the clients wishes.
Manages assigned caseload as part of the team representing CINC clients documenting the work on each case through the agencys case management system (PRIME)
Enhances MHAS staff development and meets agency and statewide requirements:
Attends all MHAS staff meetings.
Provides in-services to staff on the appropriate use of various treatment modalities the availability of regional and state resources for our clients and the psychosocial aspects of service to children in foster care.
Completes all requirements to maintain professional licensure and as required of all state employees.
Provides data and/or reports to data administrator upon request.

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type:This vacancy will be filled by new hire or by promotion of a current permanent status classified employee.

Louisiana is a State as a Model Employer for People with Disabilities.