Caseworker Trainee BHDS 5000 Sign-On Bonus

Compensation Range:

Our full-time positions come with an array of excellent benefits including comprehensive healthcare coverage a pension plan flexible spending accounts and even a tuition reimbursement program.

At Lancaster County we understand the importance of work-life balance. Thats why we offer paid time off for sick vacation and holidays an employee assistance program and family medical leave.

If youre passionate about making a difference apply today to join us in serving the community!

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

• This is entry level professional social service work in our County Behavioral Health/Developmental Services Agency.

• This is a full-time position in the Crisis Intervention Unit of Lancaster County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (BHDS). Employees who successfully complete a six-month probation in this classification are promoted to the Caseworker classification.

• Employees in this position participate in formal and informal BH/DS agency training programs which provide knowledge of the methods procedures rules and regulations necessary to provide support and services to individuals experiencing a mental health emergency or in need of on-going case management.

• The work assigned is limited in scope and difficulty and is performed under close supervision but as knowledge and skills are acquired more latitude in judgment and decision making is permitted.

• Employees will learn how to employ casework skills to obtain essential information counsel consumers and members of their families and to help them utilize all available resources. Work also involves the training and application of problem-solving techniques.

• Work is performed in accordance with established regulations policies and procedures but employees are expected to exercise initiative and judgment in discharging their duties.

• This position comes with a $5000 sign on bonus

• This is a second shift position

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• This position reports directly to their assigned Supervisor. This position can be assigned work through their supervisor component Director or department Deputy Director. Work is reviewed daily by supervisors to ensure that proper policy and procedures are being followed and to provide immediate feedback or recommendations.

• Work is also reviewed by the assigned supervisor through regularly scheduled supervisions through observations both within the office and in the field as well as a review of documentation provider and consumer feedback and contacts satisfaction surveys unit meetings and other methods as identified by the supervisor and as needed. Additionally all cases and activities are reviewed daily by crisis staff to determine the need for follow-up or disposition of a situation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Participate in formal and informal training programs which provide basic knowledge relative to the agency purpose the services provided and the consumer population.

• Receive education related to the applicable laws regulations policies and procedures that govern the operations of the agency and those specific to the Mental Health Procedures Act.

• Learn how to work with individuals who are in crisis to help determine their needs provide short term intervention and link them with appropriate services in the community.

• Accompany seasoned staff on crisis outreaches to hospitals police departments or other community locations within the jurisdiction of Lancaster County.

• Assist in facilitating voluntary and involuntary mental health commitments according to the Mental Health Procedures Act of 1966.

• Learn how to appropriately respond to incoming calls to the crisis office.

• Learn how to provide crisis counseling by telephone or by mobile face-to-face contact with consumers and families.

• Become familiar with the dynamics of a 24/7 program including the expectation of helping to provide coverage for various shifts in the event of planned or unplanned staff absences.

• Crisis staff are considered essential staff and are required to work during inclement weather and also during Holidays (12-hour shifts). Staff in this position will be gradually rotated into the Holiday schedule.

• Learn how and when to provide assistance to other staff during mental health emergency situations with consumers.

• Learn about the network of available community resources by reviewing resource files site visits and shadowing seasoned caseworker staff.

• Receive instructions on how to use the electronic database how to document a crisis note completing referral forms and all other relevant paperwork.

• Attend staff meetings case reviews agency intake assessments utilization reviews case assignment and other meetings that provide an opportunity for deeper understanding of the agencys operation.

• Learn to advocate for consumers by observing seasoned employees interact with consumers families police emergency services personnel and provider agencies.

• Learn how to make referrals for community agencies and resources to meet consumer needs. Begin to develop a collaborative network of relationships both internal and external to the agency. This includes the local social service agencies insurances managed care companies and the local emergency services systems.

• Routinely provide transportation to and from consumers homes meetings outreach visits and other relevant appointments in a timely manner and with reasonable accommodation.

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

• All other duties as assigned by the Unit Supervisor/Unit director/Deputy Director of Mental Health services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelors degree which includes or is supplemented by successful completion of 12 college credits in sociology social welfare psychology gerontology criminal justice or other related social sciences OR

• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 12 college credits in sociology social welfare psychology gerontology criminal justice or other related socials sciences.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Basic knowledge of current social case management principles techniques and methods.

• Knowledge of current social economic and health problems and their impact on the growth and development of people.

• Knowledge of human development and behavior including individual family and group.

• Ability to understand and accept the needs and rights of others and to work with adults who are physically challenged emotionally troubled or economically disadvantaged.

• Ability to learn interpret and apply relevant laws regulations and policies governing agency services.

• Ability to learn how to effectively interact and establish positive relationships with consumers families treatment team members and the public.

• Ability to plan and organize work prepare accurate records and reports set priorities and learn to maintain a caseload in an effective manner.

• Ability to learn how to conduct interviews and assessments to better understand the needs of the consumer.

• Ability to adequately express ideas orally and in writing.

• Ability to use technology (computers cell phones etc.)

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

• Must pass pre-employment drug screen test

• Must have acceptable background checks that include:

• Childline Child Abuse History Clearance

• PA State Police Criminal Record Clearance

• FBI fingerprint clearance

• All clearances are required prior to start of employment and may not be more that one year old at time of employment

• Must have a valid Drivers License and acceptable driving history in accordance with County Policy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to work in a busy and open environment.

• Must be able to routinely provide own transportation to and from consumers homes meetings outreach visits and other job-related appointments in a timely manner and be able to access those locations with reasonable accommodations.

• This position has been identified as having the potential for exposure to Hepatitis B. Access to training and a voluntary vaccination against Hepatitis B are provided.

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees. Read more about our benefits here.

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race religion age sex national origin genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.