HERNANDO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
AL NIENHUIS, SHERIFF

JOB TITLE: SOCIAL WORKER
BUREAU: JUDICIAL SERVICES

SUPERVISED BY: DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL SERVICES

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:

The main focus of this position is to provide social work services for the inmate population within the Detention Center of the Sheriff’s Office. Job duties vary, objectives of the position are to mitigate inmate tension, improve inmate attitudes toward incarceration, assist inmates toward positive integration back into the community, and assist in coordinating services for homeless residents toward self-sufficiency. Incumbent exercises independent judgement after receiving written or oral instructions as to the nature of the work. Work assignments include but not limited to: Crisis intervention, mental health assessment and through linkage with pertinent referrals and programs, talk therapy, and other supportive services as they arise. This position reports to the Director of Medical Services.

[NOTE]: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them for the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Perform mental health assessments on inmates referred by medical/mental health staff using established clinical guidelines and within scope of education.
2. Document effectively and efficiently, all services rendered or ordered for an inmate in the electronic health record (EMR), or paper chart, in the absence of the EMR; to include appropriate social histories and/or assessments of homeless inmates/patients and counseling.
3. Perform crisis intervention; assists inmates mental health/behavioral needs individually or through group therapy.
4. Coordinate and facilitate mental health telephonic/video hearings of meetings.

1. Makes referrals to other medical/mental health staff as needed.
2. Provide PREA inmate education through groups or cell side.
3. Attend all Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), Reclassification meetings or others as required.
4. Enhances the coping, problem solving, responsible decision making, and self-actualizing capabilities of inmates or residents.

1. Maintains cooperative working relationships with contact persons at pertinent agencies and programs; this may include conducting field visits to various community programs to ascertain appropriate inmate and resident referrals.

1. Utilize electronic medical record documentation format while maintaining inmate confidentiality.
2. Communicate and maintain a professional, effective working relationship between Staff, support persons/groups and the inmate or patient.

1. Plans and implements behavior modification strategies for inmates or residents.

1. Comply with all guidelines, directives, policies, procedures, and protocols of the agency; follow all guidelines as provided by the Medical Director. Remain fiscally responsible by utilizing the formulary and ordering only medically necessary diagnostic tests/procedures.
2. Screens inmate requests for appropriate response and referral in a timely manner.

• Maintain statistics as required; prepares written monthly/quarterly Social Worker reports.

1. Perform other duties as requested, within the scope of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Training and Experience

1. 1. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field.

1. 1. Two (2) years’ experience in a correctional environment or related case management.

1. 1. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

1. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. 1. Knowledge of social work theory and practice.

1. 1. Crisis intervention and advanced communication skills used to deescalate aggressive individuals, communicate with psychotic and difficult people, and perform suicide risk assessments.

1. 1. Knowledge of criminogenic risk factors and needs.

1. 1. Knowledge of varied individual and group counseling theories and techniques.

1. 1. Knowledge of human behavior processes.
   2. Knowledge of social service, mental health, substance abuse, educational, vocational, and rehabilitative programs available in the county and state.

1. 1. Knowledge of the criminal justice process court procedures, and legal requirements relative to the incarcerated.

1. 1. Skill in public speaking.

1. 1. Ability to render social work and counseling services professionally and effectively to inmates or patients.

1. 1. The position requires the use of a variety of office and computer equipment and related software, including equipment and software unique to job requirements.

1. 1. Ability to handle independently multi-disciplinary problems, which must consider long- term, organization-wide planning.

1. CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES/REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

Maintain appropriate, unrestricted credentials according to the licensure, certification, and registration requirements of the jurisdiction.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

Work Position: On an average, the employee spends 40% of their time standing, 30% of their time walking and 30% sitting.

Body Movements:

• Lifting: 10-20 lbs.
• Lifting frequency: Some
• Bending: Frequent
• Pushing and/or pulling loads: None
• Reaching over head: Some
• Kneeling: Some
• Crawling: None
• Climbing ladders: None

Mental/Visual Effort:

• Typing/CRT: Very Frequent
• Attention to detail: Very Frequent
• Monitoring equipment: Some
• Detailed inspection: Very Frequent
• Transcription/proofreading: Very Frequent