What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Services Specialist II position at City of Alexandria, VA?
Human Services Specialist II
Clinical Recovery Coach/Case Manager
The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Human Services Specialist II position.
An Overview
The Human Services Specialist II is responsible for working with a co-occurring (substance abuse/mentally ill) adult population. Position involves providing individual, group, and family counseling; the preparation, monitoring, and assessment of individual treatment plans; crisis intervention; recovery coaching; diagnostic review; psycho-education; conducting clinical assessments as indicated; linking consumers to needed services; and exploring community resources. Duties also include targeted outreach for the non-engaged consumer; assessing, referring, and monitoring consumers in the shelters; evaluating consumer progress; and maintaining clear, concise consumer records.
What You Should Bring
The ideal candidate will have knowledge of substance abuse, child and adolescent development and behavioral health disorders. Knowledge of available community resources, such as medical, legal, mental health and economic and social services. Knowledge of treatment issues related to behavioral, emotional, economic and social problems, including dual diagnosis, and chemical dependency. Skill in engaging a variety of clients and in communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing with clients, other professionals and citizens. Ability to perform individual and group counseling and or provide prevention and education services. Ability to evaluate client needs and formulate goals to resolve social and emotional problems.
The Opportunity
- Interviews consumers to assess current status, history, strengths, areas for growth, stages of change, and preferences.
- Provides supportive services to consumers such as crisis intervention, counseling, problem solving, and wellness planning including medication psycho-education.
- Develops individual treatment plans with consumers and provides case management/recovery coaching, attending to needs such as housing, family relationships, meaningful activities, day care, family planning, health care, financial management, education, training, and employment.
- Conducts clinical assessments as indicated, including but not limited to Beck Depression Inventory, Mini Mental Status Exam, internal agency bio-psychosocial assessment, diagnostic reviews
- Locates, procures, coordinates, and monitors the delivery of necessary services for the consumer and/or their family.
- Completes disability determination reports and assists consumers with navigating access to entitlements and benefits.
- Acts as a liaison between substance abuse services, social services, mental health, housing, and shelters.
- Provides advocacy for consumers via the court system, social, employment and child care services, and in securing housing.
- Meets regularly with an interdisciplinary team to aid in identifying necessary services for consumers.
- Identifies and provides targeted outreach and engagement to co-occurring individuals in the community and in shelters.
- Participates in staff meetings and staff development programs.
- Prepares reports and completes records of consumer and related family contact with the agency
- Attends regular team meetings, relevant training sessions, and conferences.
- Completes and tracks Case Management Pre-Authorization for consumers with Medicaid.
- Performs related duties as assigned
About the Department
The Center for Adult Services (CAS) provides programs and services in Aging; Adult Protective Services; Clinical & Emergency Services; and Community & Residential Support Services for seniors and for persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders. CAS provides compassionate and effective person-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety and recovery for Alexandria residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse disorders.
Minimum & Additional Requirements
Bachelor's Degree in psychology, social services, public health, guidance, or a related field; three years of experience in the provision of mental health and/or substance abuse treatment services, including some experience at the level of Caseworker; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the State of their residence.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Human Services or a related field; three years of experience in the provision of mental health and /or substance abuse treatment services to seriously mentally ill adults. Experience should include working with clients in crises; engaging individuals and their families in Recovery oriented treatment; working with individual’s involved with the criminal justice system; Bilingual English/Spanish, French, African or Middle Eastern language skills
Notes
This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to: FBI/Federal Records Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; Verification of education/certifications; Drug screening; and Driver's license.
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM. There is flexibility for some remote work after initial probation is complete.
The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.