Caseworker PT: Bhds

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JOB SUMMARY

The crisis intervention staff works with individuals who are in crisis to determine their needs, to provide short term intervention, and to link them with appropriate services in the community. The crisis staff exercises considerable independent judgment and decision making. The crisis staff is responsible for responding to incoming calls to the crisis office both to the county crisis line and the 988 line.

These calls require the use of active listening and questioning skills to determine the reason for the call and to determine the most appropriate form of intervention. In addition, the phone call may result in the person being referred to other providers in the community who may be better able to assist the caller's needs.

In addition, staff may assist in the completion of the voluntary admission to a Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) or with the completion of the involuntary commitment. This meeting may also result in the staff completing a mobile outreach to evaluate the person in the community.

It may result in the person agreeing to seek treatment to address their immediate needs to ensure safety. The outreach may also conclude in the completion of an involuntary commitment because the person in need of treatment is unwilling or unable to seek treatment on their own. This may include, but is not limited to a person's home, police department, or hospital emergency room.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Works with individuals who are in crisis and helps determine their needs, provide short term intervention, and help link them with appropriate services in the community.

Exercise considerable independent judgment and decision making.

Is responsible for responding to incoming calls to the crisis office.

Responds to emergencies that occur within Lancaster County.

Works various shifts. As crisis is a 24-hour program staff must be able to quickly make arrangements for shift coverage in the event a co-worker might call off, leaving them without relief.

Staff are also required to work holidays, which currently are 7.5-hour shifts. A full-time staff person is required to work a minimum of 4 major holidays and 2-5 minor holidays per year. The number of shifts worked varies depending on the number of staff employed and days the minor holidays fall on.

Conducts crisis counseling by telephone or by mobile face-to-face contact with consumers.

Works with family members and significant others to implement short term crisis intervention strategies.

Facilitates voluntary and involuntary hospitalization as necessary and according to the MHPA of 1976.

This position is designated as an essential employee. These designated positions are essential to the continued operations of County business and may be expected to remain at, report to, work in the event of an emergency, early closing, or late opening of official business involving the County of Lancaster Government and its employees. Depending on the event or conditions at the time, essential employees may be required to work extended hours/or additional days and shall be compensated following County policy in conjunction with the Fair Labor Standards Act.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Six months of experience as a Caseworker Trainee; or,

Successful completion of the County Social Casework Intern (BHDS or CYA) program; or,

A bachelor's degree with a social welfare major; or,

A bachelor's degree which includes or is supplemented by 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, human services or other related social sciences and one year of professional social casework experience in a public or private social services agency; or,

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Has basic computer skills to use systems presently used by the county and other computer applications. Staff are trained on the basics they will need to complete their daily duties.

Knowledge and understanding of the Mental Health Procedures Act

Knowledge of current social case management principles, techniques, and methods.

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

Knowledge of individual and group development and behavior and ways of working effectively with adults and children who have social, economic, emotional, or health problems.

Knowledge of the basic principles and methods of program interpretation and community organization.

Knowledge of social welfare policy and law as they relate to agency function and purpose and societal structures.

Ability to work effectively with people and aid them to grow in the constructive use of their potential in adjusting to their specific problems.

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

Ability to conduct individual and family interviews and to use them to identify individual and family problems.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, their families, other staff, outside agencies and institutions, and the public.

Ability to plan and organize work, prepare adequate records and reports, set priorities, and maintain a caseload in an effective and timely manner.

Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of others.

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

Ability to adequately express ideas orally and in writing.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

FBI clearance

Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance

PA Criminal Record Clearance

Drug screening

PA Driver's License

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position has been identified as having potential exposure to Hepatitis B. 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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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.