Human Services Specialist I

Human Services Specialist I

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 I position.

An Overview

The Human Services Specialist I is responsible for case management, care coordination, crisis intervention; short-term individual supportive counseling; matching clients to needed services; exploring community resources; evaluating and recording client progress; and maintaining clear concise client records for individuals receiving services in SUD OP ASAM Level I treatment.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate should have Knowledge of the philosophy and provisions of State laws and the special treatment methods for juvenile and/or adult offenders, battered women and emotionally and physically abused and neglected children; Knowledge of social, economic, health, and behavioral problem; of the assigned service population; Knowledge of individual and group behavior; Knowledge of major psychotropic medications, their side effects and interactions with other medications; Knowledge of the role of police, courts, and the criminal justice system, commitment procedures, and the constitutional rights of the disabled; ability to identify social problems and needs and to assess clients' and/or their family's ability to utilize available services; Ability to interpret laws, policies, and regulations; Ability to apply casework and group philosophy; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, social agencies, and the general public; ability to guide clients in the constructive use of their own capabilities; Ability to provide guidance and assistance to interns and volunteers; Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; Ability to prepare and maintain complete and accurate records.

The Opportunity

• Interviews clients to assess current status, history, potential strengths and weaknesses;

• Screens women referred to SUD OP ASAM Level I treatment for case management needs;

• Conducts the Comprehensive Needs Assessment for clients and provides case management, attending to needs such as housing, family relationships, social activities, day care, family planning, health care, financial management, education, training and employment;

• Locates, procures, coordinates and monitors the delivery of necessary services for the client and/or their family;

• Provides supportive services to clients such as crisis intervention, counseling and problem solving;

• Acts as liaison between the CSB, social services, housing, DRS, shelters and other community agencies or resources; advocating and educating about substance use disorders and mental health diagnoses to overcome stigma;

• Provides outreach to post-partum mothers referred by CPS after testing positive for drugs;

• Provides case management services to individuals involved in the Alexandria Treatment Court Program;

• Provides advocacy for clients with the court system, social, employment and child care services, and in the securing of housing;

• Meets regularly with an interdisciplinary team to aid in identifying necessary services for clients and monitor client progress;

• Participates in staff meetings and staff development programs;

• Records progress notes and completes client assessments to meet Department requirements;

• Acts as liaison to and an information source for residential managers, landlords and property managers;

• Performs related duties as required.

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

Associate's degree in sociology, psychology, or a related human service field; one year of experience in case coordination, teaching or counseling the economically disadvantaged/developmentally disabled, and emotionally/physically abused/neglected children's population, local offender population, or a homeless population; valid driver's license issued by the state of their residence; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

QMHP-A certification, teaching and/or counseling clients with substance use disorders and and/or mental health problems and completion of college level courses in sociology, psychology or a related human service field. Bachelor's degree in Social Work or Human Services or related field. At least one year of experience working in a substance use /detoxification program or with homeless populations; At least two years of experience in case management, familiarity with SUD treatment and/or detoxification process; knowledge of 12-step programs; computer/word processing skills, Credible Electronic Health Record skills. Fluent and Bilingual in both English and Spanish.

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; education/certifications; and driver's license.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, hours will be set upon employment.