Social Counselor - PAT - Health and Social Services Division

Job Title

Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division Social Services Position

The Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division has a responsibility to respond quickly and efficiently when public health emergencies occur. All Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division employees are responsible for ensuring their contact information is current and they are accessible should a public health emergency arise. The Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division maintains a call down system to store contact information and mobilize staff in the event of an emergency.

During a public health emergency, all staff are required to respond should a call to mobilize be made. During a public health emergency, work hours for any and all Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division employees are subject to modification to meet the needs of the community.

Under general supervision, provides professional social counseling, care coordination, support, linkage to care, and/or clinical case management to various populations within Hamilton County in programs related to prevention, education, rehabilitation, and the development of self-sufficiency.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

Works independently or as part of a team to assess an individual's or a family's social functioning; assesses individual/family needs and identifies problems; provides education, care coordination and/ or counseling on an individual or group basis; develops with the client an individual/family plan to improve social functioning.

Refers individuals to community agencies based on needs and problems identified in the assessment; coordinates services needed; assists client in accessing private and public services and resources; follows up on referrals made and actions to be taken by the client; may evaluate and adapt educational materials for use with clients. Under direct supervision conducts community outreach and/or home visits, education, and promotion of program initiatives.

Maintains appropriate and accurate documentation of services provided; maintains liaisons with community resources to ensure responsiveness; may collect data and file reports; performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of federal, state and county laws, rules, regulations, policies, practices, and procedures related to counseling and social services providers.

Knowledge of alcohol and drug treatment and education

Knowledge of professional counseling and social work methods, practices, and procedures.

Knowledge of case management methods, practices, and procedures for assigned client population.

Knowledge of community resources related to area of assignment.

Knowledge of computer hardware, software, and peripherals.

Knowledge of educational methods, practices and procedures related to population served.

Knowledge of record keeping and file maintenance,

Knowledge of customer service/public relations methods and practices.

Skill assessing, counseling, motivating, and educating population served.

Skill coordinating community resources based on client needs.

Skill providing outreach and advocacy services.

Skill analyzing, assessing, reviewing, updating, and maintaining documentation related to population served.

Skill utilizing effective verbal and written communication in the development and presentation of reports, records, and information.

Skill inputting and utilizing computer database systems.

Skill utilizing customer service and public relations techniques when responding to inquiries and complaints.

Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Skill effectively communicating in both oral and written form.

Bachelor's Degree in Social Services, Nursing, Human Services, Early Childhood Education, Counseling and/or Behavioral Sciences or related field and one (1) year of direct work experience in Social Services. A valid driver's license is required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS :

May require additional training or certifications depending on assignment. Prior to operating a County-owned vehicle, all employees are required to complete the HC Defensive Driving course and/or an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) provided at the department level.

This position may require the applicant to pass an extensive criminal background check that includes fingerprinting. Extensive reference checks may also be required.

This position is deemed essential/situational during inclement weather situations and must report to or remain at work, even when administrative closings are announced, as determined by the Department Head.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Work requires working with high risk, confrontational, mentally, and physically ill, and economically disadvantaged populations with exposure to infectious diseases. Work may involve working after regular business hours in high crime areas. Extensive home visiting and outreach may be required. Work requires a minimum to moderate amount of…