Social Service Provider

Behavioral Health Expert

The purpose of the position is to work as a member of the Desoto C.A.R.E Team as the behavioral health expert - providing a combination of functions within the C.A.R.E Team office and the surrounding community, to include crisis intervention, prevention and follow-up, behavioral health screening and assessment, and referrals to community resources and providers. This position will respond to 911 crisis calls that have been identified as a behavioral health concern or social service need and provide case management, individual and group psychoeducation and psychosocial and behavioral health needs.

This position will be able to partner with law enforcement, the medical community, schools, families, and social services agencies in a collaborative effort to assist individuals in need. The individual must possess strong knowledge of the principles, methods, techniques and practices of working with individuals experiencing psychosocial and behavioral health needs within the community and have the ability to communicate effectively with diverse cultures and socio-economic populations.

Other duties include documenting and maintaining information and files, contacting outside agencies, and facilitating cooperative efforts.

Specific

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responds to 911 calls that have been identified as having a behavioral health or social service need. Ability to de-escalate crisis situations and work collaboratively with police and fire departments. Initiates contact with individuals identified by C.A.R.E Team staff that may need support, and to assess and identify needs;
• Fields community inquiries regarding services, educates community on C.A.R.E Team services, and handles referral and linkage to community services as appropriate;
• Assists individuals experiencing psychosocial or behavioral health needs by conducting interviews and needs assessments; providing education and intervention services, providing information on available community services, contacting outside agencies and scheduling referral appointments, developing recommendations for referrals, and utilizing community resources to aid in recovery planning;
• Develops plans of action by interviewing individuals, contacting agencies and scheduling appointments, explaining court processes, providing referrals and follow-up, and ensuring delivery of services;
• Maintains documents and information by preparing summaries of cases, documenting referrals and needs, maintaining notes on all interactions, and filing reports and documents;
• Ensures service delivery by interacting and working with cooperating community partnerships and agencies;
• Advocates effectively within the service delivery system to facilitate needs services for individuals and to protect the rights of those served;
• Performs other assigned duties.

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Social Work or related field;
• Two years of related case management work experience;
  Or equivalent training, education, and/or experience; and
• Valid Driver's License. LICENSES AND
  
  CERTIFICATIONS:
  
  Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Social Service licensure to practice required Must maintain an active and valid license

Supplemental Information:

• Knowledge of City policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of generally accepted administrative procedures and practices;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Skill in the operation and use of standard office software which includes databases and presentation programs, along with standard Microsoft products;
• Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing; and
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with co-workers, the public, and elected and appointed officials;
  Ability to work self-sufficiently in a fast-paced environment, with skill and attention to detail;
  Ability to read, analyze and interpret complex materials, budgets, and related documents;
  Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with City administration, other employees, and the general public.