Human Services Specialist II - Alexandria, United States - City Of Alexandria Virginia

Description

Human Services Specialist II

Forensic Services Clinical 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 providing clinical case management services to adults with behavioral health issues often with co-occurring diagnoses (mental health and substance use) who may be involved in the criminal justice system.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate should 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

Conducts regular assessments including but not limited to mental status exams, bio-psychosocial assessments, stages of change, risk assessments and diagnostic reviews.

Partners with clients to assist in identifying needs, develop a person-centered service plan and provide guidance as clients work to achieve their goals.

Provides supportive counseling and coaching to clients in areas such as crisis intervention, problem solving, psychoeducation, identifying and developing healthy relationships, managing substance use, managing health and/or behavioral health issues and symptoms, and scheduling and attending appointments.

Completes referrals and assists with linkage to community-based resources to assist clients with needs such as housing, benefits, meaningful activities, family planning, health care, financial management, education, vocational training and employment.

Supports the client in completing necessary documentation to obtain and /or maintaining benefits such as disability income and health insurance.

Liaises as necessary between behavioral health services and other community-based organizations, the legal system and/or other providers.

Assists clients with navigating complex systems such as the criminal justice system, social services, employment, shelter and housing.

Advocates for consumers as clinically appropriate.

Attends and participates in regular staff meetings and staff development programs as well as regular interdisciplinary team meetings to assist in supporting clients.

Maintains documentation standards in accordance with local, state and federal regulations and accrediting bodies.

Provides clinical reports, orally and in writing, to colleagues, stakeholders, partners and/or the criminal justice system when deemed clinically appropriate.

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; At least 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; Must have a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

Master'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 use treatment services to adults diagnosed with a serious mental illness, which includes working with clients in crisis; Ability to effectively apply evidence-based practices in an outpatient treatment setting; Working knowledge of the criminal justice system and experience providing behavioral health services to individuals involved in this system; 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; Verification of education/certifications; Drug screening; and Driver's license.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, days with some evenings required.