Social Worker I – Behavior Health

To provide social work and mental health/alcohol and drug coordination services including assessment, case management and service coordination to consumers in the Family Services Section.

Portions of the duties associated with this position may be conducted remotely as allowed by the county telecommuting policy and authorized by the Department Head. The employee must have the ability to work efficiently remotely if required

Wages: $22.04-$28.34 hourly

A. Minimum of a four-year degree from an accredited college in social work, sociology, psychology, criminal justice or other approved human services program.

B. Certified as a social worker in the state of Wisconsin or eligible for certification by holding a training certificate or temporary license and certified prior to the expiration of the certificate or temporary license. Alternatively, another type of professional human services license may be considered.

C. Minimum one year of experience providing social work, preferably to individuals with mental health and/or substance abuse issues.

D. Valid Wisconsin driver’s license and reliable transportation.

1)Recognizes and acknowledges the feelings of others and demonstrates respect for families.

2)Recognizes the importance of dealing with difficult issues within families in a purposeful and meaningful manner to facilitate hope/vision/change.

3)Identifies, with the family, strengths that can be linked to promoting change.

4)Facilitates a team approach with the family and other providers.

5)    Has an understanding of evidence based practice, dual diagnosis, and personality disorders.

6)Persists in engaging families, gathering information, and seeking out resources.

1)Recognizes/respects needs and beliefs of individuals of diverse cultures.

2)Understands that people can change and integrates this belief into case practice.

3)Understands how values, style and background can impact objectivity/bias.

4) Identifies personal strengths and limitations and understands how this is related to their professional role.

5) Displays an ability to be decisive.

6) Displays openness to new information.

1)Uses conceptual frameworks (e.g. family systems theory) in gathering information and in decision-making.

2) Interprets underlying causes of situations or behaviors.

3) Displays an ability to gather information from a variety of sources and understands family situations/conditions/dynamics.

1)Creates situations that allow for open communication with families and collateral providers.

2)Communicates clearly and accurately, orally and in writing.

3)Uses interviewing techniques/methods that assist in eliciting essential information.

1)Uses effective time management techniques.

2)Documents cases accurately.

A. Receives requests for county funded substance use disorder and/or mental health services; authorizes (or denies) services; develops contracts; and monitors funding.  Completes Program Participation System (PPS) and billing paperwork as necessary.

B. Coordinates supports necessary to maintain consumers in a community setting including psychiatric and mental health services, symptom and medication monitoring, employment/education, housing, self-care, medical, financial, social and recreational.

C. Determines the range of services needed by individuals and families through interviews, home visits, collateral contacts, etc.

D. Identifies or develops substance use disorder prevention programs; applies, monitors and completes required reporting on AODA prevention grant funding.

E. Facilitates the court process for mental health and alcohol/drug emergency detentions, attends court hearings, facilitates the preparation of court-related documents, and provides testimony as needed.

F. Prepares families for court hearings by explaining the process and involving them in the preparation of treatment recommendations.

G. Monitors compliance with court-ordered settlements and commitments.

H. Assures continuity and appropriateness of services through communication and collaboration with individuals and organizations such as attorneys, court, corrections, law enforcement, schools, medical, tribal, and other community resources.

I. Assists families with the process of filing three-party petitions.

J. Serves as liaison to the Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) Program for adults and children with substance use disorders.

K. Provides intake, assessment, case management, and crisis intervention services to court-ordered and voluntary cases related to mental health and alcohol/drug services.

L. Teams with other county staff (e.g. Juvenile Justice, Child Welfare, Child Protective Services, Veterans, Adult Protective Services, etc.) to address substance use disorder issues.

M. Coordinates services with other agencies/disciplines/community members such as law enforcement, attorneys, mental health and alcohol/drug treatment providers, schools, nursing homes, etc. and educates all parties on the emergency detention process.

N. Arranges evaluation services to assist with assessment and case-planning decisions.

O. Locates appropriate treatment facilities that match an individual’s needs, identifies transportation resources and coordinates transportation when needed.

P. Identifies alternative funding sources and makes referrals as necessary (e.g. Health Insurance, Medical Assistance, etc.)

Q. Completes case-related documents including case notes, correspondence, and general documentation.

R. Provide primary back-up to the Mental Health Coordinator.

S. Works collaboratively with Criminal Justice; provides case management services to jail inmates and to individuals participating in the Family Treatment Court;

T. Provides evening and weekend on-call services for Juvenile Court Intake including assessment, crisis intervention, custody decisions and referrals on a rotation basis with other Family Services staff.

U. Performs Family Services Access duties on a rotation basis.

V. Participates in section and department meetings, work-related committees, and trainings.

W. Provides informational presentations to other staff, professionals, and community groups related to department programs and policies, substance use disorders, prevention, etc.

X. Participates in supervision/consultation.

Y. Performs other duties as assigned.

Direct – Supervisor provides case supervision with broadly defined goals.  Social Worker I determines how goals are met.

Contacts are face-to-face, telephone, electronic, home visits and written, daily.  Contacts may be with consumers, staff, other county departments and employees, other organizations, and the general public.  Contacts may be made to assist, advise, direct, clarify, or to plan or coordinate Department efforts.

A. Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time while performing duties.

B. Ability to drive.

C. Light lifting.

D. Ability to work out in the field.

E. Requires physical demands such as seeing, hearing, and color perception to make judgments both in the office and out in the field.