Job Description

Summary:

• This is entry-level professional social service work in the combined Information & Referral and Crisis Intervention Unit. The Crisis Intervention Unit is licensed by the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) to provide telephone, walk-in, mobile, and 988 crisis intervention services. Employees in this classification participate in a structured training program designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide crisis intervention, information and referral, and case management services.
• County Caseworker 1 employees perform crisis intervention and information and referral duties under the close supervision of a Mental Health Professional and experienced Crisis Counselors. Assignments are reviewed through observation, case consultation, documentation review, and regular supervisory conferences. As knowledge, clinical skills, and competency develop, work assignments increase in complexity and independence.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Learn to obtain information from individuals, family members, and collateral contacts to identify social, emotional, behavioral health, and basic needs. Assist individuals in accessing Department of Human Services programs and community resources under close supervision.
• Participate in responding to 988, Crisis Intervention, and Information & Referral contacts. Develop crisis intervention, triage, and verbal de-escalation skills while assisting with telephone, walk-in, and mobile crisis services under close supervision.
• Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness, substance use disorders, developmental disabilities, and behavioral health crises. Participate in clinical assessments and develop interviewing, assessment, and problem-solving skills under close supervision.
• Learn to identify potential safety concerns and utilize verbal de-escalation techniques. Participate in outreach and mobile crisis assessments while developing skills in determining appropriate interventions and service recommendations.
• Learn and apply the provisions of the Pennsylvania Mental Health Procedures Act, confidentiality requirements, mandated reporting responsibilities, and duty-to-warn obligations while performing duties under close supervision.
• Assist with the preparation and review of 302, Act 77, and other required documentation. Develop knowledge of petitioning procedures and legal documentation requirements under close supervision.
• Participate in involuntary commitment procedures and petition preparation under close supervision. Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to perform petitioning responsibilities following successful completion of required training and demonstrated competency.
• Learn available Department of Human Services programs and community resources. Assist individuals in accessing services, coordinating referrals, and completing intake requirements.
• Assist with researching, maintaining, and updating community resource information and referral databases.
• Participate in outreach activities and accompany individuals in crisis using a personal or County vehicle in accordance with County policies and procedures. Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Assist with routine office operations, including filing, copying, maintaining records, answering telephones, preparing forms, and other administrative duties necessary for the efficient operation of the unit.
• Work assignments are progressively increased in complexity as skills develop.
• Record Keeping and System Proficiency
• Learn to accurately document services provided in designated electronic systems, handwritten, and hardcopy records in accordance with agency policies, procedures, and documentation standards
• Learn to enter demographic, clinical, and referral information into appropriate databases.
• Learn to utilize approved county programs to verify eligibility and complete referrals.
• Learn to collect and document required 988 call data.
• Learn to complete documentation in accordance with agency policies, licensing standards, and established timeframes.
• Learn to maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and County policies

Supervision/Training:

• Performs all duties under close supervision with structured training and ongoing guidance.
• Attend monthly staff meetings and additional meetings or training that may be scheduled.
• Attend any in-service training as given by the DHS or County of Lehigh.
• Attend outside training as approved
• Complete all trainings in accordance with Vibrant/988 requirements.
• Any other duties as assigned by the employee's immediate supervisor, Administrator and/or his/her designee.