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Human Services Specialist I - Adult Intake/MHOP

Employer
City Of Alexandria Virginia
Location
Alexandria, VA
Salary
$45,206.46 - $60,554.52 Annually
Closing date
May 26, 2022

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Job Details

Human Services Specialist I - Adult Intake/MHOP

Position Overview

Are you searching for a position with purpose where you will share your excellent people skills? Are you currently in a position that does not challenge you? Are you passionate about learning and developing your intake administrative skills and working with professionals dedicated to supporting your ongoing professional development? If so, the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is hiring for the position of Human Services Specialist I (Intake Assistant) in our Adult Intake and Mental Health Outpatient Team. This individual will provide their excellent customer service skills to those experiencing mental health, substance use issues and/or Intellectual and Developmental disabilities. This individual will play a critical role in ensuring that our clients and their families receive the appropriate services and resources in a welcoming, efficient and timely manner. The Intake Assistant manages and coordinates cases for new and returning clients for the Assessment & Evaluation team, according to protocols for Same Day Access, the DBHDS and the Governor’s required standards for intake services.

Examples of Duties:
  • Interviews clients to obtain pertinent identifying information about them and the types of problems they present;
  • Receives phone calls and attempts to collect full information from the caller concerning the presenting problem;
  • Provides a welcoming and engaging approach to all potential clients who contact the Intake Line;
  • Evaluates and monitors the potential client’s emotional state and determines whether the case is a situational crisis (ex. homelessness, financial need, domestic violence, pregnancy, child abuse and neglect), an emotional disorder requiring psychiatric treatment and assistance to obtain treatment, or a psychiatric emergency (risk of harm to self and/ or other without psychiatric intervention), requiring immediate attention and, if so, makes every effort to coordinate and expedite the referral to Emergency Services;
  • Links these clients to needed services and explores community/agency resources; including assisting clients in obtaining necessary healthcare, financial/entitlement, and housing services;
  • Meets regularly with the Intake Therapist and Intake Therapist Supervisor to aid in identifying necessary services for clients;
  • Frequent interaction with an interdisciplinary team to facilitate clients being connected to the correct services;
  • Participates in staff meetings and staff development programs; can provide suggestions for improving any aspect of the intake process;
  • Gathers monthly data on calls, referrals and case management services provided for utilization monitoring;
  • Could provide guidance to interns and volunteers participating in program activities and services;
  • Performs other duties as assigned

What we are looking for

We know that you want to work in an environment that fosters a sense of purpose, is professional, and where your talents and experience are valued. To provide this environment, we need to ensure that our employees have the necessary skills and abilities to be successful. To be the ideal candidate for this position, it is important that you have a thorough knowledge of and experience in the following subject areas:
  • Knowledge of social, economic, health, and behavioral problems, in accordance with DBHDS requirements for Same Day Access of the assigned service population (e.g., mental health, substance use disorders, intellectual disability services)
  • Knowledge of the role that the police, courts, and the criminal justice system have regarding commitment procedures and the constitutional rights of the disabled
  • Ability to identify social problems and needs, and to assess clients' and/or their family's ability to use available services
  • Ability to apply casework philosophy; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, social agencies, and the public
  • Ability to provide guidance and assistance to interns and volunteers; ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
  • Ability to prepare and maintain complete and accurate records.

What you need to have (Minimum Qualifications)

Associate degree in sociology, psychology, or a related human service field; one year of experience in case coordination, teaching or counseling the economically disadvantaged/developmentally disabled, and emotionally/physically abused/neglected children's population, local offender population, or a homeless population; any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above would fulfill the minimum requirements for this position. Also, the candidate must have a valid driver's license issued by their state of residence.

The individual must successfully complete a pre-employment background check, including but not limited to:
  • FBI/Federal Records Check
  • VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry
  • Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database
  • Education, professional license, and driver’s license verifications

What makes you a preferred candidate?

To be considered a preferred candidate, an applicant needs to be certified as a Qualified Mental Health Professional - Adult (QMHP-A) for third party insurance reimbursement and have a bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field. Clinically, a preferred candidate will have at least one year of experience providing direct services to persons with a behavioral health (MH, SUD, ID/DD) diagnosis. The candidate can demonstrate their ability to interview clients in emotional crisis and assess when to involve clinically licensed staff. The candidate is confident in providing excellent customer service and has proper phone etiquette. Also, enjoys using computers and other technologies to complete their work. Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Who we are

As a member of the Adult Intake and Mental Health Outpatient Team (MHOP) within the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), you will work alongside professionals dedicated to providing quality services to adults with mental health, intellectual or developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. We believe in a professional environment that fosters lifelong learning and opportunities for your personal and professional growth. We are a community of dedicated clinicians who collaborate, challenge, and support each other to advance our clinical knowledge and skills and help our clients achieve the best outcomes.

What we offer you

In addition to an awesome group of people to work with, the City of Alexandria offers great benefits!

As a full-time employee, of the City of Alexandria, the following benefits are available to you:
  • Health Insurance
  • Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
  • Long Term Disability Insurance (excluding sworn personnel)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid Annual and Sick Leave/Sick Leave Bank
  • Paid City Holidays
  • Spring Health mental health program
  • Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Tuition Assistance and Professional Development
  • Employee Transportation Benefits Program
  • Virginia Retirement System

The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is also a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. Use the following link to access the PSLF website and learn about this program in detail: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service .

Schedule (On-site):

This is a full-time position (40-hours) Monday through Friday, 8:30AM - 5:00PM with one late shift on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.

Thank you for taking the time to consider applying for this great opportunity. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Associate's degree in sociology, psychology, or a related human service field; one year of experience in case coordination, teaching or counseling the economically disadvantaged/developmentally disabled, and emotionally/physically abused/neglected children's population, local offender population, or a homeless population; valid driver's license issued by the state of their residence; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

As required for third party insurance reimbursement, the successful applicant will be a Qualified Mental Health Professional - Adult; Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field; At least one year of clinical experience providing direct services to persons with a diagnosis of mental illness; Ability to interview clients in emotional crisis and assess when to involve clinically licensed staff. Good telephone/customer service skills. Good computer skills. Fluent and Bilingual in both English and Spanish.

Notes

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30AM - 5:00PM

Company

The City of Alexandria is an award-winning, innovative, and progressive local government that brings together elected leaders, residents, businesses, and staff to foster a thriving community.  We are an independent, full-service city, providing the services typically operated by both counties and cities in areas such as public safety, transportation, human services, parks and recreation, planning, and administration. We offer a wide range of exciting career opportunities in a variety of fields, with the resources and expertise to succeed.  In Alexandria, employees are our most important asset, and we work hard to create and support a culture that delivers excellence through the shared values of respect, integrity, teamwork and continuous improvement.

Our employees have access to excellent medical, dental, vision, life insurance and other benefits.  Alexandria provides a defined-benefit pension and offers six weeks of paid parental leave to employees who become parents through birth, adoption or foster care.

We offer a robust wellness program, interdepartmental rotation program, tuition assistance funding and professional development program that helps employees obtain the knowledge, skills, qualifications and experience to enhance their professional and personal growth.

With a population of approximately 160,000 and a land area of 16 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Located on the Potomac River across from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is known for its beautifully preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture, charming waterfront, high-tech economy, vibrant retail and restaurant corridors and diverse neighborhoods. We are a unique and historic community, and we continue to innovate for the 21st century.

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