Human Services Specialist I

Case Manager/Care Coordinator for Recipients of Psychiatric Services

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. About one-quarter square miles in the city have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Human Services Specialist I position.

An Overview

The Human Services Specialist I provides case management and care coordination services to adults who receive Psychiatric Management Services from the CSB Psychiatrists. Coordinates client care and facilitates referrals to internal programs, community resources and service agencies for clients determined to be in need of those services. Performs some work with this population in clients’ residences and other community locations. Routinely reviews case load to assess whether clients are actively participating in medication management services and provides appropriate follow up and outreach to clients with a concern of risk.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate should have working knowledge of behavioral health issues; knowledge and skills of intervention techniques with individuals, families, groups and other agencies. Ability to handle crisis and work under pressure; ability to write and speak clearly; strong organizational skills to manage a diversity of tasks. Ability and demonstrated experience to work independently and see tasks through to completion and to client’s satisfaction. Ability to use a computer and proficient typing skills required.

The Opportunity

• Links clients to needed services and explores community resources including assisting clients in receiving and maintaining entitlements, benefits and enrollment;
  
• Facilitates client access to a variety of mental and physical health treatment providers, including scheduling doctors’ appointments for clients, accompanying them to their appointments and acting as an advocate for the client in regards to their health care when necessary;
  
• Monitors client’s mental health status and compliance with medication and other forms of treatment when there is a concern of risk;
  
• Communicates regularly with other service providers including CSB Psychiatrists and natural supports in an effort to coordinate client treatment and ensure all needs are being met;
  
• Makes home visits;
  
• Provides transportation to clients when appropriate;
  
• Participates in regularly scheduled meetings, supervision and staff consultation;
  
• Provides supportive counseling to clients including life skills education and interventions designed to enhance decision making and coping skills;
  
• Contact clients when appointments are not kept;
  
• Maintains clinical records in accordance with State, City, Departmental, and Federal compliance requirements;
  
• Organize and manage case load to assure that clients that have not been seen by a psychiatrist in over 90 days are provided outreach and/or closed to the CSB as appropriate depending on clinical indicators and in consultation with supervisor;
  
• Performs related work as required.
  

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

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

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, social work or related human services field; At least one year of experience working with adult mental health clients in a behavior health setting; 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; education/certifications; and driver’s license.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 5:00PM, with some evening hours possibly needed occasionally.