Family Services Specialist I

Behavioral Health 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. 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 Family Services Specialist I position.

An Overview

The Family Services Specialist I performs outreach and case management services to elderly mental health consumers as a member of the Older Adult MH Team).Coordinates consumer care and facilitates referrals to various community resources and service agencies. Performs some work with this population in consumer’s residences, senior centers and supportive living facilities.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate will have the a bility to be tolerant concerning others; ability to handle crisis and work under pressure; ability to write and speak clearly and to have working knowledge of mental health issues; have knowledge and skills of intervention techniques with individuals, families, groups and other agencies. Must possess knowledge of social, economic and health problems, and methodology of the helping process; Ability to assess and work with individuals and families to utilize services effectively and help them work on their problems; ability to establish effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, professional and technical staff, social agencies, and the public.

The Opportunity

• Facilitates consumer access to a variety of mental and physical health treatment providers, including scheduling doctors’ appointments for consumers, accompanying them to their appointments when needed and acting as an advocate for the consumer in regard to their health care;
  
• Monitors consumer’s mental health status and compliance with medication and other forms of treatment;
  
• Communicates regularly with other service providers to coordinate consumer treatment and ensure all needs are being met;
  
• Links clients to needed services and explores community resources including assisting clients in receiving and maintaining entitlements and benefits;
  
• Works regularly with Adult Protective Services in monitoring and assessing elderly consumers;
  
• Works regularly with guardians and representative payees on behalf of the consumers including assisting with consumer’s finances;
  
• Makes home visits;
  
• Provides community education and referral to citizens of Alexandria and other City agencies;
  
• Provides supportive counseling to elderly consumers 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;
  
• 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

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work; At least one year of relevant experience. Must possess a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Psychology or Counseling. Must have the ability to make home visits (e.g., climbing stairs, tolerance of disheveled conditions); At least one year of experience working with adult clients providing supportive counseling and case management; fluent and bilingual in both English and Spanish; eligible as a Qualified Mental Health Professional(QMHP); Master’s degree in Social Work or a related field; At least one year of experience providing mental health services. At least one year of experience incase coordination, teaching or counseling.

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 occasional need to remain with client when issue has arisen.