Human Services Specialist II

Adult Mental 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 Human Services Specialist II position.

An Overview

The Human Services Specialist II provides person-centered linkage, advocacy, collaboration and integration of services to adults with serious mental illnesses and co-occurring substance use disorders. Duties include providing intensive clinical case management as well as individual, group, and family counseling. The individual, with the client, assesses clients’ needs and preferences to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that works towards the client’s goals. The individual provides crisis intervention, recovery coaching, and psychoeducation. Duties also include targeted outreach for the non-engaged consumers; assessing, referring, and monitoring consumers. The individual is further responsible for evaluating consumer progress and maintaining clear and concise consumer records.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate should have the ability to remain calm and effective in crisis situations; Ability to work effectively with students having emotional, social, family, behavioral, alcohol/drug or other related problems; Ability to lead skills building, leadership and/or mentorship groups with youth; Ability to replicate evidence-based youth development programs; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with youth, parents, co-workers, community partners and the general public; Ability to work in a community-based setting; Ability to provide guidance and assistance to volunteers; Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with other professionals and with the general public, both orally and in writing; Ability to track and enter data accurately; Good knowledge of child and adolescent growth and development; Good knowledge of adolescent risk behaviors, including substance use; Good knowledge of area health, legal, social and other services.

The Opportunity

1. Interviews consumers to assess current status, history, strengths, areas for growth, stages of change, and preferences.
   
2. Provides supportive individual and group counseling services to consumers at the Center, in their home, and the community such as crisis intervention, counseling, problem solving, and wellness planning including psycho-education.
   
3. Develops and implements individual treatment plans with consumers and provides intensive clinical case management/recovery coaching, medical care coordination, housing referral and coordination, family support and education, financial management, education, training, and employment.
   
4. Conducts clinical and diagnostic assessments as indicated, including but not limited to Beck Depression Inventory, internal agency bio-psychosocial assessment, diagnostic reviews, DLA-20.
   
5. Locates, procures, coordinates, and monitors the delivery of necessary services for the consumer and/or their family.
   
6. Completes disability determination reports and assists consumers with navigating access to entitlements and benefits.
   
7. Acts as a liaison between substance abuse services, social services, mental health, housing, and shelters.
   
8. Provides advocacy for consumers via the court system, social, employment and childcare services, and in securing housing.
   
9. Meets regularly with an interdisciplinary team to aid in identifying necessary services for consumers.
   
10. Identifies and provides targeted outreach and engagement to co-occurring individuals in the community and in shelters.
    
11. Participates in staff meetings and staff development programs.
    
12. Prepares reports and completes records of consumer and related family contact with the agency.
    
13. Maintains client records in accordance with licensing and other regulatory bodies.
    
14. Attends regular team meetings, relevant training sessions, and conferences.
    
15. Performs related duties as assigned.
    

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 psychology, social services, public health, guidance, or a related field; three years of experience in the provision of mental health and/or substance abuse treatment services, including some experience at the level of Caseworker; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the State of their residence.

Preferred Qualifications

Bilingual English/Spanish, French, African or Middle Eastern language skills.

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; Verification of education/certifications; Drug screening; and Driver's license.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM, occasional nights and/or weekends based on client need.