Behavioral Health Worker (LSW)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Position Summary:

• Provides in-home or teletherapy behavioral health services to a caseload of clients, aged 55 and over who are diagnosed with a mental illness;
• Serves as member of Behavioral Health Services Department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following description is a general representation of the key duties and responsibilities of the position.

• Responsible for providing clinically appropriate behavioral health services to assigned clients;
• Implements and renews client service agreements;
• Participates in case consultation;
• Follows up on inquiries, referrals, client and caregiver problems and concerns;
• Maintains contact with all helping professionals and agencies serving client on caseload;
• Maintains communication with client and/or caregivers through phone calls, written communications, and meetings;
• Engages client in the development of annual treatment goals, 6-month clinical reviews and completion of all other documentation related to the client’s treatment;
• Participates in transition and discharge planning of clients;
• Performs assessments/reassessments as assigned and provides support to Day Treatment Group Therapy as group facilitator as needed;
• Has working knowledge of entitlement services and benefits;
• Assists with recommendations for housing, emergency shelters and long-term nursing home placement.
• Provides necessary direct service hours to meet the performance standards set by the Behavioral Health Services Department;
• Completes and submits all documentation and client data in a timely manner according to department, agency protocols and ESI and funder requirements;
• Escorts clients to necessary appointments, using personal automobile as last resort;
• Responsible for understanding legal interventions such as Probate and Guardianship to enable working with clients who do not have the capacity to care for their own needs.

Other Functions and Responsibilities:

• Maintains all documentation of client records according to Behavioral Health Services Department, regulatory and funding requirements including but not limited to CARF, Ohio Dept. of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS), Ohio Dept. of Medicaid, and the Cuyahoga County ADAMHS Board.
• Maintains a broad knowledge base of community resources and continually updates regarding new services in the community.
• Provides information and referrals to other BRIA home and community-based service (HCBS) programs.
• Develops and maintains a current network of community resources.
• Works with a team of professionals in maintaining good working relationships with their co-workers, management as well as other BRIA program and service staff.
• Attends agency meetings as required.

Qualifications:

Specific knowledge, training or skills required to perform the duties of this position including specific courses, training programs or required certifications. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position.

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Current and unrestricted Ohio licensure as a social worker;
• Demonstrated knowledge of mental illness [as described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual V of the American Psychiatric Association].
• Must have a current and valid Ohio driver’s license and automobile insurance;
• Must have excellent verbal, written and electronic communication skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in use of computer programs (Microsoft Outlook and Office);
• Demonstrated proficiency in database management of electronic health record;
• Strong planning and organization skills;
• Understanding and tolerance of of complex housing situations, including those involving pest infestations and material or animal hoarding;
• Attention to detail and accuracy are essential, as are abilities to prioritize work and consistently meet deadlines, and to work as a team player with all departments.

B. Previous Experience that is necessary to qualify for this position:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in social work, counseling or related clinical field.

Essential Physical Demands and Working Environment

(The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.)

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, keyboard and telephone;
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work;
• Light to moderate lifting is required, up to 25 pounds;
• Ability to uphold the stress of traveling;
• Regular, predictable attendance is required;
• Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic);
• Ability to work in a confined area;
• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time;
• Work environment is stressful at times
• Ability to drive personal vehicle to appointments, work assignments, meetings, and client visits when necessary

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Other functions may be assigned, and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time.

REPORTS TO AND EVALUATED BY: Clinical Supervisor