Coordinated Response Licensed Lead

Job Summary

This position is a licensed mental health professional serving on the Scott County Coordinated Response Unit. It is an in-person field position that is primarily be based out of the Scott County Sheriff’s Office or local police departments. Hours are generally M-F, 8-4:30, but may vary based on service needs. This position interacts with members of the public with, or in follow up to, interactions with law enforcement. These may be individuals who are involuntary, have significant mental illness and/or chemical dependency, and have a criminal history. Individuals are often currently in crisis and may be a danger to themselves or others. The Lead is responsible to provide direct response and give work direction to other staff in the unit."

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provides work direction to Coordinated Response Unit Social Workers.
• Performs psychosocial assessments to determine client safety; facilitates safety response through collaboration with County Attorney’s Office, law enforcement, hospitals, detox centers, community resources, family, and other professionals.
• Provides clinical consultation and reviewal and signature of documentation to all non-licensed staff.
• Completes OBRA Level 2 Screenings.
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with referral sources, including providing feedback and consultation regarding specific clientele.
• Provides crisis intervention, ongoing safety planning and intervention, and critical incident stress debriefing.
• Provides mental health expertise to billing staff and health plan representatives in order to obtain authorization for appropriate mental health services for clients and reimbursement to the fullest extent available for the agency.
• Assists with occasional Prepetition Screening responsibilities when individual is a candidate for commitment to the Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner.
• Advises Adult Mental Health Supervisor in the development and implementation of service goals and objectives.
• Gathers, analyzes, and evaluates data.
• Attends and participates in scheduled staff meetings. Leads staff meetings in the absence of or in support of the supervisor.
• Provides education, consultation, and training for other internal and external agencies.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations, as well as professional standards of practice, related to mental health case management, community support programming, and commitments.
• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires a Master’s Degree in Social Work or related field, 4,000 hours post master’s degree, and licensure as a Mental Health Professional (LGSW, LICSW, LP, LMFT or LPCC). A valid driver's license and a reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities is required. Must obtain Critical Incident Training Certification within 6 months of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

• Background or experience working collaboratively with law enforcement or other first responders.
• Ability to speak a second language (Spanish, Somali, American Sign Language, Russian.
• Previous experience working with County Social Service Agency and/or in a correctional, law enforcement, or military setting.
• Paid experience conducting Crisis Assessments and/or Diagnostic Assessments for a mental health agency within the past 5 years.
• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC).
• Knowledge of and experience with person-centered strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work effective in cross-cultural settings.
• Previous experience or working knowledge of SSIS.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general supervision of the Adult Mental Health Supervisor. Work is performed independently according to established procedures and guidelines. The supervisor may occasionally review completed work to ensure adherence to departmental policies and procedures. Provides work direction to the Coordinated Response Unit Social Workers. This position provides education and recommendations to outside partners regarding the mental health needs of an individual. These partners are not under the direction of the Coordinated Responder, but they will be providing expertise in the area of mental health and other social supports.       

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

• Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.
• Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.
• Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.
• Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.
• Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.
• Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.
• Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of social work in the areas of the specific job. 
• Knowledge of agency programs, operations, policies, and procedures. 
• Knowledge of professional ethics and boundaries. 
• Knowledge of data privacy practices to ensure that client and agency records meet statutory requirements. 
• Knowledge of community and other available resources. 
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations, as well as professional standards of practice, related to mental health case management, community support programming, and commitments.
• Ability to operate office equipment related to the job and ability to train staff in its use when necessary. 
• Ability to conduct interviews. 
• Ability to provide strong directives to staff regarding health and safety planning for adults with mental illness. 
• Strong communication ability and follow through skills to coordinate care services. 
• Mastery of common service delivery skills and the ability to train staff on skill development. 
• Ability to organize work efficiently and effectively and analyze complex case situations and evaluate potential for improvement. 
• Ability to establish high quality working standards and motivate staff to achieve high levels of service delivery. 
• Ability to assess and manage cases. 
• Ability to communicate effectively via written documentation, in person or over the telephone. 
• Ability to be flexible in scheduling may be required to meet the service needs of the clients. 
• Ability to analyze complex case situations to evaluate the needs for support services. 
• Ability to exercise good judgment in making decisions and determining when additional case review or action is needed. 
• Ability to follow complex verbal and written instructions. 
• Ability to deal tactfully and efficiently with all levels of management, co-workers, and the general public. 
• Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion. 
• Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties. 
• Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, occurring both in an office and in the field in community-based settings. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing the needs/demands of multiple clients. One may be exposed to agitated, upset, aggressive, hostile clients; out of control children and pets; and unknown conditions in office, home-based and community settings. Evening and weekend hours may be required for accomplishing this work.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files, equipment, and items related to client care necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.