Caseworker I

Definition of Class

• Professional work in the field of drug and alcohol providing a full range of case management services. Employees in this position are responsible for ensuring that clients with drug and alcohol problems have access to services by identifying, referring and authorizing appropriate services. This is accomplished by assessing the needs of the client to determine the level of care, the client service plan and, if required, facilitating the client's care relative to alcohol and drug usage. This classification works in accordance with regulations, policies and procedures and exercises initiative and independent judgment. The caseload consists of multiple clients. Employees carry out assignments subject to supervisory/administrative review.

Nature of Work

• Conducts intake interviews, determines level of care and appropriate funding arrangements, recommends services for alcohol and other drug clients and develops and implements comprehensive service plans. Coordinates and provides access to available alcohol and drug and other ancillary services. Other examples include monitoring client treatment progress, conducting client follow-up, preparing reports and maintaining records while serving as an advocate for clients.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Follow all written policies and procedures of the Office of Drug & Alcohol Abuse governing the manner in which business is conducted.
• Conduct intake interviews for purposes of client assessment.
• Determine level of care based on placement guidelines.
• Coordinate and assist with accessing treatment and ancillary services.
• Monitor services to Drug & Alcohol clients, assuring appropriateness of services and coordination of services.
• See that clients are admitted into the Drug & Alcohol system at the appropriate level of care.
• Recommend cases for specialized Drug & Alcohol services, as indicated.
• Attend provider staffings, interagency teams, and other clinical reviews, as necessary, to assure appropriateness and coordination of Drug & Alcohol services to clients served.
• Represent agency at public education sessions, interagency teams, or other forums as needed.
• Complete studies, surveys of records, waiting lists, or other aspects of client care, as needed.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive service plan. Update plan as needed.
• Establish and maintain Case Management records on all Drug & Alcohol clients.
• Complete reports and document services, as necessary.
• Recommend authorization of services for clients served.
• Serve as advocate for clients.
• Ensure delivery of all service requirements according to the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Prevention Manual.
• Conduct biannual prevention needs risk assessment for Erie County.
• Responsible for the completion of Erie County's 5-year Prevention Plan.
• Conduct annual evaluation and update of prevention plan.
• Enter all prevention plans/providers into Performance Based. Prevention System.
• Monitor all prevention activities with contracted prevention providers.
• Submit quarterly and annual reports as required by Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.
• Conduct technical assistance with all prevention providers.
• Assist in writing contracts for prevention providers.
• Determines eligibility for housing assistance through Shelter Plus.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of social casework principles and methods.
• Knowledge of addiction as a disease and its treatment.
• Knowledge of treatment facilities and human services agencies providing treatment and assessment practices.
• Ability to establish an effective working relationship with diverse clients.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to plan and organize and maintain a caseload in an effective and timely manner.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of 1 year as a Drug & Alcohol Case Management Specialist Trainee; OR, a bachelor's degree in chemical dependency, sociology, social welfare or a related field and 1 year direct service experience performing counseling or case management work in an alcohol or drug treatment setting; OR a bachelor's degree which includes 18 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology or other related social sciences and 1 year direct service experience performing counseling or case management work in an alcohol or drug treatment setting; OR, any equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Must have a Valid Driver's License

Supervision Received

• Work is assigned and reviewed in a variety of ways. Assignments may be given in writing or verbally. Priority assignments may be set by the supervisor in some instances, but will generally be the responsibility of the employee. Certain assignments have priority based on predetermined target dates and program policies/procedures. Staff meetings are used to monitor progress on work completion. Nearly daily interfacing occurs. Review of completed assignments will be ongoing. The evaluation process is used to summarize overall performance.

Conditions Of Employment

• Required to provide and are subject to Pennsylvania criminal and child abuse clearances as well as an FBI fingerprint clearance.