Human Services Professional - Gaining Ground Program

Lutheran Social Services of WI and Upper MI is currently seeking a Full Time Human Service Professional to provide services at Gaining Ground.

Gaining Ground is a resource center offering a safe, stigma-free environment along with social services for persons living with mental illness and those who may be experiencing homelessness. Our mission is to provide trauma -informed recovery services that assist individuals in gaining stability and becoming more active community members.

Individuals with experience working with populations experiencing crisis (not limited to homelessness, mental health and/or criminal justice challenges) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Under direction, performs work involving the delivery of professional human services to individuals or groups.  This work may be completed in a variety of settings (e.g. community, office, school, jail, shelter) utilizing various forms of service delivery (e.g. in-person, audio, visual) per the service plan. Performs other duties as required.

This a full-time, benefits eligible opportunity, with days worked expected to be Monday - Friday.

Examples of services expected may include (these examples are not all inclusive, and all services may not be provided by an individual employee):

• BadgerCare/Medicaid Enrollment
• Food Share Enrollment
• Social Security and Identification
• Assistance with Applications for Employment and Housing
• Mental Health Coordination
• Life and Coping Skills
• Medication Management
• Budgets - Tracking and Planning
• Education Coordination for GED and Technical College
• Comprehensive Community Services (CCS)

AGENCY REQUIREMENTS (Required of all employees):

• Must comply with applicable service regulations as well as agency and departmental policies and procedures.
• Must relate to people of varied ethnic and cultural backgrounds, ages, and economic circumstances with respect and dignity.
• Must support the Mission, Vision and Values of the Agency.
• Represent LSS internally and externally as a servant leader in thought, words and actions.

DIRECT SERVICE REQUIREMENTS (Required of all employees providing direct services):

• Promote client independence and growth, consistent with the service plan.
• Provide services using a trauma-informed and person and/or family-centered model.
• Provide services utilizing agency approved and supported evidence-based practices that have been indicated by the funder and/or agency.
• Accurately complete time reporting.

Essential Duties and responsibilities:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

• Provide services to assigned clients in alignment with the service plan.
• Organize and plan work effectively.
• Apply knowledge of community resources.
• Apply knowledge of counseling and casework principles and methods.
• Apply working knowledge of human behavior, dynamics of groups, interpersonal relations, and social interactions.
• Apply working knowledge of social problems and their effects on individuals.
• Work collaboratively with clients, service teams, and clinical supervisor to determine interventions.
• Coordinate services per the service plan.
• Establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships.
• Complete documentation within required timelines and expectations per LSS, regulation, funders, and practice standards.
• Maintain client records.
• Make recommendations within the client team and scope of practice.
• Testify at legal proceedings as required by law and/or role.
• Attend client/recovery team meetings.
• When supervision is a program requirement, actively engage in the clinical supervision process.
• Attend and participate in staff development programs, including in-service training, staff meetings, and professional seminars.
• Within your scope of practice, provide consultation to peers.
• Work a flexible weekly schedule that includes some evening and/or weekend hours for client appointments.  Work directly with Program Supervisor or Manager to set expectations for scheduling clients.  Schedule is based on client need.
• Understand productivity expectations. Meet or exceed the standards that have been established for the role and the program.
• Perform other duties and special projects as required.

PERKS:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
  • By being employed with LSS, which is a non-profit agency, you can be eligible for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
  • Loans are eligible to be forgiven after 10 years of on-time and consistent payments through the income-based re-payment plan.
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Flex Spending for Dependent & Health Care
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid Time Off
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Ability to Contribute to 403B
• LSS makes annual raises a priority for employees
• Employee Assistance Program
• Service Awards and Recognition

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Upon offer, candidates must successfully complete the necessary background, caregiver, medical and any other checks required, according to program requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: 

The specific education and/or experience is determined by the service delivered and the funding stream requirements (noted below).

Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant area of human services.

LSS approved examples of human service degrees include, but are not limited to the following:

• Child Development/Family Relations
• Community Mental Health
• Substance Use
• Counseling/Guidance
• Criminal Justice
• Marriage and Family
• Occupational Therapy
• Psychology
• Recreational Therapy
• Rehabilitation Counseling
• Social Worker
• Sociology
• Special Education
• Vocational Counseling

If not listed above, a transcript review as well as payer review may be requested of the applicant/potential employee.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• The incumbent of this position must have a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation to perform the essential duties of the role; a motor vehicle check (MVR) with a satisfactory driving record per the LSS Driver Safety Procedure is required, and ability to meet LSS auto insurance requirements.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: 

• Ability to read, write, analyze and interpret to complete required documentation by established timeframes. 
• Ability to document in a neat, legible, accurate, objective and consistent manner to reflect the services provided.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from all levels of LSS management and employees, as well as the individual, family, and circle of support.

COMPUTER SKILLS/TECHNOLOGY:

• Working knowledge of computers to allow employee to access computer systems and applications to complete timecards, read and respond to email, and complete required on-line training.
• Ability to utilize efficiently an electronic health record(s) for documentation of direct services.
• Must be able to work on computer and utilize computer applications and programs to effectively complete the job.
• Ability to work within a variety of ever-changing software packages and computer systems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to frequently bend/stoop, crouch, climb stairs and kneel. This position will require the ability to access a variety of locations in the community.  
• The employee must react appropriately in times of crisis that may include verbal aggression.
• The incumbent of this position works in a community environment (home, office, community, etc.).  The incumbent will also be exposed to outdoor conditions when traveling on company business.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

TRAVEL:  Daily travel may be required.  Some overnight travel may be required.

LSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.