Homeless Outreach Social Worker

FLSA Classification: Non-exempt

Reports to: Director of Behavioral Health

Job Summary/Objective:

The Homeless Outreach Social Worker provides case management services to individuals experiencing homelessness in Cedar Valley, including case finding, assessment, plan development, follow-up, advocacy, and evaluation. Provides general medical social work services to the Clinic’s patient population, facilitates communication between patients and staff, establishes and/or facilitates cooperation between the Clinic and community agencies and acts as liaison between the Clinic and community. Performs all defined services and other related duties in accordance with the mission of Peoples Community Health Clinic.

Protected Health Information Requirements/Access:

• This position will require the use or disclosure of protected health Information.
• This position will use the Treatment classes of protected health information.
• Restrictions on the protected health information for this position will follow the Privacy Policies of Peoples Community Health Clinic, Inc.
• Use or disclosure of protected health information not routinely available to this position will follow procedures assessed by or directed by management.
• Patient Records – Yes Medical Information System - Yes

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Provides evaluation, counseling, case management, and resource referral for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Provides social work services to patient and families.
• Provides supportive and behavioral health counseling for patients and families.
• Assists client with affordable insurance options as needed.
• Provides substance abuse universal Full Screens.
• Consults with multi-disciplinary treatment teams as needed.
• Documents all services.
• Assists in data collection as needed for homeless grants and program services.
• Supports a service-oriented atmosphere in accordance with Peoples Community Health Clinic Mission and Philosophy.
• Works to improve work processes and clinical outcomes including health disparity and quality improvement collaboratives.
• Follows policies and procedures.
• Develops and maintains own competence.
• Maintains a safe working environment and practices safe working habits.
• Assists in control of People’s Community Health Clinic resources.

Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Communication – listening, speaking, writing, basic math, and reading comprehension
• Attention to detail
• Knowledge of and how to access all community resources
• Working knowledge of MS Office Products (ex. Excel, Word, Access, Power Point) and Windows Platform. Must be comfortable moving within an EHR computer system regularly
• Ability to work with diverse groups of people and with a large degree of independence
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and to deal with difficult situations
• Ability to work with and through an interpreter
• Understanding of an ability to use DSM-IVTR
• Planning and organizing
• Adaptability and flexibility

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Not applicable

Patient Population:

• Individuals experiencing homelessness and clinic patients.

Work Environment/Personal Protective Equipment:

This position might be exposed to blood borne pathogen hazards, if in clinical area PPE might me required.

Physical Demands:

This position requires continuous standing (67% - 100% of shift); occasional sitting and walking (1% - 33% of shift). Occasional lifting, carrying, and pushing/pulling up to 20 lbs. (1% - 33% of shift); continuous finger dexterity and use of hands/arms for repetitive movement; occasional reaching at, above, and below shoulder level (1% - 33% of shift); occasional driving. Requires 20/40 near and far vision.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position. Typically work hours and days are between Monday and Friday,8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and some flexibility in hours is allowed. Responsibilities occasionally may require irregular hours as deemed necessary. This may include an adjusted work schedule, long days, and early morning or late evening hours in order to meet client scheduling demands. The employee must work a minimum of 40.0 hours each week to maintain full-time status.

Travel:

Occasional travel and driving are expected for this position.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling or other related field required.
• 2-4 Years’ experience preferred.

Licensure:

• Social Work licensure in in the state of Iowa or licensed mental health counselor preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle proof of insurance.

Other Duties:

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements as individuals may perform other duties as assigned.