Public Health Social Worker

DUTIES:

Works closely with medical providers, care managers and social services agencies to provide short-term care coordination and connection to resources.

Plans, implements, evaluates and modifies individual client care management plans.

Assesses clients and patients identified as having safety or other high-risk concerns for immediate intervention needs; provides provisional services until appropriate ongoing services are in place.

Acts as a conduit for clients to various health and social programs, including health insurance plans, health care services, and other community benefit programs.

Assists clients in accessing health related services, such as obtaining a medical home, securing health insurance coverage and overcoming other barriers to obtaining needed medical care and/or social services.

Facilitates client connection to community resources, including locating housing, food, clothing, parenting and prenatal classes and relevant mental health services.

Communicates the purpose of various programs and services and the impact it may have on their wellbeing.

Provides support and advocacy during phone calls and/or visits to reduce cultural and socio-economic barriers between clients and institutions and assure clients' needs are being appropriately conveyed and met.

Provides limited classes on parenting, emotional regulation, sexual health, and related topics for parents and adolescents.

Documents client encounters and contacts made on their behalf.

Maintains comprehensive client files.

Completes and submits monthly reports.

This description is intended to illustrate the type and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. It may not be a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree in social work and a minimum of one year of experience working with individuals or families in a community-based organizational setting;
OR
Bachelor’s degree in social work and a minimum of three years of experience working with individuals or families in a community-based organizational setting.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must complete State of Michigan MI Bridges Community Referral Partner Training within six months of hire.

Must possess a valid vehicle operator’s license and have reliable access to a vehicle.

In times of a public health emergency, may be required to report for specialized assigned duties inside or outside of Berrien County.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally and empathetically with culturally diverse individuals during a time of crisis and distress.

Dedicated to continuously expanding knowledge and understanding of community resources and services, as well as the barriers that clients may face when seeking services.

Ability to effectively communicate with health care professionals and care coordinators.

Exceptional project management/coordination skills.

Able to work collaboratively and effectively within a team.

The physical ability to sit, walk, reach with hands and arms, and occasionally lift 25 – 50 pounds is essential to the successful performance of job duties.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Prior experience is assessment and care for clients with suicidal ideation, depression, perinatal mood disorders, domestic violence, sex trafficking or other areas involving high-risk safety concerns.

Prior experience working in a medical setting and within the State of Michigan MI Bridges Benefit Enrollment program, including the Healthy Michigan Plan.

Understanding of structural influences on health including the intersections of race and health, education and health, and income and health.

Working knowledge of multi-system outreach programs related to health care delivery and health-related services.

Bilingual speaking skills, particularly Spanish.

TO APPLY ONLINE, CLICK HERE:

TO APPLY VIA EMAIL, FAX, MAIL OR IN PERSON:

If you prefer not to apply online, you may download a Berrien County Job Application and send it to our Personnel Department via email, fax, mail or in person. A Berrien County job application must be submitted in order to be considered for employment.

Submit by Email
Fax: (269) 983-5788
Address: Berrien County Administration Building, Personnel Department, 701 Main St., St. Joseph, MI 49085