Crisis Investigation Specialist

POSITION: CRISIS INVESTIGATION SPECIALIST

Full-Time; 80 hours per pay

DEPARTMENT: PIC Unit (Protective/Intake/Crisis)

Troy A. Wood Human Services Complex; Franklin, PA

PAY: NEW STARTING RATE $20.37/hr

$5,000 SIGNING BONUS*

HS STEP PLAN: Blue Steps

Successful completion of training requirements provides pay increases at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months - in addition to any other approved increases!

OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB

To perform intake assessments for all individuals entering the county human service programs, provide daytime and after hours coverage for protective services of Children and Youth Services, Older Adults, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse as well as crisis intervention for Mental Health. The primary function of the after-hours work is to assure immediate safety of children and adults through the provision of assessment and referral to community-based services.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Incumbent must demonstrate the ability to work with minimal supervision. Must be able to formulate an immediate plan of action while in the field, with little or no direct supervisory links. Formal supervision provided by Senior Service Coordination Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB

1. Conducts intake or assessment interviews to determine immediate needs of children, adults and families referred to one of the aforementioned categorical services.

2. Provides crisis and/or supportive counseling to stabilize adults, children and families.

3. Serves as the MH delegate and in that role involuntarily commits children and adults to mental health treatment when appropriate.

4. Provides walk-in, telephone, and mobile crisis intervention services to children, adults, and families.

5. Investigates allegations of sexual abuse, assesses risk, assures safety of child(ren) and if appropriate, makes referrals for ongoing treatment.

6. Investigates allegations of physical abuse, sexual abuse, assesses risk, assures safety of older adults and if appropriate, makes referrals for ongoing treatment.

7. Assesses individuals for need of emergency mental health services.

8. Receives Reports of Need (RON), and appropriately categorizes the RON according to severity of the report. Appropriately acts on each category RONs according to PA Code 6 §15.26 b (1) through (5), §15.42 (a) through (d) and §15.45 (a) through (c).

9. Investigates protective service reports according to PA Code 6 §15.41-15.43 and reviews same received from community or facility as specified in PA Code 6 § 15.45. May initiate emergency interventions as specified in PA Code 6 §15.71-15.76.

10. Provides information, referral and other required services to individuals and/or families of developmental disabilities or substance abuse services.

11. Assists the individual in the development or enhancement of their natural support systems.

12. Develops and implements service plans for individuals based on preventing further abuse from occurring.

13. Provides for necessary arrangements according to individual’s needs; makes referrals/contacts to other community services/agencies to help fulfill the service plan.

14. Maintains accurate documentation and records on individuals.

15. Attends court hearings, writes reports as needed.

16. Testifies in court, if necessary, regarding adult or children’s needs; prepares summaries for court as requested.

17. Prepares required reports as mandated by federal, state, or County policies and procedures.

18. Completes necessary filing and maintenance of records.

19. Utilizes computer and other office equipment as needed.

20. Maintains statistics on pertinent data base and completes required paperwork/reports.

21. Assists individual in making appointments, including helping the individual arrange transportation. Transports individual as a last resort.

22. Travels periodically and makes home visits to individuals as necessary to complete the investigatory process.

23. Initiates and participates in cross-program staffing, if appropriate.

OTHER DUTIES OF THE JOB

1. Attends staffings, training, and other meetings as required.

2. Attends meetings, training, and seminars as necessary. Attends Certification trainings for Older Adult Protective Services as required under PA Code Title 6 §15.121 through §15.127.

3. Attends certification trainings as required under Act 151 of the Child Protective ServicesLaw, Title 23 PA. C.S. as well as to receive training in the Mental Health Procedures Act and Mental Health Crisis Intervention. Required to work flexible schedule in order to meet the needs of consumers.

4. Performs other job-related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Must be able to speak and understand the English language in an understandable manner in order to carry out essential job duties.

2. Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills.

3. Must possess initiative and problem solving skills.

4. Must possess ability to function independently, have flexibility, and the ability to work effectively with individuals, co-workers, and others.

5. Must possess ability to maintain confidentiality in regard to individuals’ information and records.

6. Must possess ability to operate personal computer and related software, to type and utilize other office equipment, and to prepare required reports.

7. Must possess ability to make accurate observations and documentation of it in regard to individuals’ needs and make determinations of risk assessment.

8. Must possess the academic knowledge and some skill in promoting therapies and social service work and skills with children and youth and families.

9. Must possess knowledge of child development and the ability to conduct assessments and investigations.

10. Must possess ability to provide structured and unstructured life skills instructions and guidance to individuals as needed.

11. Must possess the ability to express empathy and understanding to all individuals.

12. Must be able to interact effectively with children and youth, department staff, counselors, attorneys, and the courts.

13. Must be able to work effectively with persons involved in the criminal and/or juvenile justice system.

14. Must be able to rapidly establish rapport with individuals having behavioral health, substance abuse, or intellectual challenges.

15. Must have some knowledge of the judicial and court system as it relates to child services.

16. Must have transportation available and a willingness to travel for work-related job duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

Associate’s degree majoring in the social welfare field and 4 years of professional casework or human service experience; or bachelor’s degree majoring in the social welfare field and 2 years of professional casework or human service experience; orbachelor’s degree in an unrelated field with at least 12 credits in social welfare and 3 years of professional casework or human service experience; or successful completion of a 6-month PIC probationary period as a Service Coordinator II.

Clearances:

· Must work in conjunction with employer to apply for Act 34 PA State Police Criminal History, Act 151 PA Child Abuse and FBI clearances prior to employment. Clearances currently possessed that are less than 4 years old will be accepted until new clearances are available. All clearances must reflect acceptable results.

· Must not appear on Preclusion Lists as defined by “Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance Bulletin 99-11-05 Provider Screening of Employees and Contractors for Exclusion from Participating in Federal Healthcare Programs.”

· Must successfully complete pre-employment drug screening.

HOW TO APPLY

A Venango County internal application is required. All interested, qualified individuals should contact Human Resources at 814-432-9758. Qualified applicants must pass an interview.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: 05/17/2024

*Signing bonus will be granted upon entering into a 1-year employment contract with the County of Venango. Distribution as follows: $3,000 will be received in the second pay following signing of the contract/hire, and installments of $1,000 each will be received upon the pay date following four months and eight months of the signing the contract/hire.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. **DRUG-FREE WORK ENVIRONMENT**

APPLICANTS WHO REQUIRE SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS DUE TO A DISABILITY SHOULD CONTACT 814-432-9758 FOR ASSISTANCE.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.37 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• professional casework: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person