A Social or Human Services Assistant assists with identifying and arranging community services for clients. Works with social workers and other human services professionals. Helps with rehabilitation for people with disabilities or those in recovery, or coordinates home care services for the elderly; may also coordinate housing or job training assistance for immigrants, veterans, former inmates or families in crisis.
Coordinates support services involving case management, outreach, assessment, service linkage, monitoring, advocacy and counseling to individuals with a diagnosis of intellectual or developmental disability. Work is performed under general supervision and is guided by agency policies and procedures, quality assurance, public and private payor guidelines, professional practices and including ethical standards related to client interactions, state and federal licensure, Human Rights and accreditation regulations and guidelines. Hours of work often are outside the normal workday to accommodate the needs of the individuals supported.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assesses needs to determine the appropriateness for intellectual disability services and develops individual service plans. Links the individual to services and supports specified in the individual service plan. Assists the individual directly for the purpose of locating, developing or obtaining needed services and resources, including crisis services. Arranges transportation for individuals or their family members to access services. Coordinates services and benefits with the other agencies and providers involved with the individual or their family members. Provides crisis intervention assistance. Provides supportive services to family/significant others. Serves on treatment teams. Advocates on behalf of the individual for appropriate treatment/interventions. Develops community integration opportunities for community living skills and vocational, civic and recreational services. Makes collateral contacts with the parents, guardians, friends, and siblings of the persons served to promote implementation of the services plan and community adjustment. Prepares, submits and verifies authorization to provide service to individuals. Monitors service delivery to assure implementation of the individual service plan and participation in appropriate types and levels of services as well as community integration. Maintains necessary documentation in the Electronic Health Record and other platforms to document the provision of case management services for insurance reimbursement and other purposes. Attends in-service training and staff development programs to enhance the case management services.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge Of:
The definition and causes of developmental disability and best practices in supporting individuals who have developmental disabilities; Treatment modalities and intervention techniques, such as positive behavioral supports, person-centered practices, independent living skills, training, community inclusion/employment training, supportive guidance, family education, crisis intervention, discharge planning, and service coordination; Different types of assessments and their uses in determining the specific needs of the individual with respect to his ISP; Individuals' human and civil rights; Local service delivery systems, including support services; Types of programs and services that support individuals with developmental disabilities; Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication principles and techniques; General principles of documentation; and The service planning process and the major components of the ISP.
Skills In:
Interviewing; Negotiating with individuals and service providers; Observing recording, and reporting and documenting an individual's behaviors; Identifying and documenting an individual's needs for resources, services, and other assistance; Identifying services within the established service system to meet the individual's needs and preferences; Coordinating the provision of services by diverse public and private providers and generic and natural supports; Analyzing and planning for the service needs of individuals with developmental disability; Formulating, writing, and implementing individual-specific support plans promote goal attainment for recipients with developmental disabilities designed to facilitate attainment of the individual's unique goals for a meaningful, quality life; and Using information from assessments, evaluations, observations, and interviews to develop and revise as needed individual support plans tools (e.g., to ensure the ISP is implemented appropriately, identify change in status, or to determine risk of crisis/hospitalization).
Abilities To:
Demonstrate a positive regard for individuals and their families (e.g., allowing risk taking, avoiding stereotypes of people with developmental disabilities, respecting individual and family privacy, believing individuals can grow and contribute to their community); Be persistent and remain objective; Work as a team member, maintaining effective interagency and intra-agency working relationships; Work independently, performing position duties under general supervision; Communicate effectively, orally and in writing; and Establish and maintain ongoing supportive relationships.
TYPICAL EDUCATION, TRAINING AND WORK EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's Degree in a behavioral health field and considerable professional work experience involving case management services for individuals with a diagnosis of intellectual or developmental disability including some program management and supervisory experience.
LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS
Valid Virginia driver's license. Rappahannock Area Community Services Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available during the application and hiring process by contacting Human Resources at 540-899-4400 or HumanResouces@rappahannockareacsb.org.
