Human Services Associate (Family Services) - Non-Merit

Full Job Description

Regular Schedule: 34 hours per week

A Non-Merit vacancy exists in the Department of Health and Human Services, Family Services.

Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring in this classification may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested candidates must apply at this time.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You MUST attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Requirements

Definition of Responsibility

The Human Services Associate/Child Welfare Advocate provides needs assessment and advocacy support for children and families facing intensive mental health challenges, behavioral issues, or trauma from sexual or physical abuse.

Include participation in multi-disciplinary case reviews to plan associated support services and discuss the unique needs of the child and family.

Requires regular and ongoing collaboration with numerous partners, including the Bureau of Behavioral Health, Department of Juvenile Services (DJS), Baltimore County Public Schools and other education systems, local hospitals, and Social Services Administration (SSA) representatives.

Examples of Duties

• Interviews children and families; identifies, assesses, and evaluates strengths and needs, family functioning, and receptiveness to services.

• Composes and compiles safety plans for services and evaluative reports; makes referrals and linkages to programs as needed.

• Provides customer service to both internal and external customers that meets or exceeds the standards set by the Department of Social Services.

• Provides counseling and crisis intervention services for individuals and families to assist the child and family in achieving the goals set in their action plan.

• Completes assigned work as outlined in a clear and consistent manner, including summarizing service documentation, court petitions, and case documentation.

• Maintains case records, case plans, and other required documentation in accordance with COMAR and local program policies and guidelines.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in a social or behavioral science.

(Experience as described in essential duties may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years for the required education.)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the theories and principles of human behavior, growth and development, mental illness, alcohol and drug abuse, and problems related to socioeconomic factors.

• Knowledge of modern individual, group, and family counseling techniques, diagnostic assessment, and basic treatment planning.

• Basic knowledge of de-escalation techniques.

• Strong clinical and communication skills, the ability to work independently, and the capacity to manage a complex workload, with data entry and tracking requirements.

• Ability to conduct individual diagnostic/assessment interviews and to formulate a basic treatment plan.

• Ability to make appropriate referrals.

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with others.

• Ability to appropriately handle hostile individuals and those experiencing a crisis.

• Ability to understand the rules and procedures of the courts and criminal justice system.

• Ability to interpret Federal, State, and local regulations, procedures, and guidelines for human services professionals.

• Ability to read and understand professional journals and other publications.

Licenses and CertificatesSome positions within this classification may require possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a non-commercial, class C Maryland driver's license at the time of appointment.Proof of Licenses, Certifications and EducationApplicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position.

Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study.

Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered.

Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Proof of Degree EquivalencyApplicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc.

(www.WES.org)Mail or deliver documents to:ATTN: Human Services Associate (Family Services) - Non-MeritOffice of Human ResourcesBaltimore County Government308 Allegheny Ave.Towson, MD 21204

You MUST attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Additional Information

This is a non-merit, unclassified, grant-funded position.

Physical and Environmental Conditions
This position is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, lifting, or other limited physical activities. Position may require traveling between work sites.

Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification and fingerprinting checks.