Lead Social Services Consultant

About the Role

The Lead Social Services Consultant performs all duties of a Social Services Consultant (SSC) and serves as a leadership figure within the team. SSCs directly engage with patients in person or by phone to address their needs, including assisting with medical insurance enrollment and connecting them to community resources such as transportation, food assistance, and referrals for utility bills or legal issues. This role collaborates closely with medical, behavioral, and community health departments to provide holistic care, reducing barriers and improving access to services. The Lead Social Services Consultant also mentors and trains other SSCs, identifies opportunities for service improvement, and works closely with the supervisor to enhance team performance.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of patients assigned by the supervisor.
• Facilitate patient access to resources addressing ancillary issues within a medical context.
• Respond promptly to urgent or emergent patient needs.
• Plan and execute appropriate follow-up, with special emphasis on patients involved in HIV or other care management programs.
• Maintain professional boundaries with patients and conclude appointments on time.
• Uphold patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational standards.
• Proactively assist uninsured patients with health insurance options, including education, enrollment, and follow-up for those facing barriers.
• Adhere to HIV testing and counseling guidelines as established by the organization.
• Demonstrate effective teamwork and actively participate in Care Team Conferences.
• Document patient records within 24 hours of contact, including face-to-face, phone, or collateral interactions, HIV testing, counseling, and referrals.
• Monitor and document outstanding referrals in a timely manner.
• Represent the organization at community and internal events.
• Collaborate with clinicians, Behavioral Health Consultants, and other staff on initiatives addressing specific patient needs.
• Serve as a liaison with external agencies to integrate services and expand resource networks.
• Travel to local medical facilities, such as hospitals, to deliver documents or checks facilitating patient care.
• Provide spiritual care, including sharing scriptures, praying with patients, and referring them to churches or chaplains, while serving all patients with respect and humility.
• Participate in developing and disseminating resources for patients and staff.
• Maintain required certifications, including Affordable Care Act Certified Application Counselor and HIV counseling certification.
• Obtain and maintain fingerprinting and clearances as required by state regulations.
• Actively engage in individual and group supervision, problem-solving with minimal supervisory input.
• Attend assigned training to expand expertise on patient needs and resources.
• Participate in devotions, prayer meetings, staff meetings, trainings, and retreats.
• Adhere to organizational standards and suggest improvements for service delivery.
• Complete additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma required; Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related human services field preferred.
• Fluent in English and Spanish.
• Minimum of two years of social services or related experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required federal and state certifications, including Affordable Care Act Certified Application Counselor and HIV counseling certification through AACO.
• Knowledge of healthcare systems, community organizations, and resources, particularly those serving the Latino community.
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural competence, including the ability to interact respectfully with diverse individuals.
• Ability to remain calm in chaotic situations and manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated teamwork skills and ability to organize and process details efficiently.
• Proven record of confidentiality, trustworthiness, and honesty.
• Positive character and professional references.
• Willingness to travel to and work at all assigned organizational sites.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work in multi-story sites with stairs and no elevators.
• Ability to sit for extended periods at a desk and work on a computer.
• Ability to lift office materials and equipment weighing 10-25 lbs.