Social Services Specialist I

Position Summary

The role of the Social Service Specialist is to conduct an initial screening and provide a comprehensive integrated clinical psychosocial assessment; develop intervention plans based on that assessment; provide brief treatment toward the care plan; provide transition services for long term counseling/treatment and Infant Case Management; and consult with the interdisciplinary Maternity Support Services team on the needs of clients served.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Introduces clients to integrated MSS services (either in home or at clinic) and performs systematic social services screening to determine current status and needs in a variety of areas
• Based on identified client needs, makes referrals to appropriate agencies/services or provides information and assists clients for self-referral
• Advocates as needed to encourage participation in implementing the care plan or to resolve problems which are interfering with active participation in the care plan (such as transportation or language barrier)
• Charts notes of the services provided as required by the state and agency in Sea Mar’s Electronic Health Records
• Aids client in accomplishing tasks necessary to access services such as filling out appropriate forms, obtaining necessary documentation or authorization
• Maintains professional standards and follows the treatment policies and procedures of the agency, as well as applicable federal, state and local regulations
• Completes a thorough, culturally sensitive, psychosocial assessment which includes but is not limited to: Personal history (cultural background, health status, coping strategies, mental health status, substance use, abuse and violence); current family functioning; review of support systems (formal and informal); and basic physical needs
• This assessment is shared with the client and team members to assure that all relevant psychosocial issues are addressed in the care planning
• Participates fully in all interdisciplinary team meetings to provide input on client’s assessed psychosocial needs and on interdisciplinary team plans for client

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and current Certified Counselor through the State of Washington Department of Health or Chemical Dependency Counselor
• Experience working with underserved populations such as, but not limited to, those who have limited English speaking skills, are homeless, and migrant and seasonal workers
• Experience working with substance use disorders, chronic mental illness, and those who require crisis intervention
• Experience working with safety-net providers within the community and broad knowledge of community resources to facilitate whole person care
• Knowledge of evidence-based screening tools (PHQ 9, GAD 7, AUDIT, DAST, etc.) and the ability to use these tools as part of a framework to make appropriate level of care interventions and referrals for patients as needed
• Good working knowledge and skills in using electronic health record platforms, external registries, as well as the Microsoft suite of programs in order to document patient services, develop and run reports, etc.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is preferred, but not required

How to Apply

To apply for this position complete the online application and click SUBMIT or APPLY NOW. If you have any questions regarding the position, email Paola Jimenez, MSS Program Manager, at paolajimenez@seamarchc.org.