Starting Compensation:

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Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

• The Drug and Alcohol Caseworker is a professional position providing a full range of case management services. 
• The Caseworker is primarily responsible for ensuring that clients with drug and alcohol problems have access to a continuum of care by identifying, referring and authorizing appropriate services.
• The Caseworker will oversee an administrative caseload of clients and carry out work under the direction of the Assistant Chief Caseworker. 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• The Drug and Alcohol Caseworker reports to the Assistant Chief Caseworker

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The Caseworker will perform the work in accordance with established regulation, policies, and procedures, but is expected to exercise initiative and independent judgement while performing these duties: 

• Attend all required DDAP trainings within the first 365 days of hire, participate in ongoing training and skills development.
• Understand and properly apply D&A confidentiality rules and regulations.
• Develop positive working relationships with D&A service providers.
• Place clients into the appropriate level of care.
• Complete Requests for Client Placement forms for fiscal and checks clients' Medical Assistance eligibility.
• Review/approve residential treatment continued stay reviews.
• Monitor the client’s participation in, satisfaction with, and progress through treatment services.
• Ensure continuity of client care through discharge planning and coordination with community services.
• Refer clients to other community services as needed.
• Maintain accurate and complete client records and produce clear and accurate case notes.
• Sustain helping relationships with the client, the client’s family, and others who are significant to the client.
• Advocate on behalf of the client.
• Provides Resource Coordination to clients as needed.
• Participates on the Lancaster County Drug Court team and/or works with Lancaster County Prison's Pre-Parole Unit.
• Assists in annual monitoring site visits of contracted providers to ensure contract compliance.
• Particpates in the contracting decision making process.
• Represents the D&A Commission at a number of community meetings.
• Acts as a liaison between the D&A Commission and the community by developing and maintaining positive relationships with others in the D&A/Human Services field.          

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

• Performs other duties appropriate to the position of Caseworker at the request of the supervisor.     .

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• A bachelor's degree in chemical Dependency, Sociology, Social Welfare, Psychology, Nursing or a related field; AND one year direct service experience performing counseling or case management work in alcohol or other drug treatment setting; OR
• A bachelor's degree which includes or is supplemented by successful completion of 18 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, criminal justice or other related social sciences; AND one year direct service experience performing counseling or case management work in alcohol or other drug treatment setting; OR
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of social casework principles and methods.
• Knowledge of addiction as a disease and its treatment.
• Knowledge of current social, economic and health problems and available resources.
• Knowledge of the treatment facilities and human services agencies providing services to alcohol and other drug clients.
• Knowledge of assessment practices.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with clients from various cultures and social economic backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to interpret regulations, policies and procedures and apply them accordingly.
• Ability to work with persons who have physical, mental or emotional disabilities or who are economically disadvantaged or involved with the criminal justice system.
• Ability to plan and organize work, prepare records and reports, set priorities, and maintain a caseload in an effective and timely manner with minimal supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other members of the staff, outside agencies and institutions, and the general public.
• Ability to advocate effectively on behalf of the client.      

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

• Pre-employment background checks
• Pre-employment drug testing
• Driver records check required by law or policy to perform the duties.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is primarily sedentary in nature, no special demands are required.

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees.  Read more about our benefits here.

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.