Public Health Social Worker

• $49,117 - $62,455/ Year
• Full Benefits Package

Duties:

• Works closely with medical providers, care managers and social services agencies to provide short-term care coordination and connection to resources.
• Plans, implements, evaluates and modifies individual client care management plans.
• Assesses clients and patients identified as having safety or other high-risk concerns for immediate intervention needs; provides provisional services until appropriate ongoing services are in place.
• Acts as a conduit for clients to various health and social programs, including health insurance plans, health care services, and other community benefit programs.
• Assists clients in accessing health related services, such as obtaining a medical home, securing health insurance coverage and overcoming other barriers to obtaining needed medical care and/or social services.
• Facilitates client connection to community resources, including locating housing, food, clothing, parenting and prenatal classes and relevant mental health services.
• Communicates the purpose of various programs and services and the impact it may have on their wellbeing.
• Provides support and advocacy during phone calls and/or visits to reduce cultural and socio-economic barriers between clients and institutions and assure clients' needs are being appropriately conveyed and met.
• Provides limited classes on parenting, emotional regulation, sexual health, and related topics for parents and adolescents.
• Documents client encounters and contacts made on their behalf.
• Maintains comprehensive client files.
• Completes and submits monthly reports.
• This description is intended to illustrate the type and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. It may not be a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified. 

Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in social work and a minimum of one year of experience working with individuals or families in a community-based organizational setting; OR
• Bachelor's degree in social work and a minimum of three years of experience working with individuals or families in a community-based organizational setting.

Special Requirements:

• Must complete State of Michigan MI Bridges Community Referral Partner Training within six months of hire.
• Must possess a valid vehicle operator's license and have reliable access to a vehicle.
• In times of a public health emergency, may be required to report for specialized assigned duties inside or outside of Berrien County.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally and empathetically with culturally diverse individuals during a time of crisis and distress.
• Dedicated to continuously expanding knowledge and understanding of community resources and services, as well as the barriers that clients may face when seeking services.
• Ability to effectively communicate with health care professionals and care coordinators.
• Exceptional project management/coordination skills.
• Able to work collaboratively and effectively within a team.
• The physical ability to sit, walk, reach with hands and arms, and occasionally lift 25 -- 50 pounds is essential to the successful performance of job duties.

Desired Qualifications:

Prior experience is assessment and care for clients with suicidal ideation, depression, perinatal mood diso