CLASS SUMMARY: Performs a variety of functions in support of the psycho-social, community reintegration and/or development of the seriously mentally or emotionally impaired including independent living skills training, pre-vocational and vocational coaching, needs assessments, case management, advocacy, crisis intervention, group therapy, recreational and leisure activities and/or supportive counseling. Monitors and documents client progress. DISTINGUISHING ELEMENTS OF THE CLASS: I. IMPACT: The health, safety and developmental progress and/or recovery of the client are affected by the quality of supportive training and services rendered by the incumbent. Client assessments made by the incumbent influence subsequent treatment planning by agency staff. The risk of endangerment to clients and others is a potential outcome of the custodial care rendered by the client. Client management by the incumbent in public settings reflects on agency reputation and could result in the risk of legal action. Case management and advocacy responsibilities directly affect the type and availability of appropriate care to the client and often determine the client's inclusion into a recovery of developmental program. II. LATITUDE: Work is generally performed independently subject to the regular consultation and periodic review of the program Manager and who assigns the incumbent's caseload and other projects; however, considerable discretion and initiative are employed in the delivery and management of client services. Work is guided by comprehensive and specific program policy and procedure. III. RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS: None. IV. INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS: Work involves direct and continuous contact with individuals referred to the program, their families and other support groups. The incumbent interfaces with a variety of other, internal and external, to the agency. These include: physicians, hospital staff, social service agencies, court and law enforcement personnel, and the Housing Authority. V. DIFFICULTY: Appropriately relating to a variety of client personality types requires use of good judgement and discretion. Work requires the ability to rapidly de-escalate clients with psychotic and agitated behaviors. The incumbent must use professional judgement in the balancing of client rights and the legal requirements governing treatment. Client advocacy and case management require persistent negotiation coordination and follow-up with a variety of others. VI. COMMUNICATIONS: Work involves direct interviewing and counseling requiring careful and precise use of language. Position involves the constant preparation of detailed and technical documentation such as clinical records, client service plans, discharge summaries, evaluative reports and correspondence and program activity summaries. Informal public information talks are presented. VII. EQUIPMENT/FACILITIES RESPONSIBILITY: Incumbent is responsible for the safe use and security of tools, equipment, appliances and spaces utilized by the clients in the course of supervised skills development. VIII. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in a residential and/or office setting and the incumbent is exposed to unhealthy, hostile, aggressive and verbally abusive clients presenting a risk of personal harm. IX. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA'S): Good knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques involved in assessment and crisis intervention for the mentally and/or emotionally impaired. Good knowledge of the theories, practices, and techniques of supportive therapy, counseling and group interactions. Good knowledge of the theories, practices and techniques related to psycho-social development and rehabilitation of the mentally impaired. Good knowledge of the laws, guidelines, and legal procedures relating to mental health care. Good knowledge of deaf culture and communication (if so assigned). Ability to establish and maintain rapport with the client population. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to work effectively in stressful situations. Ability to communicate effectively and prepare related documentation. Ability to prepare and maintain detailed client records. Ability to sign effectively (if so assigned). X. LICENSURE: Valid Virginia Driver's License, PPD, First Aid, CPR. XI. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CLASS (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY): Plans and conducts individual and group psycho-social development training such as independent living, recreation and leisure activities, pre-vocational training to clients and provides case management services. Assess client needs, responds to client inquiries, and makes referrals to services and resources in the community. Provides individual and group support and education. Provides assessment and crisis intervention and referral services. Advocates for individual and general client rights and services. Monitors progress and prepares client records. Schedules and coordinates appointments. Interfaces with and supports client family members and/or care givers. Acts as a back-up intake worker and completes intakes for clients and follows up as required. Monitors attendance. Supervises, assists and documents self-administered medications. Prepares and maintains statistical records and prepares related reports. Maintains an ongoing caseload of clients for community support groups. Does related work as required. Transports clients as necessary. XII. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to a, personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Some walking, moving, carrying, climbing, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, and handling, sitting, standing, pushing, and pulling. Ability to support handicapped during fire drills down four flights of stairs, ability to engage in sports with clients (i.e., tennis, softball, hiking, bowling, volleyball, etc.), car wash task, helping clients move to different residences. Physically supporting clients with seizures. |
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