Social Worker II in Livingston

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits: DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

Brief Job Description: Under the supervision of the Specialized Health and Social Services (SHSS) program supervisor, performs complex and comprehensive public health social work and case management (CM) services for children with special health care needs and their families, high-risk pregnant women, and the general public. Basic CM duties for all program areas include: conducting home visits and visits to other community settings as appropriate to comprehensively assess client and family’s unmet social needs; completing intake, client assessment documents, and other relevant assessment forms; collaborating with medical providers, community partners, and other state agencies to address needs; monitoring and following up on cases to confirm progress; and maintaining current and accurate documentation of all contacts/case activities in case files and appropriate database systems according to program policies and applicable state and federal laws. Additional duties include conducting presentations and attending community events to educate the public about available CM services and completing program reports and projects as assigned. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs other duties as assigned. Member of the Incident Command Structure (ICS) in response to public health emergencies. Must comply with HHS, DSHS, and Texas Department of Public Safety applicable policies/procedures/standards.

Essential Job Functions:

• Case Management Functions—Provides complex and specialized social work consultation and comprehensive case management services to families who receive services or are seeking services from the CSHCN-SP, SSI, NBS, NBHS, CLPPP, CHIP, CPS/Foster Care and CM programs. Conducts home visits for comprehensive assessment of home environment and needs. Following program guidelines, provides comprehensive case management services including the Intake, Family Needs Assessment, Service Plan, and Follow-up services. Assists families with the eligibility determination process for CSHCN-SP. Provides information and referral services, linkage to community resources, family supports, advocacy, and service coordination. Maintains documentation of work activities with record documentation, monthly reports, travel reports, case summaries and correspondence. Utilises software programs to do database entry, word processing, spreadsheets, electronic mail, and Internet.
• Technical Assistance/Trainings – Provides consultation, presentations, and training to service providers/contractors for programs such as CSHCN-SP, CM and Family Support Services. Performs public relations with providers and recruits new providers. Works as a team member to develop improved processes and trainings for providers, contractors and consumers. Assists in training new staff, volunteers and social work interns. Provides program presentations to public to promote awareness of services available to children with health risks, conditions or special health care needs.
• Community Organization/Resource Development -- Actively participates in community organization functions and collaborates with other community entities on health, social work, case management and other related issues. Serves as the representative for the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on CRCGs, coalitions, interagency groups and advocacy groups to collaborate efforts in serving children with special health care needs. Participates in the delivery of community disaster mental health services as necessary. Adheres to and maintains Community Work Plan and Social Service Directory of community resources for service area.
• Professional & Team Development -- Attends trainings and conferences relevant to job to meet licensing requirement and provides backup and support to other team members. Continues to develop professional knowledge and skill in the practice of Social Work/Case Management in the Public Health setting. Also attends staff meetings and participates in the performance evaluation process.
• Other duties as assigned-- Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Other duties as assigned by Manager of Specialized Heath/Social Services or designee.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of Case Management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of children’s programs, such as Medicaid, CSHCN, Case Management for Children and Pregnant Women, CPS/Foster Care, SSI, NBS, NBHS, Lead, Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), and CHIP.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and technical assistance policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of community resources on a local, state and national level.
• Knowledge of the cultural and socioeconomic issues related to health and disabilities.
• Knowledge of evolving issues within the greater social work realm.
• Skill in using computer software programs in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, electronic mail and Internet, specifically MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access and Outlook.
• Skill in compiling monthly reports, travel reports, and time activity reports.
• Skill in conducting in-home family needs assessments and developing service plans.
• Skill in providing presentations and trainings.
• Skill in conflict resolution, mediation, and problem solving.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member in an interdisciplinary setting.
• Ability to interpret and apply program policies and procedures.
• Ability to provide professional leadership.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to plan work in an orderly manner to manage caseloads and meet deadlines.
• Ability to provide technical assistance to professionals.
• Ability to speak and write effectively and to address audiences in a professional manner.
• Ability to provide own transportation to conduct work duties.
• Ability to work under minimum supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.
• Ability to continue key educational activities focusing on current relevant social work topics.
• Ability to follow DSHS Policies and Procedures and adhere to the DSHS Standards of Conduct and Work Rules.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: Current, unrestricted license to practice social work in the State of Texas.

Initial Screening Criteria: Bachelor’s or graduate degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited college or university.

Additional Information: Master's Degree preferred. Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position.

ADA Accommodations: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility: The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.