HEALTHCARE SOCIAL WORKER - Full-time

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:  

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related degree AND one (1) year of social work experience in a healthcare setting such as a hospital, long-term acute care hospital, and/or skilled nursing facility.
• An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be substituted. 
• Experience working in a correctional institution/detainment setting is preferred.

Must have CPR/BLS certification. Act 33/34 clearances are required to prior to appointment at the cost of the applicant.

Position Summary 

 Under the co-supervision of the Director of Nursing and the Director of Mental Health Services, the Healthcare Social Worker is responsible for conducting needs assessments, making necessary referrals, and assisting in the coordination of release and continuation of care for those with complex and/or acute medical needs at the time of release from the Allegheny County Jail. The Healthcare Social Worker will also coordinate and implement behavioral health services to include case management, and crisis intervention services. 

Position Duties 

• Collaborates with all applicable entities (i.e. Medical Director, treatment providers, healthcare administrators, caseworkers, probation) based on needs.
• Consults as needed with pretrial services, probation, and the courts to discuss alternatives to incarceration in order to meet the medical needs of the individual.
• Assists with completing referrals in an administrative function as clinically indicated.
• Collaborates with case workers at the Allegheny County Jail and collaborates with care managers from local hospitals for new admissions.
• Provides support to patients to help patients understand, cope, and participate in treatment related to their condition(s).
• Arranges for any necessary transitional care needs (i.e. in-home nursing care, establishment of insurance, follow up appointments, etc.), and coordinates with involved community care teams such as Justice Related Services (JRS) or the Community Treatment Team (CTT).
• Coordinates, behavioral health services and programs for incarcerated individuals within the Allegheny County Jail.
• Serves as a liaison between physical and behavioral health services teams.
• Consults with a multi-disciplinary team on crisis intervention cases and possible transfers to alternate levels of care or other facilities.
• Documents all patient interactions thoroughly and accurately utilizing the electronic healthcare record.
• Provides patient updates and documentation as requested or required.
• Recommends and implements quality improvement initiatives and activities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

Knowledge of: 

• Substance use disorders and eligibility criteria for levels of care within substance use treatment settings.
• Laws and legislations including but not limited to the ACA, NCCHC, PREA, and Title 37.
• Criminal Justice system.
• Services/Programs within the Community.
• Principles, practices, and techniques of behavioral health services and suicide prevention.
• Medical terminology.
• Understanding of the psychosocial aspects of illness and health.
• Conflict resolution and crisis intervention.

Skill in: 

• Microsoft Office products including Teams, Word, and Excel.

Ability to: 

• Interact with incarcerated individuals.
• Function interdependently and make informed decisions using sound professional judgment.
• Communicate effectively with jail administrators, healthcare managers, incarcerated individuals, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of staff.
• Work professionally with coworkers, outside agencies, court services, and judges.
• Adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple tasks in a stressful environment.

Hiring Requirements 

Background, Real Estate Tax, Drug and Medical 

Allegheny County employment policy requires that in order to receive a final offer of employment, candidates must successfully pass a background check, which includes verification of Allegheny County Real Estate Tax status, along with a drug test and medical examination/s as required for the position. In cases pre-employment drug/medical screening is required, testing be completed within 48 hours of the acceptance of the conditional offer of employment. 

Veterans’ Preference 

Will be awarded to eligible candidates where applicable. 

ALLEGHENY COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - M/F/V/D