SOCIAL WORKER I, HEALTH SERVICES

This position is currently limited to Howard County Health Department employees only.

ASTD16

Howard County Health Department
8930 Stanford Blvd.
Columbia, MD 21045

The Behavioral Health Navigator (BHN) utilizes clinical social work knowledge and skills to assess and guide consumers through the behavioral health care system. This includes assisting clients with access issues, evaluating insurance coverage and network adequacy, and coordinating with public and private organizations to provide a service plan for clients. This position coordinates community-based resources, facilitates appropriate referrals, recommends treatment services, and connects clients to community resources for behavioral health treatment services.

Primary duties include:
• Evaluates case situations and makes recommendations for care coordination;
• Facilitates referrals and linkages to care and provides direct education to consumers, families, and providers;
• Designs and leads presentations for provider networks and the general community on the levels of care and available resources;
• Develops consumer guides and resources, including maintenance of local resource directories;
• Plans and conducts surveys and utilizes monitoring tools to track outcomes for quality assurance;
• Provides social service support for consumers and/or families and connects them with appropriate follow-up services;
• Collaborates with outside agencies and referral sources to help navigate consumers to the appropriate resources and appointments;
• Advocates, supports and coordinates consumer and/or family needs.

The Suicide Prevention Coordinator is responsible for the development, coordination, and implementation of activities as outlined in the Youth Suicide Prevention Plan (YSPP) and supports related suicide prevention programming. The Coordinator also serves as the point of contact for general suicide prevention activities at HCHD as a liaison with the Maryland State Office of Suicide Prevention.

Primary duties include:
• Organizes and leads suicide prevention program planning efforts, to include the convening of community stakeholders to establish a community-based coalition;
• Management and oversight of CAMS-care grant to provide training for County clinicians in an evidence-based assessment and treatment framework for suicide prevention;
• Synthesizes stakeholder data and feedback to identify opportunities to expand the suicide prevention work plan;
• Coordinates with community stakeholders and the Local Health Improvement Coalition for strategic planning initiatives related to suicide prevention activities;
• Educates community members and providers on Howard County’s suicide prevention campaigns for reducing stigma and increasing dialogue about youth suicide;
• Leads implementation of Sources of Strength peer leadership program, including facilitation of adult advisor and student leadership teams;
• Designs and shares relevant content for the Teen Health Matters website, podcasts, and other HCHD social media outlets
• Oversees short and long-term grant projects as appropriate, including CAMS-Care community training;
• Collaborates with community groups and represents the HCHD at health/resource fairs;
• Assists in supervision of student interns;
• Serves as representative on community teams, including the Child Fatality Review Team and Mental Health Community Advisory Council.

Education:   Determined by the Maryland State Board of Social Work Examiners under the licensing requirements for Social Workers.

Experience: None.

Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with organizing and leading community-based teams/coalitions.
- Experience with youth outreach and engagement.
- Knowledge of crisis de-escalation techniques.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience with managing content for social media platforms.
- Ability to work some evenings/weekends.
- Well-organized.

This position is limited to only current Howard County Health Department employees.

1. Candidates must be licensed as a Graduate Social Worker (on or by June 30, 2018), Master Social Worker(on or after July 1, 2018) or Certified Social Worker by the Maryland State Board of Social Work Examiners prior to appointment to a position in State service. Applicants who do not have a license may also apply pending receipt of the required license. When the license is obtained, submit a copy to the Maryland Department of Health Testing Unit.

2. Candidates appointed to positions in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of an automobile. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess an appropriate operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). 

Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. 

Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application (and supplemental questionnaire) may be submitted to MDH, Recruitment and Selection Division, 201 W. Preston St., Room 114-B, Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment.  No postmarks will be accepted.

If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload.  If you are unable to upload, please fax the requested information to 410-333-5689. Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the MDH Recruitment and Selection Division at 410-767-1251.

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. 

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling: 410-767-1251 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.