Intake/Access Worker - Behavioral Health

The Intake/Access Worker is the gateway for services for several social work programs. It is critical the individual in this position has the expertise and skills to gather all pertinent information from the client/referent, public, and law enforcement related to mental health substance use, early intervention/prevention and Adult Protection. This position must have the ability to verbalize and write a thorough, all-encompassing report on the subject matter in the appropriate database so a Supervisor can accurately determine what if any action the Department should take in the matter. This position will primarily assist the functioning of the Behavioral Health Unit and as such may perform duties when other staff are at maximum capacity, under the direction of the Supervisor. The worker must also possess excellent interview and customer service skills, be able to operate calmly in stressful situations, multi-task and work well independently and in a team-based environment. This position receives supervision and direction from a Social Work Supervisor.

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be assigned or required. 

• Thorough written documents, in-person or over the phone interviews, this position completes Adult Protective Services (APS), Comprehensive Community Services (CCS), Community Support Program (CSP), Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) and early intervention/prevention referrals according to Washburn County, State of Wisconsin (DCF and DHS) regulations, Wisconsin Statutes and pertinent Federal Laws.
• Provides information and referral to the public and collaborative agencies for all target groups that HHSD serves.
• Maintains and updates accurate information in local and state data systems.
• Provides follow up and further inquiry for Adult Protection Referrals.
• Completes administrative tasks such as but not limited to; sending out and receiving records requests, redaction of records, filing, outreach or other duties as assigned.
• Maintains and updates a Department-wide Resource List.
• Serves as a member of a multi-disciplinary social worker unit serving individuals of various target groups.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, supervision time and other regularly scheduled meetings; develops professional knowledge and skills by attending training events, conferences and/or workshops.
• Assists and/or performs the functions of Initial Assessments under the supervision of the Supervisor as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Ability to gather and document appropriate and sufficient information at Intake/Access across all the target groups.
• Knowledge, skill and ability in de-escalation and crisis intervention service.
• Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, other employees, representatives from community resource groups, contract agencies and the general public.
• Ability to understand and direct clients and reporters in person and over the phone.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret and prepare a variety of professional or legal documents.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to manage high levels of stress.
• Considerable ability to work and make appropriate decisions independently.
• Knowledge of available community resources for the target groups.
• Knowledge of the impact of mental health, substance use and developmental disabilities has on children, individuals, families and the community.
•  Knowledge of Wisconsin Statutes/Chapters 36, 51, 54, 63, and 55.
• Complete CCS training and CLTS Waiver Basics training.
• Functional screen training.
• Thorough knowledge and skill of operating a wide variety of computer hardware and software systems, various office equipment, and other peripherals; including being able to demonstrate experience and knowledge of MS Office Suite products, windows operating systems, computers and peripheral devices.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIRED:

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field and at least two years of experience working in or closely with a County Social/Human Services OR five or more years of experience working in or with County Social/Human Services in a like capacity as described above that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Must have access to private transportation at all times for work-related duties. Must possess a valid State of Wisconsin driver's license or have the ability to obtain one.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED: 

Telephone systems; computer including word processing software; copy machine; postage machine; fax machine; calculator.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to work under generally safe and comfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as repetitive computer keyboard use, irate individuals and intimidation may cause discomfort and poses a limited risk of injury.

CLOSING STATEMENT: 

This position description has been prepared to assist in defining job responsibilities, physical demands, working conditions and skills needed. It is not intended as a complete list of job duties, responsibilities and/or essential functions. This description is not intended to limit or modify the right of the supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The County retains and reserves any and all rights to change, modify, amend, add to, or delete from any section of this document as it deems, in its judgement, to be proper.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The duties are subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.