Adult Protective Services Clinical Social Worker (Social Worker III), Grade 24

Please note: The salary range above represents this position’s earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be $82,352 to $125,854, based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

WHO WE ARE

Montgomery County is located adjacent to Washington, D.C., and with over one million residents, is the most populous County in the State of Maryland. The County is also the most diverse County in the State and ranks among the top ten most diverse Counties in the nation. Montgomery County contains many major U.S. government offices, scientific research and learning centers, and business campuses.

The Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for delivery of the County’s public health and human services that meets the needs of our community’s most vulnerable children, adults and seniors. The Department provides services through more than 120 programs at more than 20 locations. With over 2,000 employees, the Department of Health and Human Services is the largest County Department.

As a department, we believe the health and wellness of the county can only be achieved by ensuring that every resident has fair opportunities to reach their fullest potential. This means access to quality housing, transportation, education, employment, health care, human services, safe neighborhoods, and healthy food. HHS provides critical services for residents who face a variety of obstacles in achieving their full potential. HHS plays an essential role in building a healthy and strong community.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

 Aging & Disability Services is seeking a dynamic Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) to provide Adult Protective Services clinical social work services for disabled adults, frail elderly, mentally, chronically, and terminally ill and intellectually disabled adults, aged 18 and over. These clients are seen in the community in their homes. The employee will need to be able to facilitate a safety plan with the client in crisis situations. The employee should be able to work well in a multi-disciplinary team. The employee in the position must have reliable transportation, be able to work well independently, and have strong written and communication skills. This position requires a high level of organization and the ability to prioritize competing client needs with case documentation. 

Duties include:

• Investigating abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults who are at risk in the community and taking steps to ensure their safety in the least restrictive setting.
• Making comprehensive psychosocial assessments and developing and initiating individualized plans of care.
•  Crisis intervention, emergency psychiatric petitions, and the preparation of court reports for guardianship.
• Acting as a surrogate decision maker and case manager for court referred disabled adults for whom the Department has been appointed guardian of the person of last resort.
• Consultation and collaboration with other staff within the Department as well as with collateral agencies such as the Montgomery County Police Department, the Developmental Disabilities Administration, Montgomery County Schools, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services, local hospitals, local nursing homes, assisted living facilities, the Crisis Center, the County Attorney’s Office, the State's Attorney’s Office, private attorneys, guardians of property, and community public and private agencies as required to assure an efficient and integrated care management program.
• Employee will have regularly scheduled daytime backup on call responsibilities. Employee will also need to have the aptitude to learn and master computer technology related to case documentation needs.
• Timeliness in client contacts, documentation, and follow-up reports are critical elements in this position.

The selected candidate willbe requiredto successfully complete a pre-employment background check, medical exam, and drug screening.

Education: Possession of a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited college or university that meets the criteria of graduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social

Work Education.

Experience: Two (2) years, to include a minimum 3,000 hours of professional experience rendering social work services under the supervision of a LCSW-C in accordance with Maryland Board requirements.

Licensure:

• Must be licensed as a Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical – LCSW-C by the Maryland State Board of Social Work Examiners. Note: There will be no substitutions for this requirement.

• Possession and maintenance at all times of a valid Class C (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant’s state of residence when required for job-related duties

• Ability to work independently and multi-task under the pressure of firm deadlines and mandates.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare effective documentation of case activities and prepare business documents.
• Proficiency with an electronic case management program as well as use of other office systems/equipment.