Program Specialist

POSITION OBJECTIVE

This position is accountable for the performance of case management functions of moderate and/or advanced complexity. It requires advanced proficiency within the competencies associated with the practice of case management. The primary objective of the assignment is to optimize client functioning through the assessment of client needs and the development of client service plans that identify priorities, outcomes, strategies and resources to achieve desired outcomes.
The Program Specialist, under general supervision, is accountable for assessment of client needs, the development of service plans, the mobilization of resources, assessment of client progression and effectiveness of intervention, initiating revisions to service plans as necessary to effectively attain desired outcomes. Accountabilities include the performance of variety of client services including intake services, client assessments, client service plan development and implementation, counseling, case management and case documentation. Program assignments may vary including and not limited to child and family services, adult services, developmentally disabled services, services to the chemically dependent and other programs as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Social Worker degree or a four year degree in a related field or ability to receive within 4 months of hire.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage cases of highest complexity in a diverse environment.
• Valid State issued driver’s license
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Knowledge of the vast array of community resources, programs, and systems. Basic interviewing skills, computer proficiency in various systems used. Ability to read and understand medical terminology and documentation.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Skills to perform case work, assessment, intervention and treatment sufficient to develop, implement and deliver social service programs for clients and their families.
• Knowledge of the client population and corresponding service delivery systems and community resources associated with the specific field or programs assigned.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal laws and regulations relating to health and social services sufficient to understand the impact on the client and service delivery parameters.
• Ability to foster and maintain effective working relationships with staff, clients, agencies and community groups.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, provide testimony and present to groups and/or individuals.

• Conduct client assessments as assigned, responding to reported incidents and client service requests with appropriate investigatory actions including interviews and site visits, consultations with other agencies and resources ensuring appropriate intervention is taken to address client service needs and protect client welfare.
• Formulate client service plans based on assessment findings to address short term and long term client service needs, including specific recommendations relating to internal and external resources, service outcomes, evaluation schedules, ongoing assessment and plan revisions to effectively address client needs, maximize client functioning and protect client welfare.
• Manage active case load, providing counseling, advocacy, service coordination and assessment, achieving service plan objectives and initiating modifications as necessary to achieve stated outcomes, address client needs, maximize client functioning and protect client welfare.
• Maintain case records including and not limited to client releases, economic, historical and demographic data, assessment results, service plans, goals and outcomes expected, reassessment results, outcomes achieved, referrals and resources prescribed, financial data and disposition of the case in compliance with agency specifications to ensure the accurate and timely recording, retention and retrieval of case files.
• Ensure compliance with agency and program financial parameters, completing required documentation to account for service costs and maximize reimbursement in accordance with program requirements to maximize the recapture of revenue associated with programs and services provided.
• Consult, advise and collaborate with internal staff and external representatives including family members to resolve issues, identify program and/or service opportunities, respond to inquiries and effectively serve the interests of individual clients or client populations.
• Provide case consultation to peers as assigned and as required to effectively address service delivery and respond to internal questions and training opportunities that arise in a timely and effective manner.
• Comply with all regulations relating to client confidentiality, closely guarding the privacy of client records and information to assure full compliance with MN data Practices, HIPAA and all other regulations regarding client confidentiality.
• Uphold the expectations of professional conduct and operating policies of the agency.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned in a professional and effective manner.