Human Services Associate - Department of Corrections

Pay Schedule I, Grade 25, Regular Schedule: 35 hours per week.

Under general supervision, screens, evaluates, and monitors clients in a human services program, provides counseling and case management services as part of a treatment or rehabilitative plan, and makes referrals to other agencies or professionals.

Examples of Essential Duties

• Interviews clients to establish case history or reviews case histories of referrals in order to assess needs.
• Assesses client needs and independently, or in consultation with a social worker, physician, or other licensed professional, develops an appropriate plan which may include referral of client to another agency or professional.
• Provides crisis intervention and individual, family and group counseling to clients, including offenders referred by the courts or other components of the criminal justice system.
• Recommends clients' readiness for school, employment or other future plans.
• Monitors and evaluates clients' participation in treatment program by case management.
• Maintains detailed records of clients' activities and provides reports to courts or other agencies upon request.
• Follows up on referrals and acts as a liaison between clients, the courts, clinics, employers, and community organizations.
• Attends court arraignments and trials. Prepares statistical and summary reports as requested.
• Places clients in jobs or community service activities and resolves problems in job assignments.
• Monitors urinalysis. Performs substance abuse testing.
• Conducts educational, community relations, prevention, and outreach programs.
• Attends meetings and training sessions.

The role requires attending court proceedings—such as arraignments and trials—to offer case management updates and serve as a liaison between clients, the courts, and community organizations. Because the role requires travel between locations and may involve client transport, a valid driver’s license is required.

Examples of Other Duties

• Recommends and assists in implementing corrective actions related to problem areas in overall program.
• May supervise and/or train subordinate human services and clerical personnel.
• May act as lead worker.
• May transport clients or make home visits.
• Assists sick or injured senior adults until emergency personnel arrive at the scene.

Performs other related duties as required.

(NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.)

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in a social or behavioral science.

(Experience as described in essential duties may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years for the required education.)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level)

• Knowledge of the theories and principles of human behavior, growth and development, mental illness, alcohol and drug abuse, and problems related to socioeconomic factors.
• Knowledge of modern individual, group, and family counseling techniques, diagnostic assessment, and basic treatment planning.
• Basic knowledge of community, human, and social services assistance programs.
• Writing skill necessary to complete forms, medical records, case histories, and reports.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to conduct individual diagnostic/assessment interviews and to formulate a basic treatment plan.
• Ability to make appropriate referrals.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with others.
• Ability to appropriately handle hostile individuals and those experiencing a crisis.
• Ability to understand the rules and procedures of the courts and criminal justice system.
• Ability to interpret Federal, State, and local regulations, procedures, and guidelines for human services professionals.
• Ability to read and understand professional journals and other publications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Full Performance)

• Knowledge of the theory and practice of provision of human services in the applicable specialty.
• Knowledge of the organization and role of assigned program within the County and State human services structure.
• Knowledge of community resources and support groups available to clients.
• Knowledge and understanding of applicable Federal, State, and local regulations, procedures, and guidelines including those of the courts and criminal justice system.
• Knowledge of County and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to performance of duties.
• Skill in conducting individual diagnostic/assessment interviews and formulating basic treatment plans.
• Skill in making appropriate referrals.
• Skill in handling hostile individuals.
• Skill in crisis intervention.
• Skill in individual, group, and family counseling.
• Skill in case management.
• Ability to assist in the development of complex or comprehensive treatment plans. Ability to conduct educational programs for clients or the community. Ability to lead and instruct other workers within the program.

Licenses and Certificates

Some positions within this classification may require possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a non-commercial, class C Maryland driver's license at the time of appointment.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

Qualified applicants will be assigned a rating based on an evaluation of their training and experience as submitted on their application and supplemental questionnaire. Applicants are advised to state the dates, duties and responsibilities of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Some positions may require satisfactory completion of County sponsored CPR and First Aid training. These positions must maintain certification throughout employment.

Physical and Environmental Conditions

These positions are essentially sedentary with occasional walking, lifting, or other limited physical activities. Positions require traveling between work sites.

Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation

Applicant's selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification and fingerprinting checks