Behavioral Health Technician - Adult Protective Services en St Croix County

POSITION SUMMARY:
This is a paraprofessional position providing programmatic support to Adult Protective Services and direct care client work under the End Abuse in Later Life Grant. This position performs a variety of duties to promote health, safety, and recovery, to the vulnerable adult population.  This position will utilize outreach, screens, assessments, safety planning, and crisis services, to support the needs of the department.  The primary role of this position will include conducting Annual Protective Placement (WATTS) Reviews and providing direct services to clients.  Duties will include case management, resource development, transporting clients, employment coaching, housing assistance, conducting mobile crisis assessments, telephone screening, appointment scheduling, and related work as assigned. Work is performed under limited supervision of the Department Supervisor or Administrator.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Conduct WATTS reviews and accurately complete required documentation.
• Assist clients in identifying and accessing community resources; maintain knowledge or area providers; seek donations from community organizations.
• Monitor client status and report any changes in behavior or suspected abuse/neglect to appropriate staff.  
• Complete assignments within expected timeframes; adapt to changes in work demands while maintaining quality.
• Communicate effectively with supervisory personnel regarding changes in work priorities.
• Work independently or as part of a team to ensure projects are completed on time and resources are used effectively.
• Assist clients and their supports with skill development and daily living functions such as parenting, budgeting, household organization, and health and safety at home or work.
• Promote client self-sufficiency through education, vocational activities, skill development, and employment readiness and coaching.
• Provide clients support during crisis situations; transport clients to and from appointments as needed.
• Provide onsite, in-person assessment, information, support, counseling, intervention, emergency service coordination, and referral for additional, alternative, or ongoing Services in accordance with DHS 34.22 (3) (b), Mobile Crisis Services.
• Accurately document client-related information in a timely manner, including billing and service documentation.
• Assist Supervisor and Social Workers with clerical support, intakes, filing, and waitlist management.
  Provide initial screening and scheduling for consumers seeking Behavioral Health services as a part of an Access team.
• Conduct assessments and provide documentation necessary to open clients to targeted Case Management.
• Cross train in other areas of the Health and Human Services or County departments as appropriate.
• Perform duties across multiple Health and Human Service departments as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of modern office practices and proficiency with standard office equipment and software.
• Knowledge of County and department programs and policies.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position.
• Ability to maintain discretion regarding business-related information and conversations, in compliance with open records law and applicable regulations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  

• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, supervisors, and the public. 
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and verbal form. 
• Proficient in workplace English and spelling.
• Ability to read and understand County policies and procedures, written instructions, general correspondence, SDS sheets, safety manuals, maps, etc. 

 MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.

 
REASONING ABILITY:

• Ability to define problems and deal with a variety of situations. 
• Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations. 
• Ability to analyze facts and exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions. 
• Ability to develop, interpret, and implement policies, procedures, and instructions. 

 
PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an 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 or as otherwise required by law.  Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; regular sitting; frequent standing, speaking or hearing; use of hands to handle or feel; repetitive motions; occasional walking, stooping, kneeling, or crouching; and reaching with hands and arms.
  Standard vision requirements.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required to express or exchange ideas. 
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Frequent travel may involve exposure to inclement weather conditions, unsanitary conditions in homes, communicable illnesses and diseases and unsafe environments.
• May require dealing with persons who are hostile, aggressive, abusive or violent, posing threatening conditions.

  
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in an office setting as well as clients' and service providers' homes, detention centers, correctional facilities, treatment and residential facilities, schools, courts, health care centers, remote locations, County work sites, and various community locations. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate degree in Human Services or related discipline.
• Two years’ experience working with persons with vulnerable clients and families. 
• Experience working with chronic mental illness preferred.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid driver’s license.
• Must successfully pass criminal and caregiver background checks.