Social Worker

Summary

Title:	Social Worker
ID:	1485A
Department:	Judicial Services Bureau
Salary Range:	Starting Salary $49,309.00

Description

HERNANDO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

AL NIENHUIS, SHERIFF

JOB TITLE:               SOCIAL WORKER
BUREAU:                  JUDICIAL SERVICES
SUPERVISED BY:    DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL SERVICES
PAY GRADE:      72N   CREATED:
FLSA STATUS:          NON-EXEMPT      REVISED: 6/12/2024

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS

The main focus of this position is to provide social work services for the inmate population within the Detention Center of the Sheriff’s Office. Job duties vary, objectives of the position are to mitigate inmate tension, improve inmate attitudes toward incarceration, assist inmates toward positive integration back into the community, and assist in coordinating services for homeless residents toward self-sufficiency. Incumbent exercises independent judgement after receiving written or oral instructions as to the nature of the work. Work assignments include but are not limited to: Crisis intervention, mental health assessment and through linkage with pertinent referrals and programs, talk therapy, and other supportive services as they arise. This position reports to the Director of Medical Services.

[NOTE]: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work 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.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Perform mental health assessments on inmates referred by medical/mental health staff using established clinical guidelines and with scope of education.
Document effective and efficiently, all services rendered or ordered for an inmate in these electronic health record (EMR), or paper chart, in the absence of the EMR; to include appropriate social histories and/or assessments of homeless inmates/patients and counseling.
Perform crisis intervention; assist inmates mental health/behavioral needs individually or through group therapy.
Coordinate and facilitate mental health telephonic/video hearings of meetings.
Makes referrals to other medical/mental health staff as needed.
Provide PREA inmate education through groups or cell side.
Attending all Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), Reclassification meetings or others as required.
Enhance the coping, problem solving, responsible decision making, and self-actualizing capabilities of inmates or residents.
Maintains cooperative working relationships with contact persons at pertinent agencies and programs; this may include conducting field visits to various community programs to ascertain appropriate inmate and resident referrals.
Utilize electronic medical record documentation format while maintaining inmate confidentiality.
Communicate and maintain a professional, effective working relationship between staff, support persons/groups and the inmate or patient.
Plans and implements behavior modification strategies for inmates or residents.
Comply with all guidelines, directives, policies, procedures and protocols of the agency; follow all guidelines as provided by the Medical Director. Remain fiscally responsible by utilizing the formulary and ordering only medically necessary diagnostic test/procedures.
Screens inmate requests for appropriate response and referral in a timely manner.
Maintain statistics as required; prepares written monthly/quarterly Social Worker reports.
Perform other duties as requested, within the scope of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS

1.Training and Experience

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field.
Two (2) years of experience in a correctional environment or related case management.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

2. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of social work theory and practice.
Crisis intervention and advanced communication skills used to deescalate aggressive individuals, communicate with psychotic and difficult people, and perform suicide risk assessments.
Knowledge of criminogenic risk factors is needed.
Knowledge of varied individual and group counseling theories and techniques.
Knowledge of human behavior processes.
Knowledge of social service, mental health, substance abuse, educational, vocational and rehabilitative programs available in the county and state.
Knowledge of the criminal justice process, court procedures, and legal requirements related to the incarcerated.
Skill in public speaking
Ability to render social work and counseling services professionally and effectively to inmates or patients.
The position requires the use of a variety of office and computer equipment and related software, including equipment and software unique to job requirements.
Ability to handle independently multi-disciplinary problems, which must consider long-term, organization -wide planning.

3. Certiciations/Licenses/Registration

Maintain appropriate, unrestricted credentials according to the licensure, certification and registration requirements of the jurisdiction.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS

On an average, the employee spends 40% of their time standing, 30% walking and 30% sitting
Ability to life 10-20 lbs. some of the time
Ability to bend frequently
Ability to reach over the head some of the time.
Ability to kneel some of the time.
Ability to climb stairs frequently
Ability to
- Type/CRT very frequently.
- Attention to detail very frequently
- Monitor equipment sometimes
- Detail inspection very frequently
- Transcribe/proofread very frequently
Environmental Conditions of this position
- Exposure to temperature extremes very frequently
- Dangerous equipment very frequently.
- Chemicals very frequently.
- Noise very frequently.
- Noxious odors/fumes sometimes

Equal Opportunity Employer

This opening is closed and is no longer accepting applications