School Based Service Coordinator

School Based Service Coordinator

This position has the responsibility of interfacing with local school districts in Allegheny County, in order to identify and link behavioral health services for children and adolescents served by those systems. This individual will provide service coordination to children and adolescents identified within the educational setting that are in need of intensive service coordination services. The service coordinator will provide advocacy, assessment, outreach, linkage, and assist with the acquisition and coordination of resources and services for the identified clients on their caseload. Work is performed with considerable degree of initiative and independent judgment in accordance with established regulations, policies and procedures. The position reports directly to the supervisor who provides general guidance regarding problem issues.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Implements and provides services according to the Single Point of Accountability responsibilities:
• Be the "go-to" resource for the client served and their family
• Assure that there are effective "safety net' resources for the client served
• Clearly communicate to the client and their parent/guardian what they can expect from the system and what the system will expect of them
• Assure there is periodic assessment and cross system planning to meet the client's needs while utilizing their strengths
• Prepare for, convene/facilitate service planning meetings and provide follow-up after meetings
• Provides culturally competent services with consideration for race, religious, sex, sexual orientation, age and ethnic background
• Assure there is cross system coordination of services and that services are being provided
• Assist the client in developing and utilizing natural supports
• Be a persistent advocate for those served and give feedback on systemic problems
• Provide a consistent positive outlook that encourages recovery and full inclusion in the community.
• Maintain program utilization monthly reflecting daily activities and is responsible for completing case notes on a daily basis.
• Meet with the identified contact person(s) in the educational setting to discuss appropriate levels of mental health services for children and adolescents, provide technical assistance and serve as link between educational setting and any identified resources.
• Triage new student referrals from the school's needing service coordination and complete intake within the agreed upon time frame
• Attend interagency meetings, court hearings, and educational meetings and provide technical assistance and advocacy to the student and family.
• Facilitate referrals for mental health consumers to community providers as needed.
• Assist with coordination of services and assist families with utilizing community resources.
• Attend Student Assistance Program (SAP) training to be certified for Allegheny County.
• Maintain CANS credentialing at a minimum of .70 on a yearly basis
• Assist providers, families and education setting with integrating behavioral health services in the educational setting
• Complies with and adheres to HIPAA confidentiality policy.
• Coordinate with families, providers, Children Youth and Families, juvenile probation, educational system and any other community resources.
• Attends and participates in personal development and remains competent and knowledgeable of current trends, initiatives, resources and services available for clients and families.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to work in a team-oriented atmosphere.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other personnel or service providers.
• Ability to be attentive to detail.
• Demonstrated organizational skills.
• Ability to adapt and adhere to timelines.
• Ability to be a self-starter and creative in identifying solutions to problems; knowing when to inform supervisor when obstacles arise.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to adapt to and learn new software products.
• Ability to work with people from a variety of diverse agencies, backgrounds, resources, and communities.

Essential Requirements

• Possess Act 33, Act 34 and FBI clearances
• Have a valid Pennsylvania motor vehicle license and access to a personal vehicle.
• Have current auto insurance that meets minimum collision coverage
• Knowledge of guidelines and regulations of all levels of Service Coordination Services.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Full-time position requiring 40.00 hours per week for a ten month period to align with the school year.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree with major course work in sociology, social work, psychology, gerontology, anthropology, political science, history, criminal justice, nursing, counseling or education with two years' experience in a child serving system. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills are a must.