Supportive Education and Employment Specialist (Human Service Worker I or II)

The School of Medicine - Outpatient Maryland Psychiatric Research Center of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is seeking a contractual Supportive Education and Employment Specialist or SEES (Human Services Worker I OR II) to provide counseling, education and employment services. The SEES spends approximately 60-75% of time in the community assisting clients suffering early on in a psychotic illness to continue, resume, or adapt their academic or vocational activities to foster recovery. Under general supervision, the selected candidate serves as a leader in providing direct social services such as case management, crisis intervention, placement, and referral for individuals and their families.

This is a full-time, contractual position located on the grounds of Spring Grove Hospital in Catonsville, Maryland.

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development. Contingent Category II staff receive a generous leave package that includes over 2 weeks of vacation each year, paid holidays, sick time, and time for community service; subsidized comprehensive health insurance and supplemental retirement options; professional learning and development programs; limited tuition remission for employees enrolled at UMB; life insurance and long-term disability; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

PRIMARY DUTIES - Human Service Worker I

• Obtains and examines information necessary to assess client's needs and determine eligibility for services. Explains criteria for eligibility.
• Identifies and evaluates client`s problems. Makes recommendations to supervisor on a plan of action for social and/or medical services. Monitors and re-evaluates client progress.
• Makes home visits to conduct initial intake and follow-up.
• Coordinates the referral of clients to alternate care facilities. Arranges transportation, escort, home care, and other similar services.
• Assists in providing preventive, protective, or supportive services to individuals or groups who are in or are threatened by, situations detrimental to their well-being or that of the community.
• Writes case reports and maintains case records.
• Maintains personal contact with other social service agencies and community resources in order to facilitate the referral of individual clients.
• Assists in organizing individual and family support groups; educational programs such as seminars and workshops; and other activities.
• Maintains and updates statistical data such as social services needs evaluated, services provided, referrals made, follow-up contacts, and outcome of interventions.
• Assists in preparing various State, Federal, and departmental reports.

Note: The intent of this list of primary duties is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this job. Incumbents perform other related duties assigned. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs.

PRIMARY DUTIES - Human Service Worker II

• Assists with obtaining and maintaining competitive employment in the community and provides necessary support to ensure success.
• Engages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of obtaining and maintaining competitive employment.
• Performs a documented assessment on each new admission which includes reviewing work history, exploring interests, and defining works goals as they relate to recovery.
• Coordinates and updates the clinical team through meeting attendance and ongoing communication regarding status of job placement.
• Provides benefits (SSI, Medicaid, etc.) counseling and makes referrals as needed.
• Collaborates with DORS Counselors and relevant outside agencies.
• Contacts employers to investigate job opportunities and develop working relationships. May provide education to the community to establish communication and build rapport to promote services.
• As needed, arranges interview, serves as a mediator between the person served and the employer in clarifying job expectations, and provides job coaching and on-the-job supports.
• Assesses vocational functioning on an ongoing basis, when possible, through job visits and interactions with employer with client’s permission and by maintaining contact with employers to monitor job performance, acceptance of supervision, interaction with co-workers, attendance and punctuality.
• Assists clients and families with defined education goals.
• Performs ongoing education assessment and develops educational goals as part of the Person-Centered Care Plan, updated at least every six months.
• Develops relationships with and educates High School IEP Case Managers, Guidance Counselors, Transition Coordinators, Social Workers, Teachers, as well as College Professors, Disability Support Services Staff and Counseling Center Staff.
• Aids clients and their families in navigating high school IEPs and 504 Plans and meetings.
• Advocates on behalf of the client to school personnel to ensure that their rights and needs are being honored.
• Ensures reasonable accommodations and other needed resources are in place. Finds resources for students with limited concentration and comprehension due to psychosis.
• Connects with Home and Hospital Teaching program when necessary.
• Depending on identified educational goals, facilitate enrollment and attendance at GED program, trade or apprenticeship programs, or college program.
• Provides regular follow-up support on campus or in the community for those who are in school.
• Provide support and resources concerning transportation independence such as MTA reduced fare and/or disability applications, learning to utilize public transportation, etc.
• Arranges transportation, escort, home care, and other similar services.
• Provides communication with family members as needed to help them understand the educational challenges related to psychosis.
• Updates the clinical team regarding status of education goals and provides progress reports.

Note: The intent of this list of primary duties is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this job. Incumbents perform other related duties assigned. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs.

Human Service Worker I: Bachelor's degree. Degree in a social science preferred. No experience required. Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.
Human Service Worker II: Bachelor's degree. Degree in a social science preferred.  Three years providing social work and/or community organizational services. Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• General knowledge of counseling principles and methods; and of the emotional, social, physical, and mental needs of infants, children, adolescents, and adults. General knowledge of and compliance with confidentiality of records and communications regarding clients. Skill in organizing and managing a caseload. Skill in developing, initiating, and following through with a plan of service or treatment. Skill and ability to interact with the public, health care providers, agencies, facilities, and community organizations. Ability to use computers and other office equipment. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to write case reports and maintain accurate and up to date case records.
• General knowledge of community and/or social service resources and programs preferred. Working knowledge of a broad range of occupations and jobs and general knowledge in job development/experience is preferred. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing preferred. Ability to operate computers and other office equipment preferred. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and tact preferred.

Conditions of Employment: Valid Maryland Non-commercial Class C or equivalent driver's license may be required. Employees in this job class may be required to use their personal automobile while conducting official business.

Based on the duties of this position, selected candidates are not eligible to participate in the Bargaining Unit (Union).

Salary Range for Human Service Worker I: $37,000 - $41,000, commensurate with education and experience. 

Salary Range for Human Service Worker II: $48,000 - $54,000, commensurate with education and experience.

UMB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law or policy. For assistance related to employment, please contact the Staffing department at [email protected]. 

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request . You may also contact [email protected]. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.