Jobs Service Coordinator Intern

Summary

Pottawattamie County Community Services is announcing the hiring of a Service Coordinator Intern! 

This position provides a temporary (up to 9 months) on-the-job learning opportunity with responsibility for assisting with intake and referral processes, facilitating, coordinating, and monitoring services provided to persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and developmental disabilities to identify service needs and apply for all needed resources with direction from a supervisor. An individual in this position will work up to 40 hours per week. 

Essential Functions

Gathers and evaluates psychological, medical, vocational, and other assessment information to help develop and provide a social history/assessment, service plan and assist service coordination staff determine other needed service.

Assists individuals in utilizing and/or applying for services provided through various state and federal agencies including Medicaid application, food assistance and Social Security applications.

Facilitates and identifies additional assessments necessary for the benefit of the individual.

Assists service coordinators with paperwork requirements as needed.

Coordinates with various care coordination agencies in transferring individuals who become eligible for those Medicaid services and sharing knowledge that will benefit continued coordination of services.

Travels throughout the region to individual’s residences and to interdisciplinary staffing meetings to obtain information, interview individuals, and evaluate services.

Networks and coordinates with community service providers for available resources and assists individuals in accessing them.

Assists in determining eligibility for services by completion of an application and researching any additional information which may be needed in order to present complete and accurate information to the service coordinators.

Gains and remains knowledgeable of community resources such as support groups, food pantries, mental health treatment providers, transportation, and financial assistance.

Acts as an advocate for the needs, rights, and interests of individuals.

Learns and maintains knowledge of research and information pertaining to legal and other various issues dealing with disabilities.

Utilizes computer software in preparing reports, correspondence, and progress notes on individuals.  

Completes all paperwork and maintains accurate and confidential records pertaining to the position, such as social history, care plans, applications for services and releases of information within the Community Services Network (CSN) database.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

Answers the telephone and greets consumers and visitors.

Performs other duties as directed or as the situation dictates.

Essential Knowledge, Experience, and Ability

Desire to learn and gain knowledge of State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to Mental Health concerns, benefits, programs, and services.

Desire to learn and gain knowledge of programs and benefits available to persons with disabilities (i.e., schools, residential programs, vocational programs, housing) Department of Health and Human Services programs, Home and Community Based Waivers, and how to access these programs.

Desire to learn and gain knowledge of the legal residency process and how to determine such.

Skill in working with persons with various disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities, mental illness, and developmental disabilities.

Skill and ability to operate standard office equipment.

Skill in utilizing computers, word processing and spreadsheet software, and databases to perform input and retrieval functions to include Microsoft Word, Excel, and the Community Services Network (CSN).  

Ability to quickly analyze, retain composure, and utilize sound independent judgment and actions in stressful and emergency situations, occasionally with violent or hostile consumers.

Ability to apply proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation in preparing written work.

Ability to read and interpret medical and psychological reports and apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written and oral form.

Ability to communicate, present information, establish and maintain working relationships and respond to questions from supervisors, co-workers, individuals and families served, and individuals from other regions or outside agencies.

Ability to work independently, prioritize work, meet deadlines, and accept guidance in solving practical problems dealing with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Ability to type accurately using a computer.

Ability to compile, maintain, and submit required reports, records, and forms accurately and in a timely manner.

Ability to maintain an accurate and confidential system of communications, documents, and correspondence relating to individuals served. 

Essential Education, Certification, and/or Licenses

Must be a recent graduate of or near completion of a Bachelor’s degree in human services, psychology, social work, sociology, or a related field, OR a Bachelor’s degree with 30 credit hours in a human service field. 

Must possess a valid driver’s license at the time of hire and maintain it while employed.

Must attend training on Mandatory Abuse Reporting.