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Caseworker 2 (MH) - Mental Health Transitional Outreach

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Caseworker 2 (MH) - Mental Health Transitional Outreach

Salary

$48,039.00 Annually

Location

Bethlehem, PA

Job Type

Full time

Job Number

2025-00383E

Department

Human Services

Division

Mental Health

Opening Date

11/21/2025

Closing Date

12/5/2025 5:00 PM Eastern

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Application Requirements

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must successfully submit a completed application prior to the posting deadline. Applications submitted with incomplete or missing education and/or work experience sections will be considered incomplete and disqualified from consideration. The attachment of a resume to the application does not fulfill this requirement and will not prevent incomplete applications from being rejected.

BE SURE YOUR APPLICATION REFLECTS YOUR ENTIRE WORK HISTORY AS YOUR RESUME IS NOT REVIEWED TO QUALIFY YOU

Please answer any supplemental questions truthfully and completely. Use the employment history section of your application to substantiate your answers to supplemental questions.

Once the posting closes, all applications will be reviewed. The information provided on the application will be utilized to determine whether or not each applicant meets the minimum requirements for this position. Please read the Minimum Requirements thoroughly and then demonstrate that you meet these requirements on your application. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be considered for the position.

Qualified, eligible applicants will move on to the next step, an Education and Experience Review, in which points will be assigned to each applicant’s education and relevant work experience provided on their application.

We encourage all applicants to share a comprehensive, concise history of their education, certification, licensing, and employment on their employment application so that we are able to accurately assess their experience. Eligible candidates will be ranked on an Eligibility List based on their total score on the Education and Experience Review.

For questions regarding this posting, please contact County of Northampton Human Resources at [email protected] 610-829-6366.

Equal Employment Opportunities – It is the policy of Northampton County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or any other status protected by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any other state, federal, or local law.

Job Description

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Caseworker 2 – Mental Health Transitional Outreach fulltime case management position offers intensive assistance to individuals with serious mental illness who need more intensive monitoring, support, and outreach than is available via the standard administrative case management position, yet, who do not require, desire, and/or qualify or have yet to transfer to higher levels of targeted case management. This position utilizes extensive outreach approaches to assist individuals in transition needing this level of care.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

This position reports directly to the County Casework Supervisor for Mental Health.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position does not exercise supervision over other functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION

Completes mental health (MH) intake interviews, paperwork and referrals to MH programs per the MH service plan. Also, reviews referral material and available medical or psychiatric records concerning a consumer’s physical or mental condition, social and/or economic status, attitudes, and personality traits.

Maintains ongoing electronic records of each consumer’s progress including ongoing documentation through case notes, reviewing/linking medical records, financial information, and other pertinent documents, and completing/updating other necessary documentation including social assessments, liabilities, authorizations and discharges as needed

Participates in regular service/treatment planning and review activities that may include attendance at meetings, in person or virtually, for the purpose of developing, monitoring and updating individual service/treatment plans; completing documentation for that individual following the meeting.

Completes and updates sliding-fee-scale liabilities annually or more frequently as dictated by changes in client income, insurance, marital status and/or number of family dependents.

Assist individuals in obtaining and utilizing healthcare services (medical, psychiatric, therapy, and any needed substance abuse services), which may also require assistance with managed care individuals with navigating their systems of care and with processing any necessary grievances, and scheduling and transportation.

Assist individuals with obtaining and maintaining access to medications, including performing routine medication monitoring, which may also include working with pharmaceutical companies’ patient assistant programs and the DPA spend-down program.

Assist individuals in obtaining and maintaining involvement with socialization, vocational/employment opportunities, volunteer opportunities, etc., as this will include encouraging participation with senior centers, faith-based organizations, mental health programs, support groups, etc., and may require frequent site/home visits and problem-solving sessions.

Assist individuals needing emergency food, clothing, utilities/energy assistance, shelter, medical benefits, and/or financial assistance, which may include working with food banks, utility companies, homeless shelters, and the NC County Assistance Office.

Assist individuals with SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) applications to increase access to SSI/SSDI.

Assist individuals needing help finding and/or maintaining permanent housing, which may include working with homeless shelters, Valley Housing Development Corp., and local housing authority offices; this may also include making regular home visits to monitor living conditions and, as problems arise, to coach individuals on needed lifestyle changes, so as to avoid loss of housing.

Assists and arranges transportation for individuals without means, including authorization for bus tickets to help individuals get to mental health appointments, etc. . May transport individuals to appointments as needed.

Provide referral(s) to a higher level of targeted case management, alternate living arrangements, SUD programs, partial hospitalization programs and/or other community support programs.

Assist individuals in decision making related to their spending patterns and budgeting their financial resources, which may require arranging for credit counseling and/or designation of a representative payee.

Serves as an advocate for individuals navigating through agencies to promote understanding of mental illness, promote and educate staff regarding the identification of symptoms of mental illness, insure understanding of the referral process for services, and promote and develop mental health screening programs as appropriate; this may include outreach to primary health care settings/ professionals, senior centers personal care boarding homes, assisted living facilities, retirement centers, and other programs/agencies that serve groups of adults and older adults.

Serve as the liaison to local shelters and Drop-in Centers to assist individuals with necessary services and make referrals as needed. Additionally, serve as liaison to non-mental health agencies who provide services to individuals that may include facilities listed above or transportation providers.

May attend Northampton County Suicide Taskforce and may assist with warm-handoff cases referred by local hospitals.

Duties and responsibilities of this position involve work of a confidential nature in dealing with client interviews, records, information and contracts. Confidentiality is to be maintained at all times in accordance with current regulations and policies.

*An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be 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.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE– Six months of experience as a County Caseworker 1; OR

Successful completion of the County Social Casework Intern program; OR

A bachelor's degree with a social welfare major; OR

A bachelor's degree which includes or is supplemented by 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences and one year of - professional social casework experience in a public or private social services agency; OR

Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences

Employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license. Must have an acceptable driving record. Personal vehicle required for County business, employee is eligible for mileage reimbursement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of current social case management principles, techniques and methods.

Knowledge of the basic principles and methods of program interpretation and community organization.

Knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems and their impact on the growth and development of people.

Knowledge of individual and group development and behavior and ways of working effectively with adults and children who have social, economic, emotional, or health problems.

Knowledge of social welfare policy and law as they relate to agency function and purpose and societal structures.

Ability to work effectively with people and aid them to grow in the constructive use of their potential in adjusting to their specific problems.

Ability to learn, interpret, and apply relevant laws, regulations, and policies governing agency services.

Ability to learn how to conduct individual and family interviews and to use them to identify individual and family problems.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, their families, other staff, outside agencies, and institutions, and the general public.

Ability to plan and organize work, prepare adequate records and reports, set priorities, and learn to maintain a caseload in an effective and timely manner.

Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of others.

Ability to clearly express ideas verbally and in writing.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English to perform the duties of this position.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Telephone, personal computer (including word processing and spreadsheet software), writing implements, fax machine, and copy machine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk or hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The noise level in the office is moderately quiet. Employee may also work in other environments such as schools, private homes, etc. These work environments may range from quiet to loud.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

FLSA STATUS: FLSA NON-EXEMPT (ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)

DESIGNATION: CAREER SERVICE

PAY GRADE: PS-35

UNION STATUS: PSSU

Updated November 2025

Full-time employees of the County of Northampton are afforded a package of benefitswhich includes the following:

Medical Insurance

Vision and Prescription

Dental

Life Insurance

Retirement

I. Medical Insurance

Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Cost to the employee to participate in the plans varies by the coverage selection and number of dependents; and may be subject to collective bargaining, if a union member. The employee may also elect to opt out of the County's medical insurance if proof of coverage through the spouse's employer is provided. Under this arrangement, the employee is provided with an annual $1,500.00 opt out payment.

II. Vision and Prescription

Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Copayments may vary, subject to collective bargaining, if a union member. Coverage under the vision plan varies and depends upon the employee's choice of doctor and frame selection.

III. Dental Coverage

Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Copayments may vary, subject to collective bargaining, if a union member.

IV. Life Insurance

A life insurance policy is afforded to full-time employees beginning on the first day of employment, unless specified differently in a collective bargaining agreement. It remains in effect as long as the employee is actively employed and terminates upon resignation or retirement. $20,000 is afforded to all eligible employees.

V. Retirement

All full-time employees and part-time employees working more than 1000 hours per year qualify for County of Northampton retirement benefits, in which employees must contribute 5% of their earnings, and employees may choose to add additional voluntary contributions, not to exceed an additional 10%. Additionally, employees may participate in an optional deferred compensation plan [457(b)] which may provide present tax advantages and future retirement savings. Such arrangements are made directly with the providers and the County will administer payroll deductions only.

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the applicant screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

+ Yes

+ No

02

Information to demonstrate your eligibility for this position must be provided on the application (i.e. relevant detailed experience and education). Resumes and cover letters will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for this position. Please click "yes" to demonstrate that you have read and understood this information.

+ Yes

+ No

03

Caseworker 2 position is part of the PSSU Union, and starting salary is dictated by the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The starting salary for this position is $23.0955 per hour ($48,039.00 annually), and is non-negotiable. Please choose "yes" to indicate your understanding of the starting wage, and that this is non-negotiable.

+ Yes

+ No

04

Do you possess a valid and current driver's license with an acceptable driving record?

+ Yes

+ No

05

What is your highest level of education?

+ Less than High School

+ High School Diploma or Equivalent

+ Associate's Degree

+ Bachelor's Degree

+ Master's Degree or Higher

06

Have you successfully completed twelve (12) college credit hours of courses in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences? Note: Unofficial transcripts must be attached to confirm otherwise your application will be rejected.

+ Yes

+ No

07

Do you have a bachelor's degree in one of the following social welfare majors: Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or Counseling? Note: Be sure to list your degree major under your education section and attach your transcripts to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable. Official transcripts will need to be provided prior to hire. Failure to attach your transcripts could result in your application being rejected.

+ Yes

+ No

08

Do you have one (1) year of professional social casework experience in a public or private social services agency? Note: Be sure your work history reflects this.

+ Yes

+ No

09

Have you completed the County Caseworker Intern Program in a civil service position with a Pennsylvania local government agency?

+ Yes

+ No

10

If you answered "yes" to the above question, please answer the questions below regarding this internship in the text box provided. If you answered "no", please type "N/A" in the text box provided. Name of employer where you completed your internship Type of internship and duties performed Number of hours completed

11

Caseworkers interview and obtain information from caregivers, natural parents, and other individuals to complete a comprehensive needs assessment. Please select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your experience with conducting initial intake assessments.

+ I have experience conducting interviews with consumers, members of their families, and other persons in areas of foster care, adoption, adult services, preventative services, in-home health care, nursing home, or other services necessary to assess social, economic, health or physical problems to assist them in obtaining services without any direct supervision of a supervisor or manager. I was responsible for the complete, evaluative interview process including planning and scheduling the interviews, taking notes, asking follow up questions, and completing timely written assessments including a summarization of the information secured during the interview in a human services agency/field with any direct supervision of a supervisor or manager.

+ I have experience conducting initial intake assessments of applicants related to social services needs however I was not responsible for conducting the complete, in-depth interview process - OR - I have completed a Child Welfare Education for Baccalaureates (CWEB) internship of 975 hours related to this work behavior - OR - I have completed the County Social Casework Intern program related to this work behavior.

+ I have completed a human services college internship of at least 3 credit hours related to this work behavior - OR - I have completed a human services internship of at least 200 hours related to this work behavior.

+ I have completed college-level coursework related to this work behavior such as interviewing or counseling.

+ I have no experience or education related to this work behavior.

12

Caseworkers maintain a caseload of individuals receiving supports/services and completes ongoing case documentation (electronic and paper files) of all contacts and referrals made, information provided, work completed, and disposition in a timely manner, and in accordance with regulatory compliance. Please select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your experience with maintaining a caseload.

+ I have experience in any social services area maintaining a comprehensive record of contacts and referrals made, information provided, services delivered to individuals, meetings held, work completed, and disposition with adherence of timeframes in relation to compliance with rules, regulation, policy, procedures, and/or legislation.

+ I have experience in any social services area maintaining a record of contacts and referrals made, information provided, services delivered to individuals, meetings, held, work completed, and disposition - OR - I have completed a CWEB internship of 975 hours related to this work behavior - OR - I have completed the County Social Casework Intern program related to this work behavior.

+ I have completed a human services college internship of at least 3 credit hours related to this work behavior - OR - I have completed a human services internship of at least 200 hours related to this work behavior.

+ I have completed college-level coursework related to this work behavior such as data input, business writing, research, and writing for the workplace, communications, or English composition.

+ I have no experience or education related to this work behavior.

13

Caseworkers develop individual/family service plans based on the strengths/needs of an individual including identifying priorities, developing family-centered outcomes, and monitoring their progress and providing follow-up via telephone calls, home visits, and/or contacting provider agencies. Please select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your experience with developing and monitoring individual service plans.

+ I have experience developing individual/family service plans based on an individual's strengths/needs including developing outcomes and identifying priorities AND I monitored the progress of their service plan AND I provided follow-up by making telephone calls and conducting meetings or visits.

+ I have experience performing limited aspects of this work behavior such as helping individuals implement their service plan by helping them execute their goals however I did not develop the service plan - OR - I have completed a CWEB internship of 975 hours related to this work behavior - OR - I have completed the County Social Casework Intern program related to this work behavior.

+ I have completed a human services college internship of at least 3 credit hours related to this work behavior - OR - I have completed a human services internship of at least 200 hours related to this work behavior.

+ I have completed college-level coursework related to this work behavior such as development of social policy or planning/goal development.

+ I have no experience or education related to this work behavior.

Required Question