Social Services Clerk- Full-Time at Haven Behavioral Healthcare in Dayton, Ohio

Job Description:

Social Services Clerk - Full Time

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00-5:00

Haven Behavioral Hospital of Dayton is a 59-bed facility providing high-quality, specialty behavioral health services for individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. Our success is a reflection of the excellence and dedication of our employees at every level of our facility. The culture of our hospital is built around service. All jobs performed on our team are worthwhile and every employee makes a difference. If you are looking for an opportunity to grow personally and professionally while delivering compassionate, quality care we encourage you to explore career opportunities with Haven of Dayton.

Why Haven

• A small family like environment where focus is on patient outcomes.


• Dedicated, passionate leaders who are hands-on and accessible.


• Competitive pay and benefits package.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Social Service Clerk provides administrative and clerical support to the social services department. This role ensures that patients and their families receive assistance with accessing social services, including housing, transportation and other community resources. The clerk helps coordinate care, maintain records, and support the overall mission of delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to individuals with mental health conditions.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

COORDINATION OF SERVICES:

• Coordinate communication between patients, families and the healthcare team.


• Work with external agencies such as social services, housing, outpatient treatment programs, etc., to facilitate patient care.


• Support social services staff in arranging follow-up care, including outpatient appointments, medication management, therapy, and community resources as identified in the multidisciplinary treatment plan.


• Assist in coordinating placement in post-hospital care facilities, such as skilled nursing, supported living, and residential treatment centers when identified by the multidisciplinary treatment team.


• Provide education to patients and families about treatment options, community resources.


• Assist patients and families with completing forms and applications for social services, housing and financial assistance.


• Monitor the status of service request, transportation arrangements, and housing applications, keeping the social services team informed of any changes or delays.


• Schedule and coordinate meetings with case managers, social workers and external service providers as needed.

DISCHARGE PLANNING:

• Coordinate and track post-discharge care with community mental health agencies, outpatient treatment providers and community stakeholders as identified by the multidisciplinary treatment team.


• Secure placements in appropriate aftercare settings, such as group homes, halfway houses, skilled nursing facilities or outpatient programs.

COORDINATION WITH LEGAL AND COURT SYSTEMS:

• Serve as the primary point of contact between the hospital and legal entities, including courts, public defenders, public assessors and law enforcement related to involuntary commitment requirements.


• Coordinate court dates, hearings, and legal reviews related to the patient's commitment.


• Prepare legal documentation, including affidavits, progress reports and other documents as needed to ensure compliance with all court-mandated treatment plans, conditions, and timeliness.


• Plans and facilitates all meetings associated with involuntary commitment process including; Mental Health Court, including treatment team meetings, stakeholder meetings, commitment hearings and additional meetings, as requested.


• Educate patients and their families about the court-ordered commitment process, including their rights, treatment options, and next steps.


• Follow-up on commitment status changes to ensure all patients remain on a valid commitment.


• Travel locally to deliver documents to hearing officers as needed.

DOCUMENTATION AND COMPLIANCE:

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient, family and community referral interactions.


• Ensure compliance with all hospital policies, procedures and regulatory requirements related to patient care and discharge planning.


• Adhere to hospital policies, legal protocols, and state regulations related to involuntary commitments and mental health law.


• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive patient information according to hospital polices and HIPAA regulations

POST-DISCHARGE FOLLOW UP:

• Complete phone calls to discharged patients verifying attendance with aftercare appointments, providing reminders and encouragement to attend scheduled appointments.


• Provide information on additional resources or support services if needed.


• Identify potential risks and escalate concerns regarding patient care.


• Document call outcomes and communicate any patient concerns or barriers.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance the effectiveness of services.


• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: A bachelor's degree earned from an accredited college or university in relevant human services preferred with high school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience: Minimum of one-year experience working with clients with mental health or substance use disorders.

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical skills and the ability to adapt to new technology platforms. Key responsibilities include utilizing various computer programs to execute daily tasks, including managing, scanning, emailing, and uploading digital court files. Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to communicate professionally with court officials via video conferencing, email, and telephone to ensure the probate process is completed in a timely and accurate manner.

Haven Behavioral Healthcare is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.