Job Abstract

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Pediatrics/Los Angeles County Maternal Child Program, a division of the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Department of Pediatrics needs a full-time Case worker to help MCA clients at the LAC+USC Outpatient Clinic (behaviorally infected HIV+, Perinatally infected and Affected family members) obtain tangible services, undertaking counseling and psychotherapy with individuals, families or groups, supporting communities to provide or improve social and health services, and re-engage clients, living with HIV or at risk for HIV, who have fallen out of care. Refer to County Social Worker, through e-consult for non-HIV+ patients. 

The Case Worker will be integrated into our clinical team serving as an advocate and liaison between the clinic medical provider, work with providers and other clinic staff whose goal is to reduce barriers to care for patients.

The position is funded by grant and/or contract and maybe funded by a subsequent grant or contract.  The position is contingent upon receipt of the necessary funding from this or any subsequent grant or contract to continue employment.  

The incumbent:

• Must be a self-starter, able to think critically, effectively problem solve and good conflict resolution skills. 
• Must be able to work independently and efficiently, as well as work successfully within a team environment.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills - Exercises mature judgment - Maintains regular, consistent attendance - Proficient knowledge in processing confidential information - Ability to effectively coordinate multiple projects/tasks.
• Must complete a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment and assess for risk factors: SI, HI, AH, VH, SA, and DV.
• Must carry a caseload.
• Must provide emotional support and counseling to patients who are struggling with adjustment to their diagnosis.
• Must attend weekly Mental Health Team meetings, monthly MCA Staff meetings, bi-monthly Patient Case Review, and weekly MCA Patient Management meetings.
• Must provide coaching to patients who may need assistance in managing medical and case management appointments.
• Must work closely with other case managers and the clinical team to better provide intensive care coordination and individualized patient-centered services over a short time period to address immediate patient needs and build trust between the patient and the clinic team.
• Must develop close working relationships with HIV service providers in Los Angeles County to facilitate a referral network for addressing mental health/substance abuse issues, access to transportation, and housing needs.
• Must work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Must listen and gather information and be courteous to the public; maintain privacy.
• Must learn and operate ORCHID (the software used by Los Angeles County Department of Health Services) and other patient care software to manage patient-related information.
• Must complete documentation in ORCHID and other patient care software in a timely manner.
• Must be available to staff for education, support, and consultation as needed.
• Must partner with patients and their families to identify their strengths or abilities to cope with their diagnosis.
• Must be available to support medical providers with partner notification.

Preferred work experiences:

Demonstrate ability to effectively implement evidence-based interventions, including but not limited to: Motivational interviewing, harm reduction, cognitive behavioral therapy, and intensive case management. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Bilingual in SPANISH preferred. Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills Knowledge of community resources; demonstrated ability to network and build strong relationships with community organizations serving priority populations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree

Minimum Experience:

2 years

Minimum Field of Expertise:

Directly related experience in mental health. Demonstrated knowledge and skill

necessary to provide appropriate care, interventions and services to age related and

cultural needs of individuals served. Knowledge of principles and practices of crisis

intervention; interviewing techniques; psychosocial problems; principles, practices and

techniques of counseling and case management documentation process. Demonstrated

ability to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress. Ability to

deal tactfully with others. Demonstrated interpersonal, critical thinking and

communication skills.

The hourly rate range for this position is $24.26 - $28.60. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Please send us a cover letter with answers to the following questions and a copy of your resume.

• Why did you apply for this position?
• Why do you want to leave your current position?
• What is your experience in working in medical setting? Have you interacted with doctors and nurses in professional setting, and in what capacity? If yes, provide examples.
• Have you ever worked with patients in Spanish?  Please give me a detailed description of your work and how you interacted with them.
• Do you have future educational or career goals you would like to pursue? Another degree? Goal career field/aspiration?
• What is your expected salary?  Please provide dollar amount.

USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu.  Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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