HEALTH SERVICES SOCIAL WORK SUPERVISOR

General Definition

This is first supervisory level social work within an assigned health services specialty. Employees in this class supervise the activities of, and provide consultation, training, and direction to social workers providing counseling, referral and placement services to clients in the City's medical care or behavioral health/ intellectual disability programs. Work includes orienting workers regarding appropriate laws and regulations governing case management for specific clientele, and assisting workers in developing resources to facilitate the remediation of socio medical problems. Contact with health program clients, representatives of private and public health agencies and community and professional groups is

Allocating Factors:

(The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)

The employee must supervise at least two social workers in assigned specialty.
The position must be located in the Department of Public Health or the Department of Behavioral Health Services.

Typical Examples Of Work (Illustrative Only)

BOTH SPECIALTIES SPECIALTY

Plans, assigns and reviews the activities of a group of social workers performing casework functions within assigned specialty; recommends changes in practices and procedures to increase operating efficiency and expedite work flow; confers with superiors on policies, rules, and regulations related to social service functions; consults with private and public welfare or health agency officials on established procedures and problem areas; recommends establishing or modifying current methods and policies.
Screens cases initially to determine level of risk to individual, individual's eligibility for program, and services required; reviews cases for socio economic, medical, and other information; meets with social workers to discuss status of cases, problems encountered, basis for action, and alternative solutions; reviews and discusses progress, problems, selection and use of resources; provides supportive liaison services and assistance when required; evaluates workers' performance.
Trains social workers in social work techniques and methodologies; orients workers to appropriate laws, policies, regulations and procedures; evaluates worker development, performance and problem areas to determine training needs; takes corrective action where necessary.
Communicates with other public and private agencies, hospitals and institutions to exchange information and develop resources; prepares correspondence; answers inquiries relating to services and clients.
Performs related work as required.
GENERAL SPECIALTY
- Assigns, reviews, and evaluates the activities of social workers providing services to clients in the City's medical care programs; supervises workers in such functional areas as family medical care, family planning, health services to the homeless, and AIDS; trains workers in counseling and referral for family planning, substance abuse, geriatric problems or sexual abuse; provides orientation to workers in medical terminology and availability of medical services; trains workers to read and interpret medical charts of patients.
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY SERVICES SPECIALTY
- Assigns, reviews and evaluates the activities of social workers engaged in performing case management activities for clients with an intellectual disability; assigns cases to social workers and monitors compliance with court-mandated limits on case load size; orients staff in rules, county and state regulations and guidelines, and federal court mandates associated with assigned duties; trains staff in proper procedures for leading interdisciplinary team and Individual Support Plan (ISP) meetings; ensures that staff attends mandated training as required.
- Reviews ISP's prepared by staff within mandated time limits to ensure appropriateness, accuracy and completeness; reviews monitoring forms completed by staff and monitors follow-up of issues of concern to ensure timely and appropriate action; periodically attends team meetings and monitorings conducted by staff and provides guidance and support as required; holds monthly unit and individual supervisory meetings with staff; ensures that staff responds to all issues cited in court-ordered case reviews and monitoring reports in a complete, appropriate, and timely manner; assures follow-up of unresolved case management monitoring issues directly with the provider agency as appropriate; refers issues to supervisor and other administrative staff as needed.
- Participates in the selection of case management staff; provides information required for the preparation of reports; attends mandated training.

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Knowledge Of:

the principles, practices and techniques of social work as applied to the respective area of specialization
the principles, practices and policies of social service administration
the principles, practices and procedures for social service program planning and evaluation within the respective area of specialization
administrative principles, policies and procedures governing social services as applied to the respective area of specialization
legal provisions and regulations applicable to the delivery of social services within the respective area of specialization
principles, practices, techniques, literature and current developments in the field of social service planning within the respective area of specialization
functions and resources of public and private social welfare and related agencies providing services to individuals within the respective area of specialization
current social, economic, environmental and health problems affecting clients
social, psychological and environmental factors which result in the need for placement or institutionalization of individuals
knowledge of medical terminology

Ability To:

plan, organize and coordinate the activities of a group of social workers within the respective area of specialization
apply behavioral science concepts and principles in the supervision of a group of social workers
evaluate social service programs and make recommendations to improve effectiveness of operations
effect sound management practices in the administration of social service programs
analyze and resolve complex social work situations and make sound recommendations consistent with social work principles and departmental policies
exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting policies and procedures consistent with overall goals and objectives of programs
interpret and explain program functions, goals, and objectives
establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of private and public agencies, civic groups, associates and the general public
present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing
prepare and analyze reports pertaining to social service programs
teach specific medical information relating to family medical care and family planning clinics in the General Specialty
learn about various medical entitlement programs, private medical insurances, and community organizations to assist patients in obtaining optimal medical care
learn computer entry and retrieval methods and software applications related to work assignment

Minimum Acceptable Training And Experience

(The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 3/92.)

Education

Completion of a master's degree in social work from an accredited college or university. AND

General Experience

Two years of social work experience. AND

Specific Experience

Two years of full performance level health services social work experience in the area of specialization.

NOTE:

Two years of additional experience at the full performance level may be substituted for the master's degree requirement.

Physical And Medical Requirements

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

PAY RANGE:

EP21

Class Established:
- 12/81
Latest Spec. Revision:
- CSC: 9/11, Ad Board: 10/11

PF/jl

City Of Philadelphia Office Of Human Resources

5A63