SOCIAL SERVICES SPECIALIST 2* - 09022025-70936

Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES, MEMPHIS MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE, SHELBY COUNTY

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in social work or other related social services field and one year of full-time professional social services experience.

OR

Substitution of Graduate Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in social work or other related social services field.

Substitution of Education for Experience: Completion of 36 quarter hours or 24 graduate semester hours of qualifying coursework in social work, psychology, social welfare, mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, human services, rehabilitation counseling, special education, or criminal justice related to behavioral health or forensic services may be substituted for the required one year full-time professional social services experience.

Overview

The Social Services Specialist 2 provides professional social services support, assessing individual needs, developing treatment plans, and coordinating resources to improve patient well-being. Works with families, community agencies, and healthcare providers to ensure access to appropriate services while maintaining compliance with policies and regulations. This is the working level classification in the Social Services Specialist series. Employees in this role provide direct social services, counseling, and case management in mental health facilities and other settings. This class differs from Social Services Specialist 1 in that an incumbent of the latter performs at the entry-level and does not independently apply social work principles and practices.

Responsibilities

1. Assesses individual needs, develops treatment plans, and coordinates services.

2. Provides individual, group, and family counseling to address social, emotional, and economic challenges.

3. Connects patients with community resources, including housing, healthcare, and financial assistance.

4. Maintains records, ensures HIPAA compliance, and prepares reports for treatment teams.

5. Evaluates patient progress, adjusts care plans, and resolves service delivery challenges.

6. Engages with families, service providers, and external agencies to support patient needs.

7. Works with healthcare teams and schools to ensure continuity of care.

8. Stays updated on best practices, policies, and emerging trends in social services.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies:

1. Decision Quality
2. Manages Complexity
3. Plans and Aligns
4. Ensures Accountability
5. Communicates Effectively

Knowledges:

1. Social Work & Case Management Principles
2. Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Services
3. Regulatory Compliance & Patient Rights
4. Community Resources & Public Assistance Programs
5. Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

Skills:

1. Critical Thinking
2. Coordination
3. Judgment and Decision Making
4. Monitoring
5. Speaking

Abilities:

1. Problem Sensitivity
2. Inductive Reasoning
3. Speech Clarity
4. Information Ordering
5. Written Comprehension

Tools & Equipment

1. Computer
2. Telephone
3. Printer/Copier/Fax/Scanner

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.