Medical Social Worker - Communicable Diseases Unit

  • City of Austin, TX
  • Austin, Texas
  • Jun 12, 2024
Full Time Human and Social Services

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications
  • Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Social Work OR
  • Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university plus two (2) years of experience in a field related to counseling individuals in crisis/trauma situations.


Licenses or Certifications:
  • Licensed under the Regulation of Social Work Practitioners Act of the State of Texas and will be required to maintain during employment.


Notes to Applicants
Position Overview
The Medical Social Worker in the Communicable Diseases Unit provides medical social work services and facilitates care for individuals diagnosed with HIV who are new to care or returning, as well as individuals starting on PrEP/nPEP. This position is community-based case management, and involves working in the field and community for the majority of the time, with a clinical component as well. The medical social worker will also work in the CDU Sexual Health Clinic and TB/Clinic. rotating to provide clinical medical social work services to clinic clients.

APH Information:
  • This position supports Austin Public Health’s Mission and Core Purpose identified in the Austin Public Health Strategic Plan .
  • Departmental Competencies related to the position can be found on Austin Public Health’s website .


Sign-On Bonus (*For those meeting eligibility requirements):
This position is eligible for an APH Sign-On Bonus.

  • Immediately upon hire - $500
  • Complete 1 year of service with APH - $1000
  • Complete 2 years of service with APH - $1500


If you are selected to Interview:
  • This position will have an in-person interview(s).
  • This position will require a pre-employment Criminal Background Investigation ( CBI ).
  • If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education, which may include High School graduation or GED , undergraduate, and/or graduate degrees, will be required.


Immunization Requirement:
  • Due to high-risk areas, Austin Public Health employees must comply with the department’s immunization policy.


Regarding your Application:
  • A detailed, complete City of Austin employment application is required to evaluate your qualifications. Please be thorough in completing the employment application and list all experience that is relevant to this position. The application and resume must include dates (month and year) for each job history entry. In addition, the resume information must match the information on the application.
  • Please describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications when responding to the supplemental questions on the application.
  • Work experience listed must include month, year and a verifiable Supervisor or Human Resources phone number. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Each individual who submits an Application as provided in the Municipal Civil Service Rules and meet the Minimum Qualifications for a Competitive Position shall be considered a Candidate for that Position. Employees, in Good Standing, who are Candidates within the Department or division that the Position resides in and who meet the Minimum and Preferred Qualifications (if any) of the Position will be included in the initial interview.
  • The responses to the supplemental questions should reference the employment history listed in the employment history section. Once the requisition has closed, the application cannot be changed to update work history, supplemental questions, or any other information.


Salary and Benefits:
  • Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. This position comes with a comprehensive benefits package consisting of medical and dental coverage, paid sick, vacation, and personal time, and a retirement plan.


If you are selected to interview:
  • Military/Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of initial interview to receive military/veteran interview preference
  • This position will require a pre-employment Criminal Background Investigation ( CBI ).
  • If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education, which may include High School graduation or GED , undergraduate and/or graduate degrees, will be required.


Electronic Notification to Applications:
  • Applicants will be notified via e-mail to communicate important information related to the status of their application as part of an ongoing effort to increase operational efficiency, promote a green environment and minimize delays and costs.
  • Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide are current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our e-mails or fail to check your inbox in a timely manner
  • Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. Please note that the Department may close the job posting at any time after 7 days.
  • When public health responds to an emergency you may be assigned activities that are outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time, including nights and weekends with possible deployment to locations other than the Austin Public Health.
  • This position is eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness ( PSF ) Program. This program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans.


Travel:

If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Pay Range
$27.16 - $32.87

Hours
Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with the possibility of some evenings.
Job Close Date 07/11/2024 Type of Posting External Department Austin Public Health Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Grant Funded Category Professional Location RBJ-15 Waller Austin TX 78702 Preferred Qualifications
  • Social work experience in dealing with medical care, mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness issues.
  • Demonstrated experience working with communicable diseases including HIV / AIDS , hepatitis C, and tuberculosis.
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish.
  • Ability to travel to multiple locations
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.


Consult with health care team to further their understanding of patient social and emotional factors. Review work for accuracy and completeness. Interview clients and/or their families to assess their psychosocial and/or resource needs. Develop and implement individual social work treatment plan. Compile data/information for reports, cost estimates, etc. Write informational reports. Refer citizens to appropriate agency or program. Record data on appropriate form/log, etc. Attend meetings as section representative. Seek and evaluate alternative funding sources. Attend meetings/seminars to stay current in job practices. Counsel individuals and/or their families to increase their understanding and acceptance of treatment, etc. and to help patient adjust after treatment. Perform other tasks as required.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:
None.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.


  • Knowledge of theoretical constructs of human development.
  • Knowledge of community resources available for children’s development, emotional therapy and/or support.
  • Knowledge of crisis intervention and counseling techniques used in trauma, grief, or crisis situations.
  • Knowledge of social work theory and techniques.
  • Knowledge of the requirements for categorical assistance programs.
  • Knowledge of psycho-social factors impacted by illness and disability and intervention techniques.
  • Knowledge of federal and state program requirements for services to children, adolescents and their families.
  • Knowledge of health education assessment, instructions and evaluation methods.
Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for this position are: Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Social Work OR Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university plus two (2) years of experience in a field related to counseling individuals in crisis/trauma situations. Licenses and Certifications Required: Licensed under the Regulation of Social Work Practitioners Act of the State of Texas and will be required to maintain during employment. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?
  • Yes
  • No
* Do you have an active State of Texas Social Work License? If yes, what is your license number.
(Open Ended Question)
* This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired.
  • I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Investigation.
* Due to working in high risk areas, applicants applying for this position must comply with the departments immunization policy as a condition of employment. Can you meet this requirement?
  • Yes, I will comply to the vaccinations required by the APH department
  • No, I cannot meet this requirement
* Describe your involvement with individuals diagnosed with HIV/STI's, as well as your experience working with those who are unhoused or dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues.
(Open Ended Question)
* Please provide a description of your experience working with multidisciplinary teams.
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you speak, read, or write in Spanish?
(Open Ended Question)
* If required, do you have the ability to travel to multiple work sites throughout the day?
  • Yes
  • No
* In the prior twelve months have you been employed by, owned any interest in, or been an officer or board member, for any business entity, including a non-profit organization, that is transacting any business with the City of Austin, including a recipient of any contracts, grants, or any funds of any kind from the City of Austin?
  • Yes
  • No
  • Don't know
If you answered yes to the question above, please describe your experience.
(Open Ended Question)


Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents

Job Address

Austin, Texas United States View Map