Social Worker II Work First Family Assistance Dss

DESCRIPTION

To perform intermediate level social work in providing services to clients in the County’s Work First Family Assistance Program.

DUTIES

Provides counseling and case management services to clients who are unemployed and receiving Work First benefits.

Assists clients in seeking and securing employment and/or education that will lead to employment.

Screens clients for substance abuse, emotional health issues, family / domestic violence.

Provides referrals for services, including day care, mental health, vocational rehabilitation, food stamps, domestic violence counseling, transportation, educational resources, unemployment benefits, housing, social security benefits, etc.

Monitors clients at work / school to ensure compliance with program requirements, authorizes sanctions for failure to cooperate with child support, mutual responsibility agreements, plans of action and other case requirements.

Evaluates and processes clients’ requests for hardship exemptions and extensions.

Completes hearing requests and documentation.

Manages assigned caseload; maintains accurate and complete case records; accurately records services provided.

Assesses client needs; prepares, implements and monitors care plans, making changes when necessary.

Refers clients to other department divisions and outside agencies for services as appropriate; assists clients in accessing needed services.

Conducts home visits to perform initial assessment, monitor progress and ensure clients are receiving necessary care and/or assistance.

Provides client transportation as needed.

Attends staff meetings to discuss and coordinate cases; communicates with other professionals to coordinate client care.

Conducts case audits.

Processes federal energy program / emergency assistance applications; determines client eligibility.

Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns and complaints regarding assigned programs and projects.

Works on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week, on a rotating basis.

Gathers information for and prepares various reports as required by the County and/or other agencies.

Operates a vehicle and a variety of office equipment, including a computer, printer, typewriter, copier, telephone, calculator, etc.; uses clerical and computer supplies.

Interacts and communicates with the immediate supervisor, other County department heads and employees, clients and family members, other social service and health professionals, various outside social service / health agencies, attorneys, court personnel, law enforcement personnel, school personnel, and the general public.

Attends meetings, training, workshops, conferences, etc., as required to enhance job knowledge and skills.

Performs intake procedures.

Processes applications for crisis intervention funding.

Staffs emergency shelters as necessary.

Performs general administrative/office work as required, including attending meetings, preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, sending and receiving faxes, copying and filing documents, reviewing correspondence, answering the telephone, etc.

Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Department of Social Services as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Social Worker II WFFA.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of social work, especially in the areas of adult and child protective services, adult home care, foster / adoptive services; is able to identify client needs and to develop and implement effective plans to help meet those needs.

Thorough knowledge of proper English usage, vocabulary, spelling and basic mathematics.

Thorough knowledge of modern office practices and technology.

Thorough knowledge of terminology used in the profession; has considerable knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions; has considerable knowledge of the methods of case recording and report preparation.

Knowledge of recent developments, current literature and sources of information regarding social services.

Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.

Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.

Knowledge of and skill in the use of computers for word and data processing and records management.

Knowledge of caseload management methods.

Ability to work with colleagues to identify the needs of clients and to determine appropriate services; is able to monitor cases and the welfare of clients and to take action as needed to protect adults’ / children’s rights and well-being.

Ability to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.

Ability to react professionally and decisively in confrontational situations; is able to deal safely and appropriately with persons exhibiting anger and/or threatening behavior.

Ability to advocate and promote practices of cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in all daily interactions.

Ability to develop, promote and practice teamwork in all activities.

Ability to develop and maintain positive, trusting, age-appropriate relationships with clients and others involved in the care of clients.

Ability to plan and present informative educational presentations to clients and other individuals and organizations.

Ability to assist in coordinating activities with other County departments, health / social service agencies, medical personnel, school personnel, etc., in order to accomplish goals.

Ability to maintain effective relationships with clients, personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation.

Ability to offer assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required.

Ability to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.

Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.

Ability to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job.

Ability to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in an office with a controlled environment as well as outside environment without exposure to harmful conditions.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work in an accredited college or university; or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in a human service field and one year of human services experience in the areas of case management, assessment and referral, supportive counseling, intervention, psycho-social therapy and treatment planning; or a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university and two years of human services experience in the areas of case management, assessment and referral, supportive counseling, intervention, psycho-social therapy and treatment planning; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Special Requirements

Possess valid North Carolina Driver’s License

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Disclaimer

This classification specification has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to perform the job. Bladen County reserves the right to assign or otherwise modify the duties assigned to this classification.

November 2017

BLADEN COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER