Location: all cities,VA, USA
General Statement of Job
Under general supervision, performs social work and case management in the provision of social services for individuals in need of assistance. Employee is responsible for assisting clients in achieving self-sufficiency, determining eligibility of individuals and families for assistance through various benefit programs administered by social services department such as financial assistance, day care assistance, or other programs, or implementing activities associated with other social services. Work involves performing case management, providing counseling, assessing client needs, coordinating provision of needed services, and maintaining case records.
This position is essential. Personnel occupying this position may be scheduled to work irrespective of weather conditions and/or when general County offices are closed.
Special Duties & Responsibilities
* Manages caseload of VIEW clients and daycare clients to assist clients in achieving self-sufficiency; assesses needs of VIEW clients and determines appropriate supportive services; meets with clients who have previously been assessed; assigns clients to work activities; interviews daycare applicants; assists clients in dealing with daycare providers and obtaining information.
* Prepares and submits purchase orders and invoices for daycare providers; enters data into computer system.
* Determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods.
* Establishes and monitors self-sufficiency goals through information and assessment of client background.
* Explains nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance.
* Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion.
* Evaluates employability status of clients and explores potential sources of Income.
* Explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability.
* Refers clients to service worker as the result of overall assessment of situation if conditions warrant.
* Coordinates or participates in meetings relating to area of assignment, such team meetings between family members and other professionals.
* Prepares referrals for families requiring financial assistance or other assistance.
* Collaborates or contracts with outside agencies or professionals as appropriate.
* Maintains current listings of community resources, social service agencies, or other resources available for clients.
* Prepares and maintains confidential case records and files; documents all interactions with clients.
* Applies general policy to specific case situations; researches policy as needed.
* Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, case records, client activity reports, service plans, uniform assessment instrument, needs assessments, provider compliance forms, applications, funding reports, charts, or other documents.
* Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, case records, purchase of services orders, invoices, applications, court orders, needs assessments, police/arrest reports, medical exemption forms, attendance records, daycare rate sheets, laws, policies, procedures, manuals, directories, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
* Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, clients, family members, companion aides, social service agencies, government agencies, counselors, medical providers, probation officers, law enforcement personnel, court personnel, attorneys, schools, community organizations, professional colleagues, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
* Maintains confidentiality of departmental issues and documentation.
* Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, policies, or other guidelines; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions regarding changing laws and policies.
* Participates in the staffing of local emergency shelter when this facility is opened by the County to meet community needs.
* Operates a motor vehicle to conduct work activities.
* Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, entering data into computer, typing documents, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.
* Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.
* Develops activity and service plan to outline required activities to maintain program compliance and achieve stated goals.
* Monitors client progress and enforce policy through established guidelines.
* Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Training & Experience
Bachelor's Degree in Social Services, Sociology, Human Services, Psychology, or closely related field and a minimum of two (2) years of appropriate and related experience public assistance program administration, program eligibility evaluation, or social work; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.