Case Worker

Travis County•Texas 78701, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Determines applicants' eligibility for a variety of social services available and/or provides other social services related to crisis intervention and short-term case management. Interviews clients, collects and completes required eligibility documentation, determines eligibility for social services assistance and monitors client progress and usage of assistance. Refers clients to clinical and social service provider resources. May serve as lead worker over subordinate social services staff. This is a part-time job, working approximately 25 or less hours per week. This classification is distinguished from other social services classes due to the eligibility-related functions and short-term case management for various clients. This classification interviews clients and collects eligibility documentation to determine appropriate social services assistance and monitors client progress and usage of assistance. Duties also include problem-solving assistance and functioning as an advocate on behalf of the client. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in one of the Social or Behavioral Sciences AND two (2) years experience in social services related work; OR, Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
Valid Texas Driver's License.
Knowledge of: Policies, practices, procedures and terminology of assigned function.
Knowledge of: Local social services, organizations and programs and the resources available.
Knowledge of: Federal, State and Local program laws and requirements.
Knowledge of: Modern office practices, procedures and methods.
Knowledge of: Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information.
Skill in: Providing assistance to clients.
Skill in: Interviewing techniques.
Skill in: Problem-solving and decision-making.
Skill in: Referring clients to appropriate social services organizations and programs.
Skill in: Math computation.
Skill in: Operating a variety of modern office equipment, including a computer.
Skill in: Both verbal and written communication.
Ability to: Deal effectively with persons experiencing crises and economic stress.
Ability to: Work effectively and courteously under high-pressure circumstances.
Ability to: Prepare accurate and complete records and reports.
Ability to: Demonstrate consistent, sound, and mature judgment in the effective and efficient use of human and financial resources.
Ability to: Manage time well and meet timelines.
Ability to: Communicate effectively.
Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, community outreach and other organizations, clinical and other social service providers, and the general public.

Responsibilities

Interviews clients, collects and completes required documentation and determines eligibility for assistance based upon a variety of service regulations and procedures.
Monitors and ensures contract and program compliance.
May make home visits on an 'as needed' basis for clients unable to come to the service site.
Provides basic needs counseling and problem-solving assistance or case management services for clients.
Conducts assessment of client needs.
Develops casework/service plans, monitors progress and follow-up.
Provides social services related to crisis intervention.
Coordinates with other service agencies, organizations, and vendors to provide appropriate services and information for clients as well as referrals.
Serves as an advocate on behalf of client.
Makes appropriate referrals to other social service, education, and/or health agencies as needed.
Interprets eligibility requirements, policy and procedures to clients, other agencies, vendors and governmental entities.
Assists in contract development and monitoring.
Plans, organizes and participates in special projects, including outreach efforts, public speaking and special activities for client.
Provides education and training to clients/community.
May provide short and long-term case management, crisis intervention and service coordination to ensure maximum self-sufficiency and non-institutional living.
May provide short-term independent living skills assistance and training.
May assist clients in obtaining vocational and employment services.
May coordinate arrangement for indigent burials with funeral homes, survivors and staff.
Attends indigent burials to ensure compliance with contract.
May recruit, train and function as lead over volunteers and staff.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.