Casework Management Specialist 1 -Underfill

State of Nevada•Northern Nevada, NV

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Child and Family Services is recruiting a Casework Management Specialist 1 underfilling a Casework Management Specialist 3 – Family First Prevention Services position. The role is based in a Child Welfare office in Elko, Fallon, Fernley, or Yerington, Nevada. The specialist conducts case-specific assessments of families throughout the life of a case, including screening and evaluating youth and families for eligibility for Family First Prevention Services (FFPSA). The position requires a basic understanding of evidence-based interventions and practices used by DCFS, coordination of referrals to participating FFPSA providers, and development of partnerships with community-based providers. The specialist engages families in services, tracks and reassesses eligibility, and closes or transitions cases when services are declined or eligibility ends. The position also monitors ongoing safety threats and complies with applicable Title IV-E requirements. Participation in statewide Child and Family Services Reviews may be required when reviewer requirements are met. The specialist may also complete ICPC home studies and provide courtesy supervision of placements. Casework Management Specialists provide casework services and coordinate services for children, vulnerable and/or older adults, and their families. Assignments may be in specialized programs or facilities, with duties performed in homes or similar residential settings. Under close supervision, this incumbent receives training and may advance to the next level after meeting minimum qualifications, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and receiving the appointing authority’s recommendation. The position develops and implements case and safety plans; conducts assessments and home visits; coordinates and monitors services and referrals; documents case activities and prepares reports; works with clients, families, care providers, service providers, courts, agencies, and community partners; and participates in multidisciplinary teams and scheduled meetings. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, special education, human growth and development, criminal justice, psychology, counseling, social work, sociology, gerontology, or a closely related social science or human services field.
Knowledge of interviewing techniques for identifying service needs, case management practices and service coordination, human growth and development, individual and group behavior, socioeconomic conditions and trends, problem solving, research techniques, and report preparation.
Skill in maintaining case files and records and using a computer to enter, store, and retrieve data.
Ability to interact effectively with people from varied economic, cultural, social, and educational backgrounds.
Ability to work cooperatively with the public, service providers, and coworkers; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; and read and understand technical and legal documents.
Ability to participate as part of a team, work independently with minimal direction, follow through on assignments, and organize and prioritize work.
Authorization to work for any employer in the United States; the employer is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
Applicants seeking advancement must meet the next level's minimum qualifications, demonstrate satisfactory performance, and receive endorsement or recommendation from the appointing authority.

Responsibilities

Develop, manage, and implement case plans and safety plans through interviews with clients, family members, collaterals, court stakeholders, and care providers to support safety, permanency, and well-being.
Assess clients using agency-approved tools, identify social service needs, and explain service-related rights and responsibilities.
Identify goals and strategies based on established objectives and available resources; review client history, report observations, recommend changes, and provide intervention strategies.
Assist care providers in using techniques that enhance the care provider-client relationship; evaluate plan effectiveness and revise plans with clients, families, and care providers as needed.
Use evidence-based practices to support behavior change and achievement of client goals.
Monitor client and family progress and identify, obtain, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate resources and services.
Refer clients to service providers and community resources, assist with financial assistance where appropriate, and coordinate services with outside providers.
Consult and exchange information with clinicians, social workers, medical personnel, vendors, contractors, school districts, courts, public agencies, community organizations, law enforcement, and legal professionals.
Help resolve service-delivery issues and use crisis intervention with angry, hostile, or combative clientele.
Conduct assessments, contact children and vulnerable and/or older adults and their families, and perform home visits using motivational interviewing.
Monitor follow-up services specified in case and safety plans; arrange, assist with, or provide transportation to appointments and community assistance services as necessary.
Prepare court reports regarding family functioning and recommendations; monitor providers and service delivery, living-environment quality, and billing-form accuracy.
Train care providers as necessary under approved agency provider standards and assist clients with program applications and ongoing eligibility requirements.
Maintain documentation in accordance with regulatory and agency standards; record case activities, client contact, and progress, and prepare written reports, correspondence, forms, and other required documentation.
Provide information to treatment and service team members, professionals, family members, care providers, administrators, and the judiciary.
Participate in multidisciplinary teams and attend staff, committee, task force, and other scheduled meetings concerning client issues.
Meet with local community professionals to build program awareness and partnerships; participate in relevant training, workshops, seminars, and continuing education.
Screen, evaluate, and assess youth and families for FFPSA eligibility; coordinate referrals to participating providers and develop partnerships with those providers.
Engage families in services, track and reassess eligibility, and close or transition cases when services are declined or eligibility ends.
Assess ongoing safety threats and comply with applicable IV-E requirements.
Participate in statewide Child and Family Services Reviews when reviewer requirements are met; may complete ICPC home studies and courtesy supervision of placements.
Perform related duties as assigned.