Family Support Specialist Social Worker - Work First & Crisis

Cabarrus County•Cabarrus County, NC

11d

About The Position

The Family Support Specialist Social Worker performs intermediate professional social work in employment services, providing case management, and difficult paraprofessional work involving the determination or redetermination of eligibility for financial assistance through the Department of Human Services. The position works under the regular supervision of a Family Support Specialist Supervisor. The role supports families and individuals through assessments, service planning, counseling, referrals, and monitoring. It also processes applications and recertifications for Work First Family Assistance and Energy programs, reviews continued eligibility, and maintains accurate electronic and paper records. The position may occasionally require work before or after normal hours to meet client and family needs and may include emergency shelter operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in social work; or a bachelor's degree in a human services field and one year of directly related experience; or a bachelor's degree and two years of directly related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
Directly related experience is defined as human services experience in case management, income maintenance casework, assessment and referral, support counseling, interviewing, determination, and review.
Degree must be from an appropriately accredited college or university.
Possess an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina.
Knowledge of economic and social conditions of the population served and barriers to employment from both individual and employer perspectives.
Knowledge of service programs, their purposes, service availability, and basic eligibility requirements.
Knowledge of employment practices, interviewing procedures, supportive counseling, and the assigned program area.
Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and apply federal, state, and county program rules, regulations, and procedures.
Working knowledge of standard office procedures, practices, and equipment.
Ability to follow oral and written directions and detailed work procedures, work within structured time frames, and prioritize tasks.
Ability to assess basic needs and interests affecting employment, use sound judgment in placement decisions, and establish rapport with clients and the business community.
Ability to perform mathematical reasoning and computations accurately, prepare and maintain accurate records and reports, and communicate effectively with people from varied backgrounds.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and the public.
Position is safety-sensitive under Cabarrus County's Drug Free Workplace Policy.

Responsibilities

Interview clients to identify problems, assess their needs and ability to address those problems, and provide supportive or directive counseling.
Develop service plans and monitor service delivery addressing employment, vocational, health, or behavioral issues.
Reassess clients every three months using the Family Strength and Needs assessment tool.
Conduct intensive and complex case management assessments to help ensure compliance with federal and state Work First requirements and goals.
Coordinate support services and refer clients to community resources.
Develop, coordinate, and monitor services that help participants reach their goals.
Establish and maintain working relationships with community agencies and participate in group meetings and outreach activities.
Interview applicants, take applications, gather information, assess circumstances, determine eligibility, and process applications, changes, and recertifications for Work First Family Assistance and Energy programs.
Gather and review household income, financial resources, and residency information to authorize assistance amounts.
Review declarations and application forms and verify information through calls and correspondence with employers, neighbors, and other contacts.
Explain program requirements, options, rights, and responsibilities to clients.
Respond to client and public inquiries about benefits, application processes, and program eligibility.
Maintain a caseload or participate in maintaining a case bank, and review cases at designated intervals to determine continuing eligibility.
Enter, retrieve, and maintain case data in county and state systems; maintain electronic records and produce monthly financial reports.
Monitor program activity daily, maintain monthly reports, and enter case information accurately into computer systems.
Prepare case summaries and reports and maintain records, files, and confidentiality.
Perform related duties as required, potentially including emergency shelter operations.