Integrated Case Worker I

CalHR•Susanville, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Position Information Applies regulations and procedures to determine eligibility of applicants and recipients for multiple public assistance benefits; provides basic employment services to clients; performs casework management duties for both benefit and employment services, and performs related duties as required. Working under close supervision, Integrated Case Worker I is the entry level of the Integrated Case Worker series. Employees in this class attend training sessions and work under close supervision to learn regulations, work procedures, forms, and public assistance and/or employment program requirements. After the initial orientation and training period, on-the-job experience is provided until the employee attains and demonstrates the level of competency necessary for promotion to the working level of Integrated Case Worker II. Employees are expected to promote to Integrated Case Worker II after one year of satisfactory performance at the entry level.

Requirements

Knowledge of regulations and procedures governing eligibility determinations and granting of aid for assigned program areas
Knowledge of community resources providing social, health, nutrition, housing, employment, training, child care, transportation and other necessary client services
Knowledge of general goals and purposes of public social services and public assistance programs
Knowledge of techniques for interviewing and gathering information from a varied population
Knowledge of basic labor market and needed employment skills and abilities
Knowledge of mathematics sufficient to interpret client income and expense information to calculate benefits within program requirements
Knowledge of group presentation techniques
Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures, including operation of standard and automated office equipment including basic computer applications
Knowledge of record keeping principles and practices
Knowledge of techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to read, apply, and explain regulations, procedures and policies governing employment services programs
Ability to understand and apply vocational guidance, work-readiness appraisal, employment plan, assessment theory and concepts
Ability to understand and apply methods and procedures for mitigation/reduction of barriers to employment
Ability to apply appropriate case-management techniques
Ability to motivate clients
Ability to collect and analyze data, information and situations, draw logical conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations, independent judgments and decisions
Ability to communicate clear and accurate information regarding clients, both orally and in writing
Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments
Ability to maintain accurate and systematic records
Ability to prepare statistical and narrative reports
Ability to understand program objectives in relation to departmental goals and procedures
Ability to use automated technology to maintain records and files
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with fellow employees, clients and the general public
Ability to carry out assignments and projects without detailed instructions.
One (1) year of full-time experience as an Eligibility Specialist II or Social Worker I.
Six (6) months of full-time experience as an Eligibility Specialist II; AND completion of the equivalent of 15 semester (22.5 quarter) units or 15 continuing education credits in behavioral science in sociology, psychology, counseling, vocational guidance or any coursework related to the provision of employment services.
One (1) year of full-time experience with responsibility for performing case management, vocational guidance services, employment counseling or placement work; AND completion of the equivalent of 15 semester (22.5 quarter) units or 15 continuing education credits in behavioral science in sociology, psychology, counseling, vocational guidance or any coursework related to the provision of employment services.
Eighteen (18) months of full-time experience with responsibility for performing case management, vocational guidance services, employment counseling or placement work.
A bachelor's degree in behavioral science in sociology, psychology, counseling, vocational guidance or any related field that includes coursework related to the provision of employment services.
Qualifying experience must have included duties and responsibilities involving assessment of income and/or other qualifications needed to participate in programs.

Responsibilities

Conducts group orientations and workshops to inform applicants and recipients of fundamental policies, programs, changes in rules, individual rights and responsibilities, and participation requirements; assists orientation participants complete applications and employment readiness evaluation forms for a variety of programs and services.
Interviews, advises and guides a diverse population of clients to ascertain employability, isolate barriers to employment, evaluate need for public assistance, determine benefit eligibility, identify need for ancillary services/payments, and authorize benefits and ancillary services/payments.
Handles crisis situations by authorizing benefits within specific guidelines or makes appropriate referrals to other staff and community resources for immediate services and assistance.
Conducts initial appraisal of case records to assess client's education, work experience, skills, abilities and job interest in order to advise and guide the client in his/her transition to employment and place the client in an appropriate employment services component.
Performs case studies to assess problems and develops appropriate types and methods of meeting client needs.
May participate in a multi-disciplinary team to develop an appropriate case treatment plan.
Assists clients with transportation, training, and other ancillary needs through authorization of ancillary services/payments and/or referral to other community resources or by provision of other assistance.
Identifies clients with existing or potential social behavioral, mental health, substance abuse, or other substantial barriers to employment for referral to other department staff or community resources.
Analyzes financial, employment, family, and personal information to determine and authorize initial or continuing eligibility for multiple aid programs.
May develop and/or conduct classes designed to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining employment, including classes in understanding the methods for seeking and securing employment, enhancing their job readiness, and in obtaining employment; advises participants in such matters as interview techniques, how to seek work, writing resumes, calling employers, and understanding the labor market.
Interprets and explains policies, rules and regulations to clients; and apprises clients of their rights, responsibilities and eligibility for program participation.
Resolves problems and discrepancies with information provided by securing documentation, medical condition substantiation, employment records and aid confirmation from other agencies.
Ensures client application and declaration forms are completed accurately and thoroughly; obtains supporting information from clients and sources as required.
Conducts diversion evaluations to identify and recommend lump sum benefits for clients with immediate job prospects where receipt of such benefits would permit continuation or acquisition of employment.
Determines when a client is not in compliance with employment program requirements and applies sanctions as mandated; and conducts client reconciliation interviews to bring clients back into conformity with requirements.
Uses a computer to input client information through an automated system.
Organizes and manages client caseload, taking required action within specific time limits established by regulation and local policy.
Maintains case record files, modifies client employment plan and eligibility files as necessary, and monitors client compliance with program standards and agreements.
Consults with and coordinates case management with other staff and service providers.
May serve as one-stop assistant to assist and guide the public in applying and understanding the resources and available services
May conduct field visits to complete application interviews, monitor client progress and compliance with their Welfare-to-Work Plans