Integrated Case Worker I

CalHR•Crescent City, CA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

Integrated Case Worker I is an entry-level position in 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 an initial orientation and training period, on-the-job experience is provided until the employee demonstrates the necessary competency for promotion to Integrated Case Worker II. Employees are expected to be promoted to Integrated Case Worker II after one year of satisfactory performance at the entry level. This role involves applying regulations and procedures to determine eligibility for public assistance benefits, providing basic employment services, and performing casework management duties. Supervision is typically received from a Supervising Integrated Case Worker, Human Services Supervisor, Employment and Training Supervisor, or Social Worker Supervisor.

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.
Possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgement, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class.
A valid driver's license may be required at the time of appointment and employees may also be required to drive their own car, provide proof of car insurance, and a DMV clearance.
Proof of ability to work in the U.S. will be required as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

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. This required coursework may be obtained through colleges, universities, university extension, business schools, or employer provided career development.

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.