Integrated Case Worker I

CalHR•Sonora, 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. SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Incumbents in the Integrated Case Worker I/II classification receive supervision from a Supervising Integrated Case Worker or a Human Services Supervisor.

Requirements

Two (2) years of full-time experience performing clerical duties. Experience must include substantial public contact with clients and basic interviewing for the purpose of gathering information and explaining policies or clarifying information needed.
Eighteen (18) months of full-time experience with responsibility for one or more of the following: determining eligibility for loans, financial assistance, unemployment, veteran's benefits, or publicly or privately financed health counseling and/or social services programs.
Eighteen (18) months of full-time experience with responsibility for performing case management, vocational guidance services, employment counseling or placement work.
Successful completion of 60 semester (90 quarter) units of college, including 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.
Qualifying experience or education may be combined in order to meet the above requirements. When combining education and experience; fifteen (15) semester units or twenty-two (22) quarter units equals six months of experience.
Applicants must 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.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.

Nice To Haves

The ability to speak, read and write Spanish in addition to English would be an asset in this position but is not required.

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
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