Integrated Case Worker I

CalHR•Susanville, CA

About The Position

Integrated Case Worker I is the entry-level position in the Integrated Case Worker series. The role applies regulations and procedures to determine applicants’ and recipients’ eligibility for multiple public assistance benefits, provides basic employment services, and performs case management duties for benefits and employment services. Employees work under close supervision, attend training on regulations, procedures, forms, and program requirements, and receive on-the-job experience. After one year of satisfactory performance, employees are expected to promote to Integrated Case Worker II. Incumbents receive supervision from a Supervising Integrated Case Worker or a Human Services Supervisor. Duties are performed at the trainee level and may include conducting orientations and workshops, interviewing and advising clients, assessing employment readiness and benefit eligibility, authorizing benefits and ancillary services, identifying barriers and making referrals, maintaining case records, and managing caseloads in accordance with regulations and local policy. The position may also involve conducting classes, field visits, diversion evaluations, compliance and reconciliation interviews, and helping the public understand and access available services. The position requires relevant clerical, eligibility, case management, employment counseling, or education experience. A valid driver's license may be required at appointment. The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Pre-employment drug testing, a physical examination, fingerprinting, and background investigation may be required.

Requirements

Two years of full-time clerical experience involving substantial public contact with clients and basic interviewing to gather information, explain policies, or clarify needed information; or qualifying education or experience described in the alternatives below.
Alternatively, 18 months of full-time experience determining eligibility for loans, financial assistance, unemployment, veterans’ benefits, or publicly or privately financed health counseling or social services programs.
Alternatively, 18 months of full-time experience in case management, vocational guidance, employment counseling, or placement work.
Alternatively, successful completion of 60 semester units (90 quarter units) of college, including 15 semester units (22.5 quarter units) or 15 continuing-education credits in behavioral science or related coursework in sociology, psychology, counseling, vocational guidance, or employment services.
Qualifying education and experience may be combined; 15 semester units or 22 quarter units equal six months of experience when combining education and experience.
Knowledge of regulations and procedures for eligibility determinations and granting aid; community resources; public social services programs; interviewing and information-gathering techniques; labor markets and employment skills; basic mathematics for interpreting income and expenses and calculating benefits; group presentation techniques; office practices and equipment; record keeping; and techniques for working with people from varied socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to read, apply, and explain employment-services regulations and policies; apply vocational guidance, work-readiness appraisal, employment-plan, and assessment concepts; use case-management techniques; motivate clients; analyze information and make sound recommendations and decisions; communicate clearly; organize and prioritize work; maintain accurate records; prepare reports; understand program objectives; use automated technology; establish cooperative working relationships; and carry out assignments without detailed instructions.
A valid driver's license may be required at appointment; employees may also be required to drive their own car, provide proof of car insurance, and obtain DMV clearance.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship by the employment start date.
Applicants must possess integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively, and health consistent with performing assigned duties; a medical examination may be required.

Responsibilities

Conduct group orientations and workshops about program policies, changes in rules, rights and responsibilities, and participation requirements; assist participants with applications and employment-readiness forms.
Interview, advise, and guide clients to assess employability, barriers to employment, public assistance needs, benefit eligibility, and needs for ancillary services or payments.
Handle crisis situations by authorizing benefits within guidelines or referring clients to staff and community resources.
Review case records and assess clients’ education, work experience, skills, abilities, and job interests to guide employment transitions and appropriate service placement.
Assist clients with transportation, training, and other ancillary needs through authorization, referrals, or other assistance.
Identify social, behavioral, mental health, substance abuse, or other substantial barriers to employment and refer clients to department staff or community resources.
Analyze financial, employment, family, and personal information to determine and authorize initial or continuing eligibility for multiple aid programs.
Develop or conduct employment-readiness and job-search classes, and advise participants on interviewing, seeking work, resumes, contacting employers, and the labor market.
Explain policies, rules, regulations, client rights, responsibilities, and eligibility for program participation.
Resolve information discrepancies by obtaining documentation and confirmation from clients, medical providers, employers, and other agencies.
Ensure application and declaration forms are complete and accurate, and obtain required supporting information.
Conduct diversion evaluations and recommend lump-sum benefits when they would help clients acquire or continue employment.
Determine when clients do not comply with employment program requirements, apply required sanctions, and conduct reconciliation interviews to help clients return to compliance.
Enter client information into an automated system; organize and manage a caseload and take required actions within regulatory and local-policy time limits.
Maintain case records, update employment plans and eligibility files, and monitor compliance with program standards and agreements.
Coordinate case management with department staff and service providers.
Assist the public as a one-stop resource for applications and information about available services.
Conduct field visits, as needed, to complete application interviews and monitor client progress and compliance with Welfare-to-Work Plans.