Integrated Case Worker I (MSS)

CalHR•Crescent City, CA

10d

About The Position

The Integrated Case Worker I is the trainee-level position in the Integrated Case Worker series. Under close supervision, the employee learns regulations, work procedures, forms, and public assistance and employment program requirements through training and on-the-job experience. Employees are expected to promote to Integrated Case Worker II after one year of satisfactory performance at the entry level. The position determines eligibility for multiple public assistance benefits, provides basic employment services, and performs case management for benefit and employment services. Duties include interviewing and guiding clients, evaluating employment barriers and assistance needs, authorizing benefits and ancillary services within program guidelines, maintaining case records and caseloads, and coordinating with department staff and community service providers. The position may also conduct orientations, workshops, classes, and field visits. Incumbents typically receive supervision from a Supervising Integrated Case Worker or a Human Services Supervisor. Supervision may also come from an Employment and Training Supervisor or a Social Worker Supervisor. The recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, and extra-help positions as vacancies occur.

Requirements

Meet one of the listed minimum-qualification patterns: one year of full-time experience as an Eligibility Specialist II or Social Worker I; or six months of full-time Eligibility Specialist II experience plus 15 semester (22.5 quarter) units or 15 continuing-education credits in behavioral science or related employment-services coursework; or one year of full-time case-management, vocational-guidance, employment-counseling, or placement experience plus the same coursework; or 18 months of full-time experience in those case-management or employment-related areas; or a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science or a related field that includes employment-services coursework.
Qualifying experience must include duties and responsibilities involving assessment of income and/or other qualifications for participation in programs.
Read, apply, and explain regulations, procedures, and policies governing employment-services programs.
Understand and apply vocational guidance, work-readiness appraisal, employment-plan, and assessment concepts and methods for reducing employment barriers.
Apply case-management techniques and motivate clients.
Collect and analyze information, draw logical conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations and decisions.
Communicate clear and accurate client information orally and in writing.
Organize and prioritize work, maintain accurate records, and prepare statistical and narrative reports.
Understand program objectives in relation to departmental goals and procedures and use automated technology to maintain records and files.
Establish cooperative working relationships with employees, clients, and the public, and carry out assignments without detailed instructions.
Possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and the ability to work cooperatively; have a state of health consistent with performing assigned duties.
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.
Provide proof of ability to work in the United States as a condition of employment.
Applicants using education to meet minimum qualifications must attach transcripts; applicants with foreign transcripts must provide an evaluation showing equivalent units.

Responsibilities

Conduct group orientations and workshops explaining program policies, changes, client rights and responsibilities, and participation requirements; assist participants with applications and employment-readiness forms.
Interview, advise, and guide clients to assess employability, identify employment barriers, evaluate public assistance needs, determine benefit eligibility, and identify ancillary services or payments.
Authorize benefits within specific guidelines in crisis situations or refer clients to staff and community resources for immediate assistance.
Review case records and assess clients’ education, work experience, skills, abilities, and job interests to guide employment transitions and placement in employment-services components.
Conduct case studies, assess client needs, and develop appropriate approaches to address them; may participate in multidisciplinary case-treatment planning.
Assist clients with transportation, training, and other ancillary needs through service authorizations, referrals, or other assistance.
Identify clients with existing or potential social, behavioral, mental-health, substance-abuse, or other substantial employment barriers and refer them 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.
May develop or conduct employment-related classes covering job readiness, job searches, interviewing, resumes, contacting employers, and understanding the labor market.
Explain program policies, rules, and regulations and inform clients of their rights, responsibilities, and eligibility.
Resolve discrepancies by obtaining documentation, substantiation of medical conditions, employment records, and aid confirmation from other agencies.
Ensure application and declaration forms are complete and accurate and obtain required supporting information from clients and other sources.
Conduct diversion evaluations and recommend lump-sum benefits when they may help clients obtain or continue employment.
Determine when clients do not comply with employment-program requirements, apply mandated sanctions, and conduct reconciliation interviews to help clients return to compliance.
Use a computer and automated systems to enter client information.
Organize and manage a caseload and take required actions within regulatory and local-policy time limits.
Maintain case files, update employment plans and eligibility files, and monitor compliance with program standards and agreements.
Coordinate case management with department staff and service providers.
May assist the public as a one-stop resource for understanding and applying for available services.
May conduct field visits for application interviews and to monitor client progress and compliance with Welfare-to-Work Plans.