Integrated Case Worker II

CalHR•Susanville, CA

About The Position

The Integrated Case Worker II is the journey-level position in the Integrated Case Worker series. Under general supervision, the employee independently determines eligibility for multiple public assistance programs, provides basic employment services, and performs integrated case management. The role applies regulations and procedures to determine eligibility for applicants and recipients and performs related duties as required. Positions are flexibly staffed and are normally filled through advancement from Integrated Case Worker I; external candidates require prior related experience. This position differs from Integrated Case Worker III, which may include lead direction, expert advice, or specialized assignments requiring advanced technical knowledge. Unlike an Eligibility Specialist, the Integrated Case Worker provides both public assistance eligibility determinations and basic employability services. Unlike an Employment and Training Worker, whose primary focus is providing the full scope of employability services, this role combines eligibility work and basic employment services. Incumbents receive supervision from a Supervising Integrated Case Worker or a Human Services Supervisor. The role may include group orientations and workshops, client interviews and guidance, eligibility and benefit determinations, employment readiness assessments, referrals and ancillary services, crisis response, case record maintenance, compliance monitoring, and coordination with staff and service providers. Employees use automated systems to manage client information and caseloads and may conduct field visits or serve as a one-stop assistant to the public.

Requirements

One year of full-time experience as an Integrated Case Worker I; or one year of full-time experience as an Employment and Training Worker I; or 30 months of full-time experience performing case management, vocational guidance services, employment counseling, or placement work.
Qualifying experience must include duties and responsibilities involving assessment of income and/or other qualifications needed to participate in programs.
Knowledge of regulations and procedures governing eligibility determinations and granting of aid in assigned program areas.
Knowledge of community resources for social, health, nutrition, housing, employment, training, child care, transportation, and other client services.
Knowledge of the goals and purposes of public social services programs; interviewing and information-gathering techniques; basic labor-market needs and employment skills; and mathematics sufficient to interpret income and expenses and calculate benefits.
Knowledge of group presentation techniques, standard office practices and equipment, basic computer applications, record-keeping principles, and techniques for working with people from varied socioeconomic, 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, and assessment concepts and methods.
Ability to apply case-management techniques, motivate clients, collect and analyze information, draw logical conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations and independent decisions.
Ability to communicate clear and accurate client information, organize and prioritize assignments, maintain accurate records, and prepare statistical and narrative reports.
Ability to understand program objectives in relation to departmental goals and procedures, use automated technology to maintain records and files, and establish cooperative working relationships with employees, clients, and the public.
Ability to carry out assignments and projects without detailed instructions.
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.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship by the employment start date.
A valid driver's license may be required at appointment; employees may also be required to use their own vehicle, provide proof of insurance, and obtain DMV clearance.
A background investigation may be required. Depending on duties and access to federal tax information, requirements may include fingerprinting, citizenship verification, and local law-enforcement checks.
Pre-employment drug testing, physical examination, and fingerprinting may be required.
Applicants using education to meet minimum qualifications must attach transcripts; foreign transcripts require an evaluation indicating equivalent units.

Responsibilities

Conduct group orientations and workshops about program policies, changes in rules, rights and responsibilities, participation requirements, and available services; assist participants with applications and employment-readiness evaluation forms.
Interview, advise, and guide clients to assess employability, barriers to employment, need for public assistance, benefit eligibility, and need for ancillary services or payments; authorize benefits and services as appropriate.
Respond to crisis situations by authorizing benefits within established guidelines or referring clients to staff and community resources.
Assess case records, education, work experience, skills, abilities, and job interests to guide clients toward employment and appropriate employment services.
Assist clients with transportation, training, and other ancillary needs through authorization, referral, or other assistance.
Identify clients with social, behavioral, mental health, substance abuse, or other substantial barriers to employment 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 classes that help clients obtain and maintain employment, including instruction on job seeking, job readiness, interviews, resumes, contacting employers, and the labor market.
Interpret and explain policies, rules, and regulations and inform clients of their rights, responsibilities, and program eligibility.
Resolve discrepancies by obtaining documentation and confirmation from clients, medical providers, employers, and other agencies.
Ensure application and declaration forms are accurate and complete and obtain required supporting information.
Conduct diversion evaluations and identify or recommend lump-sum benefits for clients whose employment prospects may be supported by those benefits.
Determine when clients do not comply with employment-program requirements, apply mandated sanctions, and conduct reconciliation interviews to support compliance.
Enter client information into automated systems; organize and manage caseloads 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.
Consult and coordinate case management with other staff and service providers.
May assist the public as a one-stop assistant with applications and information about available resources and services.
May conduct field visits to complete application interviews and monitor client progress and compliance with Welfare-to-Work Plans.