Integrated Case Worker II (MSS)

CalHR•Crescent City, CA

10d

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 position applies regulations and procedures to determine applicant and recipient eligibility, provides basic employment services, and performs related casework duties. The class is flexibly staffed and is normally filled through advancement from Integrated Case Worker I; outside applicants need prior related experience. The role combines eligibility determination and basic employability services. It differs from Integrated Case Worker III, which may include lead direction, expert advice, or specialized assignments requiring advanced technical knowledge. It also differs from the Eligibility Specialist series, whose work focuses on eligibility determination, and the Employment & Training Worker series, whose primary focus is the full scope of employability services. Incumbents typically receive supervision from a Supervising Integrated Case Worker or Human Services Supervisor. Supervision may also come from an Employment and Training Supervisor or Social Worker Supervisor.

Requirements

Pattern 1: One year of full-time experience as an Integrated Case Worker I.
Pattern 2: Two years of full-time experience performing vocational guidance services, employment counseling, or placement work, plus 15 semester units, 22.5 quarter units, or 15 continuing-education credits in behavioral science or coursework related to providing employment services.
Pattern 3: Thirty months of full-time experience performing vocational guidance services, employment counseling, or placement work.
Pattern 4: A bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, education, business/public administration, or a closely related field, plus six months of experience performing vocational guidance, employment counseling, or placement services.
Qualifying experience must include duties involving assessment of income and/or other qualifications needed to participate in programs.
Knowledge of regulations and procedures for eligibility determinations and aid; community resources; public social-services and assistance programs; interviewing and information-gathering techniques; labor markets and employment skills; benefit calculations; group presentation; office practices and equipment; record keeping; and techniques for working with people from varied socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to interpret and explain employment-services rules and policies; apply vocational guidance, work-readiness appraisal, employment-plan, and assessment concepts; address employment barriers; use case-management techniques; motivate clients; analyze information and make sound judgments; communicate clearly orally and in writing; prioritize work; maintain records; prepare reports; use automated technology; build cooperative relationships; and complete assignments without detailed instructions.
A valid driver’s license may be required at appointment; employees may also need to drive their own car, provide proof of insurance, and obtain DMV clearance.
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.
A background investigation may be required.
Proof of eligibility to work in the United States is required as a condition of employment.
Applicants using education to meet minimum qualifications must attach transcripts; foreign transcripts require an evaluation showing equivalent units.

Responsibilities

Conduct group orientations and workshops about program policies, changes, rights, responsibilities, and participation requirements; help participants complete applications and employment-readiness evaluation forms.
Interview, advise, and guide clients to assess employability, identify employment barriers, evaluate public assistance needs, determine benefit eligibility, identify ancillary needs, and authorize benefits and services.
Respond to 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 transitions to employment and placement in appropriate employment-services components.
Conduct case studies to assess client problems and develop appropriate ways to address their needs; participate in multidisciplinary teams to develop case treatment plans when needed.
Assist clients with transportation, training, and other ancillary needs through authorizations, referrals, or other assistance.
Identify clients with existing or potential 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.
Develop or conduct classes to help clients obtain and maintain employment, including instruction on job seeking, job readiness, interviews, resumes, contacting employers, and the labor market.
Explain program policies, rules, and regulations and inform clients of their rights, responsibilities, and eligibility.
Resolve information discrepancies by obtaining documentation, medical-condition substantiation, employment records, and aid confirmations from other agencies.
Ensure application and declaration forms are complete and accurate and obtain supporting information from clients and other sources.
Conduct diversion evaluations and recommend lump-sum benefits when they may enable clients with immediate job prospects to continue or obtain employment.
Determine when clients are not complying with employment-program requirements, apply mandated sanctions, and conduct reconciliation interviews to support compliance.
Enter client information into an automated system; 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 client compliance with program standards and agreements.
Coordinate case management with other staff and service providers.
Serve as a one-stop assistant to guide the public in applying for and understanding available resources and services, when assigned.
Conduct field visits to complete application interviews and monitor client progress and compliance with Welfare-to-Work Plans, when assigned.