Social Worker I - Intake

Jackson County•15 Griffin Street -- Sylva, NC

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a beginning-level social work position providing conventional services to clients. The employee will give information to clients, answer factual questions, give explanations and interpretations of agency policies and procedures that concern the clients or caregivers, and make referrals for other services. Employees establish client eligibility for service, obtain client histories, perform initial assessments, develop a plan to provide basic services, explain available services and programs, and refer clients to appropriate programs/agencies for other needed services. Employees may evaluate and document client programs. Employees utilize a variety of basic assessment tools to identify needs; obtain medical, financial, and social history; and develop a service plan for each client. Service plans include provision of basic services such as supportive counseling, coordination of day care, medical, or in-home services; and referral to other programs/services/agencies. Clients may have multiple problems which require referrals for other services. Work requires a knowledge of the basic elements of social work, of the program to which assigned, knowledge of basic assessment tools, how to develop service plans, how to plan for provision of needed services, and knowledge of other agencies/programs so that appropriate referrals can be made. Employees utilize agency guidelines and federal or state standards. Guidelines are generally specific and applications of these determine eligibility and services provided. Work is performed independently according to established procedures. Employees are generally familiar with the aims and objectives of the program they are providing and minimal daily instruction is required. Supervision is immediately available when problem situations are encountered. On-the-job training is provided by a higher-level supervisor. Work is reviewed by assessing program practices to determine compliance with regulations concerning the specific program or services. Work is also reviewed through submission of periodic reports, routine conferences with supervisor, and is subject to review in progress. Decisions regarding assessments and services impact individual clients and their families; employees may provide direction or instruction to paraprofessional staff, volunteers, or care providers. Decisions result in clients either receiving or not receiving appropriate services or appropriate referrals for higher-level assistance as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a human services field from an appropriately accredited institution; OR Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Working knowledge of basic social work principles, techniques, and practices and their application to specific casework, group work, and community problems
Knowledge of governmental and private organizations and resources in the community
Some knowledge of behavioral and socioeconomic problems and their treatment
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrative supervisors, with members of caseload and their families, and with care providers and various community organizations
Ability to express ideals clearly and concisely
Ability to plan and execute work

Responsibilities

Establish client eligibility for service
Obtain client histories
Perform initial assessments
Develop a plan to provide basic services
Explain available services and programs
Refer clients to appropriate programs/agencies for other needed services
Evaluate and document client programs
Utilize a variety of basic assessment tools to identify needs
Obtain medical, financial, and social history
Develop a service plan for each client
Provide supportive counseling
Coordinate day care, medical, or in-home services
Provide direction or instruction to paraprofessional staff, volunteers, or care providers