Social Worker I - Work First Employment Services

County of Mecklenburg, NC•Charlotte, NC

3d•$50,109 - $62,636•Onsite

About The Position

The Economic Mobility Division focuses on connecting residents to the resources, education, and employment opportunities needed to achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency. Through coordinated programs and partnerships, the division works to remove barriers and create clear pathways to economic advancement. Our approach is centered on outcomes, ensuring that residents are supported in making measurable progress. The Economic Mobility Division consists of MeckSuccess, MeckWorks, More Than A Job NC, Work First Employment Services, Work First Kinship Services and Quality and Training. Position Specific Summary Work First Employment Services is a mandated program that requires all abled bodied adults receiving Work First Benefits to perform work or work-related activities. Work First Employment Services’ Social Workers provide assessments, assist customers with soft skills, vocational training, work experience, job readiness, and supportive services to guide them on their path to self-sufficiency. Position Summary Provides community-based crisis intervention services to individuals and families by gathering information from clients, family, landlords, utility companies, doctors, pharmacies, vendors and other available resources in determining the individuals' specific problems and assisting in developing an action plan and/or mutual responsibility agreement. This is the first level of professional social work.

Requirements

Bachelors of Social Work from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work experience; or a bachelor's degree in a related field with 15 hours of social work/counseling courses and two years of social work experience; or Master's degree from an accredited school of social work; or a master's degree in a related field with one year of social work experience.
Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License
Requires County Driving Privileges
General social work principles and available resources
Social services procedures, practices and methods
Social services related federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations relating to provision of public assistance, and social welfare
Case management methods and techniques
Services offered by the county and other local public and private community-based service agencies
Prioritizing work
Managing and executing multiple tasks
Maintaining various confidential records
Evaluating records to ensure accreditation standards are met
Using computers and related software applications
Exercising judgment and discretion
Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures
Building Customer Loyalty: Effectively meeting customer needs; building productive customer relationships; taking responsibility for customer satisfaction and loyalty
Building Partnerships: Identifying opportunities and taking action to build strategic relationships
Building Trust: Interacting with others in a way that instills confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization
Care Management: Having the knowledge and skills to secure relevant patient care data and identify key issues and relationships in the management of patient care; understanding the relationships among assessments, interventions, and patient responses; skilled in documentation of assessments and adjusting physical and cognitive prescriptions as needed
Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
Customer Focus: Ensuring that the customer perspective is a driving force behind business decisions and activities; crafting and implementing service practices that meet customers’ and own organization’s needs
Decision Making: Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences
Inspiring Others: Using interpersonal styles and methods to inspire and guide individuals toward higher levels of performance
Managing Conflict: Dealing effectively with others in an antagonistic situation; using appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people
Work Standards: Setting high standards of performance for self and others; assuming responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self-imposing standards of excellence rather than having standards imposed
Proficient in applicable computer programs

Responsibilities

Assess needs of individuals and families
Interview clients, obtains family, social, and medical information
Determine clients' eligibility for financial assistance and if referrals are appropriate
Provide counseling and services in both individual and group settings
Discuss goals, expected outcomes and means with which to meet goals and expected outcomes
Refer clients to community resources for services such as job placement, debt counseling, legal aid, housing, medical treatment, or financial assistance, and provide concrete information, such as where to go and how to apply.
Determine clients' eligibility for financial assistance.
Assist clients in the completion of required paperwork for items that may determine program eligibility, referrals, or provide job assistance, such as job applications
Manage records and maintains history records and prepare reports of services provided
Refer clients to community resources for services and coordinates benefits and referrals to other agencies
Help clients work with government agencies to apply for and receive benefits
Manage records and documentation of services provided and participate in team case conferences
Act as a liaison with other staff with referrals and transitioning of clients
May be required to staff shelters in the event of a disaster
Research and refer clients to community resources, such as food stamps, Medicaid, SOAR, NC Works, Good Fellows, Good Friends, Community Support Services, RISE, YFS, APS, Just1 Call, Community Links, Veterans Services, Crisis Assistance Ministry, Charlotte Family Housing, Matthew Help Center, Pineville Neighbors, etc.
Advocate for and help clients get resources that would improve their well-being.
Follow up with clients to ensure that their situations have improved.
Evaluate services provided to ensure that they are effective.