SOCIAL WORKER 2

Social Worker 2

The Division of Social Services (DSS) is looking for a Social Worker 2 in Reno, NV. DSS employs licensed social workers who have a passion for helping Nevadans reach their highest level of self-reliance. DSS social workers provide personalized case management to TANF recipients, assisting to overcome significant barriers including domestic violence, mental health, substance abuse, physical disability, learning disability, housing and homelessness, child behavioral issues, CPS involvement, legal issues, parenting skills, and pregnant and parenting teens. DSS social workers are responsible for conducting psycho-social assessments, developing personal responsibility plans, conducting home visits, transporting clients to appointments, case management and monitoring client progress, client advocacy, crisis intervention, developing knowledge of community resources, and establishing relationships with community partners. Under close supervision, incumbents at this level function in a trainee capacity, learning to determine the social service needs of clients, develop appropriate solutions and case plans, and provide ongoing case management services.

Licensure or provisional licensure as a Social Worker, Clinical Social Worker, Independent Social Worker or Associate in Social Work and one year of professional experience providing case management in a social work setting equivalent to a Social Worker I in Nevada State service. Assess and reassess client levels of functioning by interviewing clients, family members and other community contacts; utilize tests, inventories, and other assessment tools; review medical, legal and law enforcement reports; and evaluate client resources for the purpose of identifying the level of assistance needed and services appropriate to meet client emotional, social, financial and health needs.

Develop and implement a case plan that presents intervention strategies to meet client needs including alternative placement, job training, socialization, nursing services, legal and medical intervention, and financial assistance according to federal and State regulatory guidelines and budget limitations.

Locate and coordinate a network of services and resources provided by other State agencies, community organizations and private service providers in areas such as mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation, developmental, homemaking, financial assistance, and employment programs pertinent to assessing client needs and case plan goals.

Provide ongoing case management services by conducting home visits, monitoring delivery of services and quality of care, and reassessing client needs; track client progress and well-being, evaluate case plan effectiveness, and effectively manage resources; assist clients in identifying strengths and barriers and developing problem-solving and coping abilities; collaborate and coordinate case reviews with families, friends, attorneys and multiple agencies including social and community services and law enforcement to ensure case continuity and prevent conflicting case plans and duplication of services.

May organize multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings to assist in strategic assessment and planning of protective services, issues regarding the delivery of service, programs, or individual plans for preventing, identifying, remedying, or treating abuse, neglect, exploitation, isolation, or abandonment of children or vulnerable adults; MDT teams may include representatives of other organizations concerned with education, law enforcement, or physical and/or mental health.

Document case activities; maintain written case histories to include client status, progress and assessment results; complete necessary forms and prepare relevant correspondence and case reports according to applicable policies, procedures, laws and regulations.

Provide crisis intervention in the office or community setting to include responding to emergency calls; report instances of neglect or abuse to the appropriate authorities; utilize appropriate controls for individuals who may be aggressive, combative, or hostile by following established protocols and policies.

May provide technical assistance, training, guidance and/or serve as lead workers to other new or experienced Social Workers; may train, supervise, and evaluate the performance of non-professional staff such as Family Support Workers and Administrative Assistants.

Perform related duties as assigned. Under limited supervision, incumbents perform the full range of duties described in the series concept. This is the journey level in the series.

This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level.

Working knowledge of: principles, practices, and techniques of social work; case management practices related to the program assignment; investigative techniques.

General knowledge of: federal regulations, State laws, and agency directives applicable to social services; cultural and social differences that affect family relationships and social interaction; indicators and effects of human deprivation; public and private social services providers within the community; collaborative case planning; de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques; pregnancy, child birth, child care, and/or adult care; grief and loss issues; aging process and/or cognitive impairments; gambling addiction; substance abuse; learning and intellectual, developmental, and/or physical disabilities; serious mental illness; court procedures.

Ability to: establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers and others representing private and public social service providers; establish rapport and gain the trust of others; conduct interviews, elicit sensitive information, make physical, cognitive, and behavioral assessments, and accurately record information; make home visits including unannounced visits; maintain composure, interact diplomatically and make effective decisions in confrontational situations; mediate and resolve conflict between contending parties; communicate with individuals who have emotional or mental health challenges, intellectual, developmental, physical disabilities, and/or cognitive impairments; observe and assess relationships between client and family; prioritize and prepare case plans and provide services for a caseload of clients; apply interviewing and valuative techniques and make recommendations; evaluate and continually reassess client level of functioning; develop and maintain a network of community resources; refer clients to appropriate services and follow up as required; document case narratives in computer and paper records; prepare reports to law enforcement and courts; respond to sensitive and/or emergency situations; act as an advocate for clients; operate personal computers and assigned software; deal appropriately with apathy, hostility, resistance and anger displayed by individuals; assist others in dealing with the issues surrounding death and dying and the aging process.