Human Services Caseworker

Social Services Case Management

This class is part of the Social Services Case Management Job Family. Incumbents provide a collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation, care coordination, evaluation and advocacy for options and services to meet an individual's or family's comprehensive needs in physical health, mental health/behavioral, special developmental or intellectual diagnoses, and/or family stability needs resulting from abuse and/or neglect.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position is responsible for conducting and providing assessments of individuals and/or families, including homeless populations, in need of human services functions.

Typical Class Responsibilities

1. Conducts assessments and investigations with individuals/families concerning allegations of abuse and/or neglect. 2. Counsels and works with individuals, families, and the homeless population in the formation and implementation of service plans according to specific needs. 3. Performs home inspections on clients who may require ongoing human services assessment. 3. Exercises emergency removal authority in abuse and/or neglect cases; provides information and referrals to individuals/families to community resources; attends court cases related to ongoing casework. 4. Maintains documents of caseload information; updates client database information; and prepares reports outlining casework and court appearances. 5. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Knowledge

Principles and techniques of managing a social services caseload; Principles and practices of providing social services; Methods of performing counseling; Principles and practices of record retention; Principles and practices of report preparation; Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations; Customer service principles; Recordkeeping principles and practices; Modern office practices; Computers and related software applications.

Skills

Managing an assigned social services caseload; Providing consultation; Preparing reports; Compiling data and information; Providing customer service; Maintaining a variety of records and logs; Handling sensitive and confidential issues; Using computers and related software applications; Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Level of Decisions

Responsibilities are typically broad in nature, usually requiring some originality and ingenuity to ensure an appropriate alignment between assignments and organizational policies and objectives. Incumbents typically have appreciable latitude for determining the appropriate actions, decisions, or processes to utilize. These determinations are guided by advanced training and knowledge in the area of assignment.

Direction Received

Incumbents apply departmental and organizational policies and procedures to specific situations; may adapt standard procedures as necessary to achieve objectives; and work under general supervision.

Direction Provided

Incumbents may assign/delegate work assignments to lower level employees; troubleshoot problems and issues commensurate with relevant experience; may instruct others in work methods and procedures; and verify the work of others.

Minimum Education, Training and Experience Requirements

High school diploma or G.E.D. and 5 years of related experience. Minimum requirements may vary based upon state mandates.

Special Requirements

Must pass local, state and federal background checks and have a valid driver's license.

Physical Requirements

Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work. Incumbents may be subjected to bodily fluids and environmental threats.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.