SOCIAL WORKER 1 - UNDERFILL

Job Summary

The Division of Social Services (DSS) is looking for a Social Worker 1 underfilling 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. This is the entry level to the Social Worker series. Progression may occur to the journey level upon satisfactory completion of the required training period, and with the recommendation of the appointing authority.

Essential Qualifications

Licensure or provisional licensure as a Social Worker, Clinical Social Worker, Independent Social Worker, or Associate in Social Work.

Job Duties

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 close supervision, incumbents at this level function in a trainee capacity, learning to determine social service needs of clients, develop appropriate solutions and case plans, and provide ongoing case management services. This is the trainee level in the series and progression to the next level in the series may occur upon meeting minimum qualifications, satisfactory performance, and with the recommendation of the appointing authority.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

General knowledge of: social problems which call for the use of public and private community resources; philosophy of social work; social work ethics; dynamics of human behavior including interpersonal relationships and social interaction; confidentiality laws; client rights; case management practices; signs of substance abuse, mental illness and domestic violence. Ability to: understand and accept the differences in human behavior caused by deprivation, abuse and neglect; effectively interact with persons from a variety of economic, cultural, social and educational backgrounds; work objectively with individuals who may be hostile, uncooperative and verbally abusive; recognize signs of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation and report it to the proper authorities; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; compose grammatically correct correspondence and reports; read and understand technical and legal documents; read and interpret program regulations and policies; add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers, decimals and fractions; assemble, analyze and report data; organize and prioritize work; participate as a team member; work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction; transport clients to identified services as required; operate a computer sufficient to enter, store and retrieve data.

The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.

Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.

Benefits include:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees' Benefits Program (PEBP).
• Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
• Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
• No Nevada state income tax.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
• Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of "standard" or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.

Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU).

For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook.

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