Social Work Assistant 2

Social Work Assistant 2

The Social Work Assistant 2 is responsible for completing assessments in-person and via telehealth video, to include observation, interviews, and documentation review. Assessment personnel will gather necessary information to complete assessments according to training, policy, and protocols. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Fulfill training and certification requirements prior to the utilization of the assessment tool and on an ongoing basis.
• Attend assessment trainings as required and complete all OPWDD mandated training in a timely manner.
• Communicate effectively with and interview a wide range of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, as well as with other stakeholders.
• Integrate information from various sources.
• Maintain mandated timeframes for the completion of the assessment.
• Complete all required documentation accurately utilizing the technology provided.
• Travel to and from assessments within assigned region including overnight stays at hotels as needed.
• Travel for training outside assigned region may be required as well.
• Utilize flexible scheduling, including some evening and weekend hours as required.
• Manage multiple priorities effectively, including prioritizing work plans and work assignments, maintaining up to date case notes, and meeting deadlines.
• Attain set productivity standards, or an average number of completed assessments.

NOTE: You must have a valid driver's license to apply as travel is a part of the duties involved in this position. This may include a state-owned vehicle, as available, or the employee's own vehicle. An employee who uses his/her own vehicle will be reimbursed at current negotiated rates.

Promotion:

• One year of service as a Social Work Assistant 1 and reachable for appointment on the current Civil Service Eligible List for this title.

Open Competitive:

• A bachelor's degree in a human services field and two years of social work experience.

Substitution:

• Master's degree in a human services field can substitute for one year of specialized experience.

Transfer:

• Candidates must have one year of permanent competitive or 55-b/c status in the posted title and be eligible for lateral transfer; OR be eligible to transfer via Section 70.1, 70.4, or 52.6 of Civil Service Law. The transfer cannot be a second consecutive transfer resulting in an advancement of more than two salary grades.

To determine if your current Civil Service title is eligible for transfer to this title, visit the Career Mobility GOT-IT website:

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP)
• A bachelor's degree in a human services field and minimum of two (2) years' experience working with people who have Developmental Disabilities.
• Display strong writing, verbal communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Possess the ability to work independently.
• Have a working knowledge of and be proficient in the use of a computer.

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). HELPS Program titles may be filled via a non-competitive appointment. This means that you do not need to take an exam to qualify, but you do need to meet the minimum qualifications of the title. At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), employees hired under NY HELPS are expected to have their permanent non-competitive employment status converted to permanent competitive status. You will not have to take an exam to gain permanent competitive status.

• Please note that starting salary for this title reflects the Downstate adjustment. Posted Hiring Salary includes the sum of the statutory hiring rate for PS&T Grade 17 ($63,361) and Downstate Adjustment ($4,000). Downstate Adjustment is added to the job rate ($80,655).

• If you are currently a New York State employee serving in a permanent competitive qualifying title and eligible for a transfer via Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law, you may be appointed to this title as a permanent competitive employee.

• The assignment of PS&T employees will be made in accordance with any agreed upon Memorandum of Understanding between PEF and the local DDSO regarding the posting of job vacancies.

• Preference will be given to OPWDD employees impacted by closures. If you are being impacted by closure, please indicate this on your resume.

• All OPWDD employees must be eligible and maintain eligibility for full and unconditional participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Continued employment will depend on maintaining eligibility.

• If you are employed by state government you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments have been made under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. For more information on PSLF, please visit

• Employees on long term leave can bid on positions but must be able to report to work within fourteen (14) days and be able to perform the essential functions of their positions with or without reasonable accommodation (RA).

• If an employee or job applicant believes that they need a reasonable accommodation, they should contact the Reasonable Accommodation Unit at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io to obtain information and RA forms.

• Savings programs such as the U.S. Savings Bond and the College Savings Plan.

• Voluntary pre-tax savings programs such as Health Care Spending Account and the Dependent Care Advantage Account offer employees options to pay for uncovered health care expenses or dependent care expenses.

• Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) an assessment and referral service that connects employees with local service providers and support services to address their personal needs.

• Life insurance and Disability insurance.

• The New York State Deferred Compensation Plan is a voluntary retirement plan that offers employees the option to invest a part of their salaries for retirement on a tax-deferred basis.

• Paid Holidays and Leave:

• Thirteen (13) paid holidays each year.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave initially.
• Five (5) days paid personal leave each year.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave each year (PEF/CSEA), which may carry over from year to year.
• Up to three (3) days professional leave each year to participate in professional development events.

• Health Care Coverage:

• Employees and their eligible dependents can choose from a variety of affordable health insurance programs. Employees are provided family dental and vision plans at no extra cost.

• Paid Parental Leave:

• Paid Parental Leave allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave at full pay for each qualifying event. A qualifying event is defined as the birth of a child or placement of a child for adoption or foster care.

• Retirement Program:

• Participate in The NYS Employees' Retirement System (ERS), which is recognized as one of the best-managed and best-funded public retirement systems in the nation.

• Professional Development and Education and Training:

• NYS offers training programs and tuition assistance to eligible employees to maintain and increase their professional skills and prepare them for promotional opportunities. For more information, please visit

• Additionally, the Public Service Workshops Program (PSWP) offers certain professional training opportunities for PEF represented and M/C designated employees that may grant continuing education credits towards maintaining professional licensure. For more information, please visit