Social Worker I

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES This is professional-level work involving the provision of both direct and indirect services to clients and/or their families. Clients generally have specific problems that require well-established patterns of service. Work focuses upon the restoration of the client's physical, social, and economic functioning. Direct services are provided through a variety of Public Health, Mental Health or Social Services programs. Duties include interviewing the client, relatives, and other contacts to obtain information; incorporating the information into a social history, and planning for required services. Work involves tasks such as establishing eligibility for specific programs or services and the most appropriate client services. In some settings, employees serve as the portal-of-entry for the agency they represent; this requires employees to explain agency policies, programs, and procedures to their clients, determine eligibility for programs, and certify clients for services. However, once services have been established, caseloads are generally transferred to other units that specialize in the particular program or service. Employees at the Social Worker I level explain social work alternatives and benefits, answer factual questions, give explanations and interpretations of agency policies and procedures that concern the client, and make referrals for other services. Supportive counseling and education are provided to clients or their care givers. Work is distinguished from that of other Social Worker classifications by the more limited range of cases and the less difficult and intensity of personal contacts. The work performed in higher-level social worker positions require greater independence of action, problem-solving, and theoretical knowledge. Employees report to a higher level professional or Social Work Supervisor. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES I.DIFFICULTY OF WORK: Variety and Scope - Employees establish client eligibility for services, obtain client histories, perform initial assessments, develop a plan to provide basic services, explain available services and programs, and refer clients to appropriate programs/agencies for other needed services. Employees evaluate and document client progress and may assume a case manager role to follow client through the provision of agency and/or external services. Intricacy Employees utilize a variety of basic assessment tools to help identify needs; obtain medical, financial, and social history; and develop a service plan for each client. Clients may have multiple problems that require referrals to other services. Service plans include provision of basic services such as supportive counseling, coordination of day care, transportation, medical, vocational, or in-home services, and referral to other programs, services, or agencies. Subject Matter Complexity Work requires a knowledge of the basic elements of social work, of program to which assigned, knowledge of basic assessment tools, how to develop service plans, how to plan for provision of needed services, and knowledge of other agencies/programs so that appropriate referrals can be made. Guidelines Employees utilize agency guidelines and federal or state standards. Guidelines are generally specific and applications of these determine program eligibility and services provided. II.RESPONSIBILITY: Nature of Instructions - Work is performed independently according to established procedures. Employees are familiar with the aims and objectives of the program to which assigned and minimum daily instruction is required. Supervision is generally immediately available when problem situations are encountered. On-the-job training is provided by a higher level social work professional. Nature of Review Work is reviewed by assessing program practices to determine compliance with regulations that govern the specific program or services. Work is also reviewed through submission of periodic reports and routine conferences with supervisor; work may be subject to review while in progress. Scope of Decisions Decisions impact on individual clients, their families and the services for which they are eligible; employees may provide direction or instruction to paraprofessional staff, volunteers, or care providers. Consequence of Decisions Decisions affect a client's eligibility for appropriate services and their referral for higher level assistance. III.INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS: Scope of Contacts - Work requires contact with clients, family members and other professional disciplines and service agencies. Nature and Purpose Contacts are for the purpose of determining client needs and ensuring that clients and families receive appropriate services. Employees provide technical assistance to other staff members and coordinate service delivery. IV.OTHER WORK DEMANDS: Work Conditions - Employees work in settings which range from modern public service buildings to home environments. Due to functioning or poverty level of some clients, odors and noise may be present in some environments. Hazards Employees have contacts with clients and other professionals that would not, under normal circumstances, present any danger. However, behavioral problems of clients and/or the family members could create a potential hostile situation. RECRUITMENT STANDARDS Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Working knowledge of basic social work principles, techniques, and practices, and their application to specific casework, group work, and community problems. Knowledge of governmental and private organizations and resources in the community. Some knowledge of behavioral and socioeconomic problems and their treatment. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrative supervisors, with members of case load and their families, and with care providers and various community organizations. Ability to express ideals clearly and concisely. Ability to plan and execute work. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelors degree in a human services field from an accredited college/university Bachelors degree from an accredited college/university Must have possession of an appropriate driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina A motor vehicle record (MVR), background check, and drug screening will be conducted on candidates considered for positions Residency Requirement Candidate must reside within a two-hour driving radius of Guilford County to be considered for employment. Transcripts are required. Copy of transcript must be submitted with application for consideration. Official college transcripts required at time of hire. Driving is Essential Driving is an essential requirement of this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria. If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy. Special Note This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions, and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job description with a physical abilities checklist which can give further details about that one specific position. Those documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal defensible personnel decisions. #J-18808-Ljbffr