Caseworker (Full Time)

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; 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; Document case activities; 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; 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. Under limited supervision, incumbents perform the full range of duties described in the series concept. Working knowledge of: principles, practices, and techniques of social work; case management practices related to the program assignment; General knowledge of: federal regulations, State laws, and agency directives applicable to social services; public and private social services providers within the community; collaborative case planning; pregnancy, child birth, child care, and/or adult care; learning and intellectual, developmental and/or physical disabilities; Ability to: establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers and others representing private and public social service providers; communicate with individuals who have emotional or mental health challenges, intellectual, developmental, physical disabilities, and/or cognitive impairments; develop and maintain a network of community resources; document case narratives in computer and paper records; operate personal computers and assigned software; 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.
Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees' Benefits Program (PEBP).
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. No Nevada state income tax.
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).