Integrated Case Worker I

About the role

Applies regulations and procedures to determine eligibility of applicants and recipients for multiple public assistance benefits; provides basic employment services to clients; performs casework management duties for both benefit and employment services, and performs related duties as required.

Responsibilities

• Conducts group orientations and workshops to inform applicants and recipients of fundamental policies, programs, changes in rules, individual rights and responsibilities, and participation requirements; assists orientation participants complete applications and employment readiness evaluation forms for a variety of programs and services.
• Interviews, advises and guides a diverse population of clients to ascertain employability, isolate barriers to employment, evaluate need for public assistance, determine benefit eligibility, identify need for ancillary services/payments, and authorize benefits and ancillary services/payments.
• Handles crisis situations by authorizing benefits within specific guidelines or makes appropriate referrals to other staff and community resources for immediate services and assistance.
• Conducts initial appraisal of case records to assess client's education, work experience, skills, abilities and job interest in order to advise and guide the client in his/her transition to employment and place the client in an appropriate employment services component.
• Performs case studies to assess problems and develops appropriate types and methods of meeting client needs. May participate in a multi-disciplinary team to develop an appropriate case treatment plan.
• Affords assistance to clients with transportation, training, and other ancillary needs through authorization of ancillary services/payments and/or referral to other community resources or by provision of other assistance.
• Identifies clients with existing or potential social behavioral, mental health, substance abuse, or other substantial barriers to employment for referral to other department staff or community resources.
• Analyzes financial, employment, family, and personal information to determine and authorize initial or continuing eligibility for multiple aid programs.
• May develop and/or conduct classes designed to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining employment, including classes in understanding the methods for seeking and securing employment, enhancing their job readiness, and in obtaining employment; advises participants in such matters as interview techniques, how to seek work, writing resumes, calling employers, and understanding the labor market.
• Interprets and explains policies, rules and regulations to clients; and apprises clients of their rights, responsibilities and eligibility for program participation.
• Solves problems and discrepancies with information provided by securing documentation, medical condition substantiation, employment records and aid confirmation from other agencies.
• Ensures client application and declaration forms are completed accurately and thoroughly; obtains supporting information from clients and sources as required.
• Conducts diversion evaluations to identify and recommend lump sum benefits for clients with immediate job prospects where receipt of such benefits would permit continuation or acquisition of employment.
• Determines when a client is not in compliance with employment program requirements and applies sanctions as mandated; and conducts client reconciliation interviews to bring clients back into conformity with requirements.
• Uses a computer to input client information through an automated system.
• Organizes and manages client caseload, taking required action within specific time limits established by regulation and local policy.
• Maintains case record files, modifies client employment plan and eligibility files as necessary, and monitors client compliance with program standards and agreements.
• Consults with and coordinates case management with other staff and service providers.
• May serve as one-stop assistant to assist and guide the public in applying and understanding the resources and available services.
• Conducts field visits to complete application interviews, monitor client progress and compliance with their Welfare-to-Work Plans.

Requirements

• One (1) year of full-time experience as an Eligibility Specialist II or Social Worker I.
• Six (6) months of full-time experience as an Eligibility Specialist II; AND completion of the equivalent of 15 semester (22.5 quarter) units or 15 continuing education credits in behavioral science in sociology, psychology, counseling, vocational guidance or any coursework related to the provision of employment services.
• One (1) year of full-time experience with responsibility for performing case management, vocational guidance services, employment counseling or placement work; AND completion of the equivalent of 15 semester (22.5 quarter) units or 15 continuing education credits in behavioral science in sociology, psychology, counseling, vocational guidance or any coursework related to the provision of employment services.
• Eighteen (18) months of full-time experience with responsibility for performing case management, vocational guidance services, employment counseling or placement work.
• A bachelor's degree in behavioral science in sociology, psychology, counseling, vocational guidance or any related field that includes coursework related to the provision of employment services.