Social Worker I - Work First/Emergency Intake/Child Care

Description

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit: The Work First program is designed to assist families with job related services in order to become independent from cash assistance. Services include transportation, child care, cash assistance, and other supportive services to increase the family’s chances of becoming economically independent. Duties also include administering crisis energy programs to the general public, wherein clients in crisis apply for assistance with water, gas, electricity, prescription medicine, and the like, in order to alleviate a temporary situation beyond their control. The scope of Vance County’s Work First program has changed, and requires the workers to be flexible and adaptable in order to provide the best and most comprehensive services to clients who come to Social Services for assistance. This includes, but is not limited to, clients who are seeking assistance as a result of domestic violence, homelessness, or child welfare involvement.
Primary Purpose of Position: To take and process applications for Emergency Assistance from individuals and families who may be in a crisis due to unpaid rent, heating or cooling bills, water bill, or in need of emergency food assistance. Take and process applications for the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) and for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP).
Work Schedule: Regular hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some after-hours work
may be needed due to job requirements.

Essential Job Functions

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Assess and determine eligibility of individuals and families applying for emergency financial assistance.
• Communicate with vendors as needed regarding individual situations. Determine eligibility and identify appropriate funds to be utilized to provide assistance.
• Document information as to client needs and actions taken.
• Provide intake for Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) and Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). Obtain and document required information, and determine client eligibility.
• Complete required reports documentation day sheets and timesheets.
• Assist as needed with care of foster needing to be cared for in the office while placement is being located.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the agency director to include emergency duty and assisting with displaced children and/or adults.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, & ABILITIES: 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.
Required Minimum Training: Bachelor’s degree in a human services field from an appropriately accredited institution; Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Supplemental Information

OTHER POSITION CHARACTERISTICS:
1. Accuracy Required in Work: Must maintain accuracy in obtaining needed information and documentation for programs. Must calculate benefits in strict adherence to program policies and guidelines.
2. Consequence of Error: Ineligible recipients could receive benefits, or eligible recipients could be denied benefits for which they are eligible. Federal funds could be misappropriated.
3. Instructions Provided to Employee: Instructions are provided verbally and in written format from supervisor. Instructions are specific regularly policy questions
4. Guides, Regulations, Policies and References Used by Employee: Programs policy manuals, administrative letters, Dear County Director Letters, agency policy manual, References to general statutes or program rules as required.
5. Supervision Received by Employee: Regular and as needed conferences with Social Work Supervisor II over the unit. Policy questions, changes, case situations and other topics are discussed. Reports are discussed.
6. Variety and Purpose of Personal Contacts: Contacts with co-workers in the unit, as well as Children Services, Food & Nutrition services, Medicaid, Adult Services and Support Services regarding cases. Outside contacts with program providers and vendors, community agencies, utility and housing provider’s transportation providers, and some DSS agencies.
7. Physical Effort: Manual dexterity to use equipment, computer, etc. Ability to handle the stress of high workloads and multi-tasking between different programs and duties
8. Work Environment and Conditions: Work is performed in a cubicle area in the main office. Contact with the Front Desk and office staff in the building is required.
9. Machines, Tools, Instruments, Equipment, and Materials Used: Personal computer, telephone, calculator, copier, printer, fax machine, stapler, and other office equipment and supplies.
10. Visual Attention, Mental Concentration, and Manipulative Skills: Focus and concentration is essential due to heavy workload and need to handle interruptions, phone calls, etc. Must prioritize task daily. Employee must utilize interpersonal skills in communicating and creating positive working relationships with clients and others.
11. Safety for Others: Follow all agency safety protocols and procedures. Assure doors are locked as appropriate. Clients may present with mental or emotional problems. Notify Agency Security Guard of potential hostile situations.
12. Dynamics of Work: Work is performed within a unit in which team members provide a variety of services and programs. Work is impacted by seasonal fluctuations and funding availability. Team member support each other as workflow and staffing fluctuates.

Please Note:
If offered a position, official transcripts/verification of education must be submitted directly to the Human Resources Office from the educational institution(s) listed on application. Positions requiring a minimum education/certification must also have official documents submitted to the Human Resources Office. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted by the candidate with the application for consideration of meeting minimum job requirements.