Social Worker II

Primary Purpose This social worker in the Work First Program provides intensive direct services including case management to TANF Family Assistance recipients who are at risk according to defined criteria. These recipients and their families are at risk for non- achievement of self- sufficiency within two years as mandated by Work First. This position is part of the Work First Employment Services Unit. Essential Functions   20% Assessment

• Assesses clients by using at-risk protocol and assures that Medicaid at risk referrals are made to the Family Services Area for additional intensive social work services.
• Interviews client to evaluate participant’s potential and/or interest in relation to options available through the program.
• Observes and identify verbal and non-verbal behaviors.
• Interviews to determine suitability of client’s employment in terms of his/her own needs and those of client’s children.
• Identifies needs for support services such as day care, transportation, home management etc.
• Explores participant’s skills, education, work experience and job preference.
• Evaluates client’s attitude toward work in general and Work First, in particular to facilitate meaningful work placement.
• Analyzes problems in relation to client’s cultural, environmental and socio-economic situation.
• Evaluates relative strengths and weaknesses exhibited by client as they relate to employment.
• Determines client’s needs in terms of training, etc; to evaluate relative state of preparedness for entering employment

20% Monitoring/Case Management

• Re-evaluates plans with clients as a result of changes in client circumstances, lack of progress, dissatisfaction, or other problems related to program participation.
• Updates MRA plan as needed.
• Maintains regular contact with participants and monitors progress.
• Confers with other service providers (e.g. WTW, VR, ESC, LME) to assess progress.
• Documents progress and problems through case notes.
• Discusses problems or unusual case situations with supervisor for policy clarification or recommendations for further action.
• Provides accurate information to local and state databases.
• Prepares and maintains client records and appropriate forms as required by local, state and federal policy.
• Prioritizes case assignments and organizes tasks for effective and efficient services delivery

20% Consultation

• Provides consultation and technical assistance, as requested, to service providers in order to assure clients a productive work experience activity.
• Consults with community resources involved in client’s service plan to evaluate plan effectiveness and progress.
• Consults with Regional employment and training program representative regarding policy interpretation and specific program mechanics.
• Meets with Income Maintenance staff regarding Work First referrals or problems with participants.
• Participates in CPS/Work First staffings, Success Program meetings and Work First unit staffings.

15 % Development of MRA

• Engages client in process of identifying informal and formal resources, which will overcome barriers to employment, and/or help them maintain employment.
• Explores with client various vocational options derived from work experience, educational background, testing and interest.
• Assists client to develop specific employment goals, short or long term or a combination.
• Develops with client a written MRA that documents specific program component activities required for participation, including dates, time frames and responsibilities.

10% Counseling

• Provides counseling to clients when issues such as barriers, non- compliance, etc, arise.
• Provides feedback to clients individually or in groups to support positive attitudes and behaviors.
• Provides counseling to individual clients on issues such as family violence, family planning, family functioning and child development.
• Emphasizes client strengths demonstrated in program and discusses weaknesses in terms of methods of remediation.
• Discusses with client feedback from employers derived from follow-up calls after job interviews and suggests alternatives for dealing with non-positive impressions.

5% Implementation

• Initiates client into the Work First and service delivery.
• Determines eligibility for services identified as needed to remove barriers to program participation.
• Plans, directs, provides or arranges for services within policy constraints and procedures, e.g. day care, transportation.
• Intervenes actively in client’s environment by locating or providing resources, interpreting clients needs, advocating, and mediating on client’s behalf or modifying the environment.
• Gives participatory guidance when needed to assist clients in applying for and using other resources.
• Enrolls clients in orientation/job preparation classes if appropriate.
• Negotiates with work sponsors and clients, contracts, and places client in work experiences as appropriate.
• Orients clients to program component activities.

5% Community Liaison

• Attends Work Force Development Board meetings to keep abreast of local employment and training opportunities for DSS clients.
• Maintains communication links with ESC, WTW, VR, Craven Community College and mental health providers in order to coordinate services and avoid duplication.
• Gathers local job market information and identifies job opportunities for job ready clients.
• Coordinates, negotiates, and advocates for client’s benefit the use of community resources such as HUD, legal aid, Salvation Army, Religious Community Services, Health Department and Social Security for emergency assistance purposes or as part of an ongoing mutual responsibility plan.
• Presents Work First information to potential program sponsors and contracts with interested parties in the form of work experience agreements.
• Delivers presentations and has informal discussions with general public to provide information about the Work First Program goals, objectives and policies.
• This position also assists in disaster relief efforts that includes but is not limited to shelter duty. Assignment to emergency shelter duty during times of potentially dangerous or manmade disasters is an essential function of this position and you shall be required to fulfill these duties when instructed. Position may perform other duties as assigned by the Social Work Supervisor II, Social Worker Program Administrator I, Social Work Program Manager, Director, and Deputy Director.

5% Training/Teaching

• Plans and conduct classes on life skill development/employment survival skills which includes job seeking and interview techniques for Work First participants.
• Provides information on support systems complementary to the placement process including the WTW, VR, OJT programs and various resources for other types of job training assistance.
• Utilizes hands-on experience where appropriate in teaching skills related to completing job applications, use of computers and interviewing skills development.
• Employs didactic method where appropriate in instruction related to canvassing for jobs and handling interviewer objections.
• Enhances accurate self-appraisal by clients through the use of audio-visual aids including video taping and recording of role-played interviews.
• Reinforces information retention by providing materials created to complement lectures by restating learning objectives.
• Enhances client participation in class by creating a free exchange atmosphere of instruction.
• Determines effectiveness of instructional program by providing for evaluation critique by clients.
• Attends Regional Work First workshops and training sessions.
• Plans and conducts Work First group orientations which includes an explanation of the Work First Program regulations and requirements.

Minimum Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work; Bachelor's degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university and one year directly related experience; Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two years directly related experience.