Social Worker II (10457)

– For maximum efficient and effective service delivery, it is necessary that this position have a strong background in social work with extensive knowledge in gerontology and developmental disabilities as well as sensitivity to and knowledge of problems related to aging and physical and mental handicaps.
– Considerable knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices and their application to individual casework, group work and community problems.
– Knowledge of the psychosocial, socioeconomic and behavioral problems and their treatment.
– Knowledge of governmental and private organizations and community resources.
– Knowledge of laws, regulations and policies which govern the program.
– General knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes and their treatment is required in certain programs or settings.
– Skill in establishing rapport with a client and applying techniques of assessing psychosocial. behavioral, and psychological aspects of clients problem.
– Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrative superiors, agency associates, members of case load and their families, and with civic, medical, social and religious organizations.
– Ability to train or instruct lower-level social workers, students, or interns.
– Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
– Plan and execute work effectively.
– Read and write technical level materials, manuals, and interpret statistical information.
– Demonstrate mature judgment and decision making.
– Coordinate and utilize local manpower resources effectively and creatively.
– Work independently and as a team member.
– Accept a broad range of lifestyles and behaviors and be flexible in conflict resolution and problem-solving.
– Practice mediation, negotiation, and advocacy.
– Legally operate an automobile for performance of job duties.

## Primary Purpose

The focus of this position is enabling vulnerable persons with disabilities resulting from age, mental impairments, or physical limitations, to live independently in the community or facilitating appropriate group care placements when independent living is no longer feasible. This is accomplished through the application of advanced social work principles in our case management, Special Assistance In Home, and Adult Protective Services programs. Clients targeted for social work services are identified as at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation or at risk of premature or inappropriate institutionalization. Cases are multi-problem, and activities are directed toward prevention. The primary goal of this social worker, like other staff located within the Adult Services Program Area, is to promote self-sufficiency and delay institutionalization whenever possible. Funding for case management activities is provided through the Home and Community Care Block Grant, Social Services Block Grant and Medicaid. This position is part of the Adult Services Case Management Unit within the Adult Services Program Area.

## Essential Functions

75% CaseManagement/Special Assistance In-Home (SA IH) duties/Adult Protective Services (APS) Duties

Case Management/SA IH duties
Assessment

– Interviews clients and family members to determine risk factors
– Observes behavior to determine family dynamics
– Identifies strengths and weaknesses in clients support systems
– Communicates, listens, elicits expression to understand clients perception of problem
– Identifies cultural influences affecting the client and clients perception of his situation
– Evaluates clients behavior with sensitivity to the clients lifestyle
– Analyzes the socio-economic and environmental factors that affect clients situation
– Measures the functional ability of client to care for himself and obtains medical information from clients physician to determine prognosis
– Probes the significance o relationships or facts that affect the clients needs
– Analyzes client needs in relation to existing resources and program funding
– Assesses the degree to which client can take responsibility for his/her own financial affairs
– Identifies if Special Assistance In-Home (SA/IH) referrals meet the criteria in conjunction with the Adult Medicaid worker
– This position participates in a staffing along with other social workers to make a decision regarding client eligibility and to provide input regarding case situations. They also team with a nurse (subcontractor) in assessing and managing plan in applicable cases: In-Home Services, Care Management, etc. This worker also works as a team member in regard to SA/IH referrals with the Adult Medicaid worker for initial and ongoing eligibility determination.

Development of Service Plan

– Engages client and family in process of identifying formal and informal support systems
– Formulates and reviews with client strategies of intervention
– Determines the most appropriate case management program and support services
– Opens new possibilities for increased choices by the client
– Independently develops with the client specific time-oriented goals
– Writes agreement with client that encourages and reinforces desired progress
– Engages clients family and support systems in planning process
– Maximizes potential support networks
– Determines if the duration of the intervention is short or long term and sets appropriate time frames
– Determines the need for involvement on the part of other service providers
– Identifies in the service plan of Special Assistance In Hone (SA/IH) clients where additional funding will be utilized
– Worker authorizes expenditures and monitors the financial affairs on behalf of the director regarding cases for which the agency has been appointed payee by the Social Security Administration, Veterans Office or other agency. Authorizations include rent payments, personal allowances, utility bills, insurance payments, etc. All financial authorizations require approval of immediate supervisor.

Implementation

– Implements plan formulated to safeguard clients well-being
– Mediates between client and conflicting parties
– Determines when agency should intervene as payee for clients Social Security and/or SSI benefits and initiates process
– Refers appropriate cases to other agencies for participation in programs
– Charts in service record significant barriers that hinder progress
– Coordinates activities with medical and other service providers
– Determines eligibility for programs and support services (i.e. need, age, risk factors, etc.)
– Records all progress notes in computer system
– Manages clients financial resources in payee matters

Counseling

Responds to client and/or family crises by presenting alternatives, educating, advising and affirming

Assists client in recognizing and coping with barriers

Assists client in understanding family and interpersonal relationships

Explains and reinforces theory of behavior resulting in logical consequence

Discusses sensitive issues with client in a supportive atmosphere

Responds to crises by directing or redirecting anger and hostilities

Mediates in personal conflicts to achieve mutual satisfaction

Advocates for client when barriers occur within the service delivery system

Motivates client to assume responsibilities

Enables client to explore feelings about death and dying in a sup