Social Worker II

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.

• Assesses clients by using at‑risk protocol, providing community resource referrals, and ensuring households have access to additional 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.
• Interviews to determine client’s employability, or barriers to employment that may require a different source of income, such as SSI.
• Identifies needs for support services such as day care, transportation, home management etc.
• Explore 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 and solutions 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 preparedness for entering employment.

• 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. Refers clients to programs as appropriate.
• 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

• Provides consultation and technical assistance, as to service providers as needed to assure clients a productive work experience activity.
• Consults with community resources involved in client’s service plan to evaluate plan effectiveness and progress. Coordinates community resource meetings with client so that client can meet with agencies in one meeting.
• Consults with Continuous Quality Improvement 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 staffing, Success Program meetings and Work First unit staffing.

• Engages client in process of identifying informal and formal resources, which will overcome barriers to employment, and/or help them obtain employment, or identify another source of income to promote self‑sufficiency.
• 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.

• 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. Provides referrals to local agencies or resources to assist with learning.
• Emphasizes client strengths demonstrated in program…