Social Worker, Community Health

Job Summary

The Division of Social Services (DSS) is looking for a Social Worker 1 to fill a Social Worker 2 position in Reno. DSS employs licensed social workers who are passionate about helping Nevadans achieve self‑reliance. Social workers provide personalized case management to TANF recipients, assisting them to overcome barriers such as domestic violence, mental health, substance abuse, physical and learning disabilities, housing and homelessness, child behavioral issues, CPS involvement, legal matters, parenting skills, and pregnancy and parenting teens.

The role involves conducting psycho‑social assessments, creating personal responsibility plans, conducting home visits, transporting clients to appointments, and monitoring client progress. Social workers advocate and intervene in crises, develop knowledge of community resources, and build relationships with community partners. Under close supervision, incumbents at this level function as trainees, learning to identify client needs, develop solutions, and provide ongoing case management.

• Licensure or provisional licensure as a Social Worker, Clinical Social Worker, Independent Social Worker, or Associate in Social Work.

• Assess and reassess client levels of functioning by interviewing clients, families, and community contacts; utilize tests, inventories, and other assessment tools; review medical, legal, and law enforcement reports; and evaluate client resources to identify required assistance.
• Develop and implement a case plan with intervention strategies to meet client needs, including placement, job training, socialization, nursing services, legal and medical intervention, and financial assistance in accordance with federal and state guidelines.
• Locate and coordinate a network of services provided by state agencies, community organizations, and private providers in areas such as mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation, developmental, homemaking, financial assistance, and employment programs.
• Provide ongoing case management through home visits, service delivery monitoring, progress tracking, and plan evaluation; assist clients in identifying strengths and barriers and developing problem‑solving and coping abilities.
• Collaborate and coordinate case reviews with families, attorneys, and multiple agencies, including law enforcement, to ensure continuity of care and prevent duplication of services.
• Organize multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings to assess and plan protective services for children or vulnerable adults, including representatives from education, law enforcement, and health organizations.
• Document case activities, maintain written histories, complete required forms, and prepare correspondence and reports in accordance with policies and regulations.
• Provide crisis intervention in office or community settings, respond to emergency calls, and report neglect or abuse to appropriate authorities. Manage individuals who may be aggressive or hostile following established protocols.
• Serve as a lead worker to new or experienced social workers; provide training, technical assistance, and supervisory support to non‑professional staff such as Family Support Workers and Administrative Assistants.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Learn to determine clients’ social service needs and develop appropriate solutions under close supervision; progress to the next series level may occur upon meeting minimum qualifications and satisfactory performance.

• General knowledge of social problems requiring public and private community resources; philosophy and ethics of social work; dynamics of human behavior; confidentiality laws; client rights; case management practices; and signs of substance abuse, mental illness, and domestic violence.

• Understand and accept differences in human behavior caused by deprivation, abuse, and neglect.
• Effectively interact with individuals from diverse economic, cultural, social, and educational backgrounds.
• Work objectively with individuals who may be hostile, uncooperative, or verbally abusive.
• Recognize signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation and report to…