Social Services Assistant - Non-Merit

Regular

Schedule:

34 hours per week

The Interagency Family Preservation (IFP) Family Support Worker assists the IFP Social Worker in delivering short‑term, intensive clinical services to families referred to the Program.

• Provide intensive in‑home intervention services to families at risk of out‑of‑home placement.
• Assist in family interviews, gather background information, assess strengths and risks for the MFRA.
• Identify and record family members and community resources.
• Advocate and link families to community resources (mental health, behavioral aides, financial assistance, hospitals, public utilities).
• Meet regularly with the IFP Social Worker and team members to share information and coordinate case direction.
• Respond promptly to emergencies or crisis situations, especially safety concerns.
• Deliver short‑ and long‑term goal work to ensure safety and well‑being of children and improve family functioning.
• Act as a liaison connecting families to community services and encourage use of emergency services.
• Model life skills (parenting, budgeting, household management, childhood development, anger management).
• Provide transportation as needed.
• Arrange emergency assistance (CAN, food banks, shelters, mental health providers) when required.
• Attend court appearances as needed.
• Prepare and maintain case staffing, case studies, and other documentation during meetings.
• Complete required paperwork: flex funds, faxes, T‑2 forms, safety plans, service plans, consent releases, contact notes.
• Maintain confidentiality and order of client records.
• Attend all relevant trainings and supervise meetings.
• Report suspected child abuse or neglect immediately.
• Respond to administrative information requests.
• Follow supervisor directions and assignments.
• Maintain regular contact with the IFP Social Worker and supervisor to share information and coordinate services.
• Contact community providers to gather information and consult on cases.
• Keep communication with IFP Supervisor and other agencies to coordinate accessible services.
• Refine service plans and assess need for out‑of‑home placement of children along with IFP Social Worker and supervisor.

• Assess risk and safety of children and report immediate risk to supervisor.
• Build therapeutic relationship with children and families.
• Teach, coach, and model parenting, home management, budgeting skills.
• Assist families in accessing available community services.
• Utilize therapeutic recreational activities with children and families.
• Maintain regular phone contact with IFP Social Worker and supervisor.
• Attend and participate in supervision, unit meetings, team meetings, and mandatory trainings.
• Complete accurate and timely paperwork: contact notes, timesheets, monthly statistics.
• Plan leave and set workload priorities efficiently.

• Work involves exposure to uncomfortable or unpleasant surroundings:
• Visit families’ homes which may be infested with insects or vermin, have unpleasant odors, animals, overcrowding, or be dirty.
• Use protective equipment (gloves, mask, etc.) when working in unsanitary home conditions.
• Work involves exposure to hazardous conditions:
• Drive personal vehicle to home visits and other community destinations.
• Drive into unfamiliar County streets.
• Occasionally drive in high‑crime areas.
• Clients may possess weapons, participate in drug or human trafficking, or have contagious illnesses (Hep C, HIV+).

Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, including answers to supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening, and employment investigation, including criminal background, education certification, fingerprinting checks, and other required investigations.

High School Diploma and experience working in the field of human services.

Baltimore County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.