Social Worker II

Job Overview

Vacancy in the Department of Health and Human Services. This is professional social work involving the delivery of extensive social services to People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) and their families. Provides support to individuals in the community to facilitate stability, harm reduction, and health equity. Works closely with PWUD to identify and utilise community resources; offers consistent check‑ins; and establishes linkages to culturally appropriate, trauma‑informed care.

Works closely with other community partners, harm reduction services, and public health agencies to enhance community stability and safety for residents. Performs social casework services requiring a high degree of professional knowledge and skills in substance use disorders and overdose prevention. Reviews and recommends action in unusual cases referred by subordinates. Interviews clients, collects information, assesses needs, makes referrals, keeps detailed records and leads the work of subordinates.

Assists in the development of clinical, community, and public safety trainings, data collection, and generating reports. Assists in coordination of regional meetings of the collaborative and workgroup sessions. Understands the principles and procedures of complex social casework services, the applicable laws and regulations governing eligibility, and the socioeconomic problems of the Hartford area. Provides counselling to clients on varying subjects such as substance abuse, housing, financial/budget planning, employment development and referral, sexual identity problems, crisis intervention, and vocational/educational matters.

Develops and maintains detailed case records of social services activities pertaining to each client. Follows up on client’s progress, ensuring that eligibility is maintained.

The above essential duties and responsibilities are not intended as a comprehensive list; they are intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbents may perform additional related duties as required.

This is a HMEA Union position. The hours of work are 40 per week. This is a grant‑funded position renewable on an annual basis. The City of Hartford is not obligated to fund this position upon termination of funding.

• Considerable:
  Principles and practices of social casework as it pertains to public assistance; various sources of assistance available in the community or at the state or federal level.
• Knowledge:
  Social casework theory and methods and the techniques of their application to individuals and groups; general social legislation and regulations.

• Direct the activities of subordinate staff.
• Interview clients, assess their needs, and recommend actions.
• Complete forms and handle arithmetic computations.
• Provide professional counselling on a variety of subjects.
• Prepare detailed casework records for each client.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and outside agencies.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Open to all qualified applicants who meet the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four‑year college or university, with major coursework in social services and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in the delivery of social services to individuals and families, including a minimum of two (2) years of experience in supervision. Whenever possible, an equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.

• Bi‑lingual (Spanish/English)

If selected, you will be required to pass a physical examination administered by a City physician, a drug and alcohol screening examination, and a background check. If appointed, you will serve 3‑12 months of probation. This examination and employment process is subject to all federal, state, and municipal laws, rules and regulations.

• Hartford Residency Preferred:
  Preferably be a bona‑fide resident of the City of Hartford at the time of application. A completed City of Hartford Residency Affidavit including proof of residency may be submitted.
• Veteran’s Preference Form:
  Preferential Points may be given to eligible veterans. Must submit Veteran’s Preference Form, along with a DD‑214 and Disability letter (if applicable) from the Office of Veteran’s Affairs.
• Americans With Disabilities Act:
  The Human Resources Department provides reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need an accommodation in the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department.
• An affirmative action/equal opportunity employer:
  The City of Hartford is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.