Social Worker Assistant

Job Title

Paraprofessional And Treatment Support Services

Under general supervision, to provide paraprofessional and treatment support services for County Human Services clients in an assigned program or service area; to provide counseling and educational services under appropriate guidance; to develop and facilitate client services and case management plans, and to do related work as required. This classification is a for cause, non-exempt position.

Incumbents in this class provide assistance to social workers by performing a variety of less complex functions in the child and adult program areas which do not require the skill and training of a social worker, including managing data base systems, communicating directly and in writing with clients and children, assisting social workers in their compli­ance with legal responsibilities, and instructing parents in developing parenting and household management skills.

Reports To:

Human Services Program Manager and/or Human Services Supervisor.

Classifications Supervised:
None.

Meets with individuals, families, and groups to provide a variety of case management and support services related to the program or service area to which assigned. In Childrens Services, may assist social workers in meeting court responsibilities; supervise visits between parents and children; report observations to the social worker; provide emer­gency child care; under supervision, monitor the medical or psychological care of abused children;

coach emotionally disturbed or substance-abusing parents on parenting and household management skills; instruct parents or caregivers in such things as nutritional meal preparation, budgeting, and household care. In Adult Services, may assist in maintaining a caseload of frail elderly or incapacitated adults receiving In Home Supportive Services; assist social workers in conducting ongoing needs assessments; verify needs by contacting medical and health services providers;

present assessments to review committees; complete narrative reports of client conditions and services; and make referrals to medical personnel or social workers as needed. In either area, may assist social workers in ongoing risk assessment; maintain records, written reports, and data base systems; determine program eligibility; provide liaison between clients and profes­sional staff and individuals and groups in the community served;

and directly assist families to learn about and use resources available including medical, legal, and employment services; visit clients in their own homes; transport children and/or adults in County cars; maintain records of services provided as required by state and federal regulations, Juvenile Court order, or department policies; work with individuals and/or families to facilitate access and use of community resources as directed by social work staff;

work cooperatively with clients, families of clients, and professional staff from all public and private agencies.

Knowledge of:
Basic computer programs and applications. Basic principals of human behavior and development. Community resources useful to clients served. Acceptable housekeeping, homemaking, and parenting methods and standards. Modern office techniques. State, federal and local laws, regulations, and requirements for the provision of services to adults and children, including reporting mandates and requirement to maintain confidentiality.

• Interview clients to obtain a variety of information applicable to the provision of services.
• Communicate and relate to service providers, community partners, and other employees.
• Handle stress and unusual client behavior, including hostile clients and threaten­ing situations.
• Understand and accept cultural, socio-economic, and lifestyle differences.
• Effectively instruct and coach parents and caregivers in parenting and household skills. Prepare clear, concise, grammatically correct written reports.
• Recognize and report specific indications of risk or need for services.
• Learn, apply, and explain federal and state laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to services to adults and children.
• Develop and maintain…