Definition
Performs intensive social work services, protective service assessments/evaluations, or lead-work duties in a county, area, regional office, or institution; performs related work as required.
Work Examples
Assists a supervisor by performing, in accordance with set procedures, policies and standards, such duties as instructing employees about tasks, answering questions about procedures and policies, distributing and balancing the workload and checking work; may make occasional suggestions on reassignments.
Obtains and evaluates referral information from mandatory and permissive reporters to determine if a child abuse assessment, dependent adult abuse assessment or Child in Need of Assistance assessement should be completed. This information may be gathered in person (face to face interview) or via the telephone utilizing active listening, probing questions to fill in gaps in information or to clarify inconsistencies. The information is the first step in the assessment process and will subsequently be provided to child/adult protective assessment workers so that safety and risk can be assessed and appropriate services to families, children and/or dependent adults can be provided.
Provides intensive casework services for clients with difficult, complex and complicated problems, possibly requiring a reduced caseload on a full-time basis.
Deals with individuals and groups having sociopathic personalities, impulsive behavior that may be self-destructive or depredatory, and others with chronic mental illness, mental retardation or a developmental disability.
Makes professional decisions and recommendations that can have a serious impact on the life of the person served.
Provides or directs the preparation of necessary records and reports.
Gives advice and consultation when unusual, difficult, or complex cases are encountered.
Functions as a case management program specialist by reviewing case records of case managers and providing written and verbal feedback related to performance, compliance with applicable standards and policies.
Evaluates reports of child or dependent adult abuse; assesses strengths/needs of clients and recommends service interventions.
Serves as a member of an institutional interdisciplinary treatment team; provides casework and group work services.
Performs outreach activities gathering and evaluating information regarding clients or programs, developing an assistance or treatment program, and coordinating activities with relevant community agencies, as directed.
Completes or directs the preparation of necessary records and reports.
Competencies Required
Knowledge of casework methods, technique, and their application to work problems.
Knowledge of the principles of human growth and behavior, basic sociological and psychological treatment and therapy practices.
Knowledge of interviewing skills and techniques.
Knowledge of group work methods, and basic community organization techniques.
Knowledge of environmental and cultural factors inherent in social work.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local legislation relative to public assistance and welfare programs.
Knowledge of federal and state rules, policies, and procedures as they relate to the sector of responsibility.
Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with other public and private agencies.
Ability to use interviewing skills and techniques effectively.
Ability to plan, instruct, and guide others in social work services.
Ability to interpret rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Refrains from dishonest behavior.
Works and communicates with all clients and customers providing professional service.
Displays a high level of initiative, effort, attention to detail and commitment by completing assignments efficiently with minimal supervision.
Follows policy and cooperates with supervisors.
Fosters and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity and team spirit throughout the organization.
Exchanges information with individuals or groups effectively by listening and responding appropriately.
Education, Experience, and Special Requirements
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree and the equivalent of three years of full-time experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency;
OR
graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in social work and the equivalent of two years of full-time experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency;
OR
a Master’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university;
OR
an equivalent combination of graduate education in the social or behavioral sciences from an accredited college or university and qualifying experience up to a maximum of thirty semester hours for one year of the required experience;
OR
employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes the equivalent of one year of full-time experience as a Social Worker 2 shall be considered as qualified.
Necessary Special Requirements
For designated positions in case management, the appointing authority may request those applicants possessing a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major or at least 30 semester hours or its equivalent in the behavioral sciences, education, health care, human services administration, or social sciences and the equivalent of 12 months of full-time experience in the delivery of human services in the combination of: chronic mental illness, developmental disabilities, and intellectual disabilities as a Targeted (Medicaid) Case Manager;
OR
an Iowa license to practice as a registered nurse and the equivalent of three years of full-time nursing or human services experience with the above population groups.
Applicants wishing to be considered for such designated positions must list applicable course work, experience, certificate, license, or endorsement on the application.
Notes
At the time of interview, applicants referred to Glenwood and Woodward State Hospital-Schools will be assessed to determine if they meet federal government employment requirements as published in the Federal Register, Section 20-CFR-405.1101.