This is social work at the full performance level within the assigned specialty. An employee in this class performs a variety of counseling, referral and/or placement assignments related to services to the mentally retarded or services to adults and the aging or to clients of a health center which includes client orientation with
the facility and services such as family planning, pre-natal care and HIV/AIDS as appropriate. Employees in this class provide advisory and interpretive services to defined client populations, agency officials and superiors within the specialized areas.
Work includes performing casework activities, assessing client and family needs, developing an appropriate service plan, developing and implementing group activities, providing on-going counseling and referral services, and/or determining the appropriate placement actions. Work in this class differs from the next lower level in that employees exercise relatively independent judgment requiring a more significant degree of understanding of professional principles and techniques and departmental standards and rules. Contact
with individuals, their families, representatives of professional and community groups, and the general public is
a significant aspect of the work. Work is performed under the general supervision of a technical superior.
Mental Retardation
- Performs a variety of case management activities for clients with mental retardation; coordinates the individual planning process for assigned cases; develops, in concert with an interdisciplinary team, an annual comprehensive Individual Support Plan (ISP) for each assigned case; prepares written plan and implements plan within court-mandated time limits; discusses proposed changes in plans and facilitates resolution of issues with team members as required; prepares transitional plans and addenda as required; coordinates and monitors the
provision of services and supports as stated in the plan.
- Conducts on-site monitoring of each individual's residential and day program at mandated intervals; completes standard monitoring forms for each scheduled site visit; monitors items of concern identified during site visits until addressed in an appropriate manner; makes periodic, unannounced visits to residential and day programs; attends site visits conducted by monitoring agencies.
- Responds in writing to all issues cited in annual, periodic and sample case reviews and monitoring reports within mandated time limits; notifies State of potential moves by consumers within mandated time limits; completes forms to initiate and maintain Medicaid Waiver process for consumers; monitors financial accounts to ensure Medicaid Waiver eligibility is maintained.
- Provides information on assigned cases to superiors, departmental staff, and monitoring agencies as required; responds to inquiries from family members, attorneys, provider agencies, and other interested parties.
- Documents all case activities and ensures that clinical file is maintained and up to date per policy; prepares work schedules and activity reports; attends mandated training sessions, workshops and conferences.
All Specialties
- Attends periodic staff and personal conferences; confers with superior on difficult problems; prepares reports and correspondence; keeps records of all assigned cases.
- Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- the principles, practices and techniques of social work as applied to the area of specialization.
- the laws, regulations and rules governing the provision of social services to individuals within area of specialization.
- philosophy and objectives underlying social services within area of specialization.
- functions and resources of public and private welfare and related agencies for meeting social, financial, and medical problems.
- theories, principles and techniques of working with individuals with severe emotional, mental, and social problems.
- the causes of social, environmental, economic and psychological factors which necessitate the placement or institutionalization of children and adults.
- the principles, practices, methods and techniques of social service planning.
- concepts and methods utilized in the prevention of self-destructive behaviors.
- group dynamics which includes the socialization of individuals into group activity.
- the current problems of senior citizens and programs for senior citizens.
- basic medical terminology.
ABILITY TO:
- observe, recognize, analyze and report an individual's behavioral, attitudinal, emotional and social problems and develop a plan for their resolution.
- evaluate program quality and effectiveness as they relate to an individual's or a group's needs, recommending modifications when appropriate.
- employ tact, diplomacy and judgment in dealing with sensitive problems and hostile attitudes.
- establish rapport and cooperative relationships with individuals with social and emotional problems.
- plan and implement group activities based on the assessed needs of participants.
- motivate and encourage individuals to participate in group activity.
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private social service officials, representatives of community organizations, associates and the general public.
- prepare a variety of written reports.
- present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
- maintain complete and accurate records on assigned cases.
- meet deadlines consistently.
- learn computer entry and retrieval methods and software applications related to work assignment.
- speak, read and write in a specified non-English language and in English fluently for the Bilingual specialty.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
(The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 11/91.)
General Specialty
EDUCATION:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university.
AND
EXPERIENCE:
- Three years of social work experience in a health center which has included one year above the trainee level.
Mental Retardation and Group Work Specialties
EDUCATION:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university.
AND
EXPERIENCE:
- Three years of social work experience, two years of which have been in the area of specialization which has included one year above the trainee level.
NOTE: A Master's Degree in Social Work may be substituted for two years of social work experience for the above specialties.
Additional Requirement for the Bilingual Specialty
- Sufficient training and/or experience to be able to understand and speak fluently and clearly in English and the designated non-English language.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATION AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Bilingual and General Specialties
- Candidates must possess, at the time of appointment or secure within six (6) months after appointment, a certificate that verifies successful completion of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) approved course and examination entitled HIV Prevention Counseling and Proficiency Examination, if required by work assignment.
PAY RANGE: EP18
Class Established: 4/1982
Latest Spec. Revision:
CSC - 3/1997 ; Ad. Board - 6/1997
PS/deb/mt
END OF JOB CLASS SPECIFICATION - 5A62