GENERAL

• Assigns, reviews, and evaluates the activities of social workers providing services to clients in the City's medical care programs; supervises workers in such functional areas as family medical care, family planning, health services to the homeless, and AIDS; trains workers in counseling and referral for family planning, substance abuse, geriatric problems or sexual abuse; provides orientation to workers in medical terminology and availability of medical services; trains workers to read and interpret medical charts of patients.

MENTAL RETARDATION

• Assigns, reviews and evaluates the activities of social workers engaged in performing case management activities for clients with mental retardation; assigns cases to social workers and monitors compliance with court-mandated limits on case load size; orients staff in rules, county and state regulations and guidelines, and federal court mandates associated with assigned duties; trains staff in proper procedures for leading interdisciplinary team and Individual Support Plan (ISP) meetings; ensures that staff attends mandated training as required.
• Reviews ISP's prepared by staff within mandated time limits to ensure appropriateness, accuracy and completeness; reviews monitoring forms completed by staff and monitors follow-up of issues of concern to ensure timely and appropriate action; periodically attends team meetings and monitorings conducted by staff and provides guidance and support as required; holds monthly unit and individual supervisory meetings with staff; ensures that staff responds to all issues cited in court-ordered case reviews and monitoring reports in a complete, appropriate, and timely manner; assures follow-up of unresolved case management monitoring issues directly with the provider agency as appropriate; refers issues to supervisor and other administrative staff as needed.
• Participates in the selection of case management staff; provides information required for the preparation of reports; attends mandated training.

BOTH SPECIALTIES

• Plans, assigns and reviews the activities of a group of social workers performing casework functions within assigned specialty; recommends changes in practices and procedures to increase operating efficiency and expedite work flow; confers with superiors on policies, rules, and regulations related to social service functions; consults with private and public welfare or health agency officials on established procedures and problem areas; recommends establishing or modifying current methods and policies.
• Screens cases initially to determine level of risk to individual, individual's eligibility for program, and services required; reviews cases for socio-economic, medical, and other information; meets with social workers to discuss status of cases, problems encountered, basis for action, and alternative solutions; reviews and discusses progress, problems, selection and use of resources; provides supportive liaison services and assistance when required; evaluates workers' performance.
• Trains social workers in social work techniques and methodologies; orients workers to appropriate laws, policies, regulations and procedures; evaluates worker development, performance and problem areas to determine training needs; takes corrective action where necessary.
• Communicates with other public and private agencies, hospitals and institutions to exchange information and develop resources; prepares correspondence; answers inquiries relating to services and clients.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the principles, practices and techniques of social work as applied to the respective area of specialization.
• the principles, practices and policies of social service administration.
• the principles, practices and procedures for social service program planning and evaluation within the respective area of specialization.
• administrative principles, policies and procedures governing social services as applied to the respective area of specialization.
• legal provisions and regulations applicable to the delivery of social services within the respective area of specialization.
• principles, practices, techniques, literature and current developments in the field of social service planning within the respective area of specialization.
• functions and resources of public and private social welfare and related agencies providing services to individuals within the respective area of specialization.
• current social, economic, environmental and health problems affecting clients.
• social, psychological and environmental factors which result in the need for placement or institutionalization of individuals.
• knowledge of medical terminology.

ABILITY TO:

• plan, organize and coordinate the activities of a group of social workers within the respective area of specialization.
• apply behavioral science concepts and principles in the supervision of a group of social workers.
• evaluate social service programs and make recommendations to improve effectiveness of operations.
• effect sound management practices in the administration of social service programs.
• analyze and resolve complex social work situations and make sound recommendations consistent with social work principles and departmental policies.
• exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting policies and procedures consistent with overall goals and objectives of programs.
• interpret and explain program functions, goals, and objectives.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of private and public agencies, civic groups, associates and the general public.
• present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
• prepare and analyze reports pertaining to social service programs.
• teach specific medical information relating to family medical care and family planning clinics in the General Specialty.
• learn about various medical entitlement programs, private medical insurances, and community organizations to assist patients in obtaining optimal medical care.
• learn computer entry and retrieval methods and software applications related to work assignment.

EDUCATION:
• Completion of a master's degree in social work from an accredited college or university.

AND

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
• Two years of social work experience.

AND

SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:
• Two years of full performance level health services social work experience in the area of specialization.

NOTE: Two years of additional experience at the full performance level may be substituted for the master's degree requirement.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

PAY RANGE: EP21
Class Established: 12/1981

Latest Spec. Revision:
  CSC - 3/1997 ; Ad. Board - 6/1997

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