Integrated Case Worker I-Iii

INTEGRATED CASE WORKER I/II
Applies regulations and procedures to determine eligibility of applicants and recipients for multiple public assistance benefits; provides basic employment services to clients; performs casework management duties for both benefit and employment services, and performs related duties as required.
Working under close supervision, Integrated Case Worker I is the entry level of the Integrated Case Worker series. Employees in this class attend training sessions and work under close supervision to learn regulations, work procedures, forms, and public assistance and/or employment program requirements. After the initial orientation and training period, on-the-job experience is provided until the employee attains and demonstrates the level of competency necessary for promotion to the working level of Integrated Case Worker II. Employees are expected to promote to Integrated Case Worker II after one year of satisfactory performance at the entry level.
Working under general supervision, Integrated Case Worker II is the journey working level in the Integrated Case Worker series. Employees at this level are expected to independently determine eligibility for multiple public assistance programs, provide basic employment services, and perform Integrated Case management. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower level of Integrated Case Worker I, or if filled from the outside, require prior related experience.

Integrated Case Worker II differs from Integrated Case Worker III in that the latter may provide lead direction, provide expert advice to case carrying staff and/or perform specialized assignments requiring an advanced level of technical knowledge.

The Integrated Case Worker series differs from the Eligibility Specialist series in that the Integrated Case Worker provides both determination of eligibility for public assistance and basic employability services. The Integrated Case Worker differs from the Employment & Training Worker series in that the latter's primary focus is in providing the full scope of employability services to eligible applicants.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED
Incumbents in the Integrated Case Worker I/II classification typically receive supervision from a Supervising Integrated Case Worker or a Human Services Supervisor. Supervision may also be received from an Employment and Training Supervisor or a Social Worker Supervisor.
INTEGRATED CASE WORKER III
Under general supervision, provides expert advice to case carrying staff to assist in the provision of a variety of public assistance benefits and employment services; assists in the management of Integrated Cases; performs specialized caseload management and employment assignments requiring an advanced level of technical knowledge in public assistance and employment services programs; serves as lead worker and expert resource to other staff; may carry a limited caseload of the more difficult cases; and performs related duties as required.

This is the lead and advanced working level in this series. Incumbents are expected to work independently and make decisions in accordance with established guidelines. Incumbents assist the unit supervisor in overseeing and guiding the work of unit staff. Incumbents perform a variety of eligibility, employment services appraisal, assessment, plan development, and specialized case management duties necessary to move clients from dependency to self-sufficiency within prescribed time limits. Incumbents serve as expert resource staff to assist management in developing, implementing and applying policies, procedures and methodologies related to employment services programs and assist with training of staff.

The Integrated Case Worker series differs from the Eligibility Specialist series in that the Integrated Case Worker provides both determination of eligibility for public assistance and basic employability services. The Integrated Case Worker differs from the Employment & Training Worker series in that the latter's primary focus is in providing the full scope of employability services to eligible applicants.
Supervision Received and Exercised:
Incumbents typically receive supervision from a Supervising Integrated Case Worker or a Human Services Supervisor I. Supervision may also be received from an Employment and Training Supervisor or a Social Worker Supervisor. An Integrated Case Worker III has no responsibility for supervising others, but may provide lead direction to other Integrated Case Workers.

• Conducts group orientations and workshops to inform applicants and recipients of fundamental policies, programs, changes in rules, individual rights and responsibilities, and participation requirements; assists orientation participants complete applications and employment readiness evaluation forms for a variety of programs and services.
• Interviews, advises and guides a diverse population of clients to ascertain employability, isolate barriers to employment, evaluate need for public assistance, determine benefit eligibility, identify need for ancillary services/payments, and authorize benefits and ancillary services/payments.
• Handles crisis situations by authorizing benefits within specific guidelines or makes appropriate referrals to other staff and community resources for immediate services and assistance.
• Conducts initial appraisal of case records to assess client's education, work experience, skills, abilities and job interest in order to advise and guide the client in his/her transition to employment and place the client in an appropriate employment services component.
• Performs case studies to assess problems and develops appropriate types and methods of meeting client needs. May participate in a multi-disciplinary team to develop an appropriate case treatment plan.
• Assists clients with transportation, training, and other ancillary needs through authorization of ancillary services/payments and/or referral to other community resources or by provision of other assistance.
• Identifies clients with existing or potential social behavioral, mental health, substance abuse, or other substantial barriers to employment for referral to other department staff or community resources.
• Analyzes financial, employment, family, and personal information to determine and authorize initial or continuing eligibility for multiple aid programs.
• May develop and/or conduct classes designed to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining employment, including classes in understanding the methods for seeking and securing employment, enhancing their job readiness, and in obtaining employment; advises participants in such matters as interview techniques, how to seek work, writing resumes, calling employers, and understanding the labor market.
• Interprets and explains policies, rules and regulations to clients; and apprises clients of their rights, responsibilities and eligibility for program participation.
• Resolves problems and discrepancies with information provided by securing documentation, medical condition substantiation, employment records and aid confirmation from other agencies.
• Ensures client application and declaration forms are completed accurately and thoroughly; obtains supporting information from clients and sources as required.
• Conducts diversion evaluations to identify and recommend lump sum benefits for clients with immediate job prospects where receipt of such benefits would permit continuation or acquisition of employment.
• Determines when a client is not in compliance with employment program requirements and applies sanctions as mandated; and conducts client reconciliation interviews to bring clients back into conformity with requirements.
• Uses a computer to input client information through an automated system.
• Organizes and manages client caseload, taking required action within specific time limits established by regulation and local policy.
• Maintains case record files, modifies client employment plan and eligibility files as necessary, and monitors client compliance with program standards and agreements.
• Consults with and coordinates case management with other staff and service providers.
• May serve as one-stop assistant to assist and guide the public in applying and understanding the resources and available services
• May conduct field visits to complete application interviews, monitor client progress and compliance with their Welfare-to-Work Plans

• Regulations and procedures governing eligibility determinations and granting of aid for assigned program areas
• Community resources providing social, health, nutrition, housing, employment, training, child care, transportation and other necessary client services
• General goals and purposes of public social services and public assistance programs
• Techniques for interviewing and gathering information from a varied population
• Basic labor market and needed employment skills and abilities
• Mathematics sufficient to interpret client income and expense information to calculate benefits within program requirements
• Group presentation techniques
• Standard office practices and procedures, including operation of standard and automated office equipment including basic computer applications
• Record keeping principles and practices
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

• Read, apply, and explain regulations, procedures and policies governing employment services programs
• Understand and apply vocational guidance, work-readiness appraisal, employment plan, assessment theory and concepts
• Understand and apply methods and procedures for mitigation/reduction of barriers to employment
• Apply appropriate case-management techniques
• Motivate clients
• Collect and analyze data, information and situations, draw logical conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations, independent judgments and decisions
• Communicate clear and accurate information regarding clients, both orally and in writing
• Organize and prioritize work assignments
• Maintain accurate and systematic records
• Prepare statistical and narrative reports
• Understand program objectives in relation to departmental goals and procedures
• Use automated technology to maintain records and files
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with fellow employees, clients and the general public
• Carry out assignments and projects without detailed instructions.

• Interviews, advises and guides a diverse population of clients to ascertain employability, isolate barriers to employment, evaluate need for and authorize public assistance benefits, and authorize ancillary benefits/services necessary to mitigate the impact of employment barriers
• Conducts complete appraisal of case records to assess clients' education, work experience, skills, abilities and job interest and attempts to match them with available employment opportunities
• Identifies and presents alternative solutions to client issues and problems such as transportation, financial needs, employee/employer relations, and in setting priorities
• Performs case studies to assess problems and develops appropriate types and methods of meeting client needs; participates in a multi-disciplinary team to develop an appropriate case treatment plan
• Provides guidance to case-carrying staff in the development of individual employment plans and recommends appropriate referrals to employment, training, and social services
• Maintains liaison with other department staff to ensure prompt, efficient provision of services or application of appropriate sanctions
• Leads and coordinates the work of other staff and serves as expert resource in one or more areas to guide and assist other staff in public assistance and employment services activities
• Interprets and explains regulations, rules, and policies to clients; apprises clients of their rights, responsibilities and eligibility for program participation
• May conduct field visits to monitor and investigate client progress and compliance with their employment and diversion from problems that hinder employability
• Facilitates, monitors, and schedules Focus Groups for participants in Job Search and Work Experience Sites
• Uses a computer to input client information through an automated system
• Organizes and manages client caseload, taking required action within specific time limits established by regulation and local policy
• Identifies clients who are not in compliance with employment plan and works with other staff to apply sanctions or to make other efforts to reconcile situation
• Serves as liaison with other service providers including other public agencies and professional staff
• Consults with and coordinates case management with other staff and service providers
• May consult with business, non-profit organizations, and public agencies to develop job opportunities including establishment of agreements and protocols for placement of clients
• Arranges for the administration and interpretation of vocational aptitude tests; researches labor market information
• Develops employment and training workshops
• Consults with businesses, service providers, educational entities and other organizations to identify pre-employment knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for effective transition to non-subsidized employment

• Community resources providing social, health, nutrition, housing, employment, training, child care, transportation and other necessary client services
• General goals and purposes of public social services and public assistance programs
• In-depth interactive interviewing and information gathering t...