Social Worker II (10468)

Primary Purpose - The focus of this position is enabling vulnerable persons with disabilities resulting from age, mental impairments, or physical limitations, to live independently in the community or facilitating appropriate group care placements when independent living is no longer feasible. - This is accomplished through the application of advanced social work principles. - Clients targeted for social work services are identified as at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation or at risk of premature or inappropriate institutionalization. - Cases are multi-problem and activities are directed toward prevention. - The primary goal of this social worker, like other staff located within the Adult Services Program Area, is to promote self-sufficiency and delay institutionalization whenever possible. - Funding for case management activities is provided through the Home and Community Care Block Grant, Social Services Block Grant and Medicaid. - This position is part of the Adult Services Case Management Unit within the Adult Services Program Area. ## Essential Functions This position conducts comprehensive social work assessments, establishes mutually acceptable service plans and sets and reviews realistic goals. Cases assigned are frail elderly and severely disabled adult in high-risk situations. This position also administers the Special Assistance/In-Home Program in conjunction with the Adult Medicaid Unit. This position also acts as a liaison with various other human service agencies. Assessment - Interviews clients and family members to determine risk factors - Observes behavior to determine family dynamics - Identifies strengths and weaknesses in clients support systems - Communicates, listens, elicits expression to understand clients perception of problem - Identifies cultural influences affecting the client and clients perception of his situation - Evaluates clients behavior with sensitivity to the clients lifestyle - Analyzes the socio-economic and environmental factors that affect clients situation - Measures the functional ability of client to care for himself and obtains medical information from clients physician to determine prognosis - Probes the significance of relationships or facts that affect the clients needs - Analyzes client needs in relation to existing resources and program funding - Assesses the degree to which client can take responsibility for his/her own financial affairs - Identifies if Special Assistance In-Home (SA/IH) referrals meet the criteria in conjunction with the Adult Medicaid worker - This position participates in a staffing along with other social workers to make a decision regarding client eligibility and to provide input regarding case situations. They also team with a nurse (subcontractor) in assessing and managing plan in applicable cases: In-Home Services, Care Management, etc. This worker also works as a team member in regard to SA/IH referrals with the Adult Medicaid worker for initial and ongoing eligibility determination. Development of Service Plan - Engages client and family in process of identifying formal and informal support systems - Formulates and reviews with client strategies of intervention - Determines the most appropriate case management program and support services - Opens new possibilities for increased choices by the client - Independently develops with the client specific time-oriented goals - Writes agreement with client that encourages and reinforces desired progress - Engages clients family and support systems in planning process - Maximizes potential support networks - Determines if the duration of the intervention is short or long term and sets appropriate time frames - Determines the need for involvement on the part of other service providers - Identifies in the service plan of Special Assistance In Hone (SA/IH) clients where additional funding wi l be utilized - Worker authorizes expenditures and monitors the financial affairs on behalf of the director regarding cases for which the agency has been appointed payee by the Social Security Administration, Veterans Office or other agency. Authorizations include rent payments, personal allowances, utility bills, insurance payments, etc. All financial authorizations require approval of immediate supervisor. Implementation - Implements plan formulated to safeguard clients well-being - Mediates between client and conflicting parties - Determines when agency should intervene as payee for clients Social Security and/or SSI benefits and initiates process - Refers appropriate cases to other agencies for participation in programs - Charts in service record significant barriers that hinder progress - Coordinates activities with medical and other service providers - Determines eligibility for programs and support services (i.e. need, age, risk factors, etc.) - Assists client to apply for appropriate benefits - Records all progress notes in computer system - Manages clients financial resources in payee matters Counseling - Responds to client and/or family crises by presenting alternatives, educating, advising and affirming - Assists client in recognizing and coping with barriers - Assists client in understanding family and interpersonal relationships - Explains and reinforces theory of behavior resulting in logical consequences - Discusses sensitive issues with client in a supportive atmosphere - Responds to crises by directing or redirecting anger and hostilities - Mediates in personal conflicts to achieve mutual satisfaction - Advocates for client when barriers occur within the service delivery system - Motivates client to assume responsibilities - Enables client to explore feelings about death and dying in a supportive atmosphere Monitoring Advises supervisor on problematic cases Determines when client can resolve problems independently and begins disengagement process Independently monitors established client goals and reviews with supervisor periodically Determines that the client continues to meet requirements of programs received In assigned cases involving in-home aide services, assumes role of team leader to assure that in-home aide plan is followed and/or adjusted to meet service goals. Reviews aide activity reports and timesheets monthly to assure service is delivered according to plan. Supervises in-home aides in Levels III and IV home management cases assigned to this caseload. Documents initial and ongoing assessments Reviews clients situation at least quarterly to assess progress Monitors activities monthly Monitors coordination of all agencies/programs involved Monitors the use of SA/IH funding