Case Worker

General Description

The Case Worker is responsible for assessing a client’s hardship to determine eligibility for assistance. Work is performed under the supervision and direction of the Social Services Manager.

Essential Job Functions

Conducts client intake and needs assessment to obtain pertinent information to determine eligibility for program enrollment based on established guidelines and requirements.

Identifies community resources for client’s unforeseen financial crisis.

Develops a self-sufficiency plan which includes goals and budget forms.

Prepares and maintains accurate and complete client records.

Serves as the advocate for client in order to acquire services to assist them in achieving their goals.

Evaluates client’s progress by conducting routine meetings with client if applicable.

Ensures confidentiality regarding client information.

Ensures compliance with program policies and procedures.

Maintains effective working relationships with community agencies.

Utilizes computer database for client files.

Prepares correspondence and maintains accurate records.

Assists in timely preparation of required grant reports for the program.

Participates in agency quality assurance/performance improvement program.

Conducts self professionally and treats all clients with dignity, courtesy, respect and consideration.

Assists Social Services Manager with special projects as assigned.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related duties as assigned, including City-directed work assignments in the event of a declared emergency.)

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Knowledge of the principles and practices of social service case management.

Knowledge of social service resources and agencies in the community.

Knowledge of effective communication and motivation practices.

Skilled in the use of small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems.

Skilled in using computers for data entry, word processing and accounting purposes.

Ability to organize and communicate effectively.

Ability to work in partnership with other team members.

Ability to develop program plans and goals based on client’s needs.

Ability to evaluate the client’s progress toward program goals.

Ability to recognize the cultural diversity of staff and clients in order to work with diverse racial, ethnic and economic groups.

Ability to interview clients and to obtain pertinent information.

Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and complete case notes and client records.

Ability to plan organize and prioritize work in order to comply with quality standards and deadlines.

Ability to build and maintain effective and professional working relationships with clients and community.

Ability to think clearly and quickly in order to maintain control of client caseload.

Ability to discern when personal judgement or supervisor approval is appropriate.

Education, Experience, Licenses and Certifications

Education and Experience:
Associate’s degree and three (3) years of experience in human services preferred.

Bi-lingual ability to communicate in Russian/Ukrainian or Spanish is preferred.

(A comparable amount of relevant training, education and/or experience may be substituted for the above qualifications.)

Licenses and Certifications:
Valid Florida Driver’s License.

All benefits are effective the 1st of the month following 30 days.Aetna – Health InsuranceThe City offers eligible employees the choice of 2 Open Access In Network plans and 1 Open Access PPO Plan. Premiums and co-pays are dependent upon your plan choice.Cigna Dental– Dental InsuranceThe City’s dental plan is a PPO plan providing eligible employees with in network or out of network options. You are entitled to two (2) preventive care treatments per calendar year (6 months apart). There is a $1,500 lifetime maximum for Orthodontia (children up to age 19). Premiums will depend on which tier you choose.EyeMed Vision Care – Vision InsuranceThe City’s vision plan allows eligible employees to stay in network or go out of network. Your co-pays will vary depending on the network you use. You are entitled to an exam, frames and lenses once every 12 months.Cigna Life – Life, Voluntary Life, Dependent Life InsuranceThe City offers eligible employees a basic term life insurance benefit equal to their annual salary up to a $75,000 maximum at no charge. You can purchase additional voluntary life insurance for yourself and your dependents. Cigna – Short Term DisabilityThe City provides short term disability coverage to all eligible employees at no cost to the employee. This coverage is used in the event of an accident or illness outside of work. The plan pays 66.67% of your weekly salary up to a maximum of $1,000. Benefits begin on the 31st day of your disability. The City offers a buy-up to the Short Term Disability Benefit with a 7 day wait period. E-Flex – Flexible Spending AccountA flexible spending account helps you pay out-of-pocket medical, dental, eye care, daycare and other expenses, with tax deferred money deducted from your paycheck each payroll. The maximum annual election is $2,500.00. Over-the-counter medications must be accompanied by a doctor’s prescription although other medical supplies will still be eligible for reimbursement. This is a voluntary benefit.Trustmark– Supplemental PolicesTrustmark Insurance Company offers voluntary supplemental Critical Illness/Cancer, Accident and Universal Life policies which are paid for by the employee.LifeLock Benefit SolutionsProtect your personal information and defend against attacks with 24/7, proactive identity theft protection from LifeLock. This is an employee paid voluntary program.ICMA-RC – Deferred Compensation PlansThe City offers eligible employees the opportunity to enroll in a deferred retirement plan. The money that is deducted from your paycheck each payroll is put into this account and is tax deferred at the end of the year. One-on-one meetings with each company are held quarterly so employees can speak with the representative confidentially on preparing for their retirement. This is a voluntary program.Florida Retirement System – FRSEligible employees are enrolled in the Florida Retirement System with an 8 year vesting period. Employees contribute 3% of their gross earnings per payroll which is subject to change with the IRS. Cigna – Employee Assistance ProgramThe City offers this program to all employees. This is a confidential counseling program for employees and their families. The City pays for 3 visits and if you choose to continue, you would use the specialist co-pay on your insurance plan. Counseling can include stress, alcoholism, family problems, marriage difficulties, financial trouble, depression, work/life and more. VPI – Veterinary Pet InsuranceThe City offers Pet Insurance as a voluntary benefit. This benefit is not payroll deducted.Florida Prepaid College BoardEmployees are eligible to enroll in college savings programs as well as 529 plans.Educational Assistance ProgramEmployees are eligible for job-related or degree required educational assistance reimbursement up to $2,500 per fiscal year (subject to the availability of funds).Paid HolidaysThe City observes 12 paid holidays per year. Sick Leave and Annual LeaveFull time employees accrue eight (8) hours per month starting on the first day of employment. Accruals and usage will appear on your pay stub each payroll. Full time employees accrue annual leave (vacation) bi-weekly, based on years of service. Sick Leave IncentiveEmployees receive an incentive of up to four (4) days per calendar year for every 250 hours remaining in their sick leave bank. Sick leave incentive days cannot be carried over to the next year.Personal LeaveEmployees are eligible for a maximum of two (2) personal leave days per calendar year when they have accrued 96 or sick more hours. This leave is approved by the department director through the department leave approval process.Bereavement LeaveEmployees are entitled to five (5) days of bereavement leave in the event of the death of an immediate family member. Employees should check the personnel policy or union contracts, whichever is applicable, for the definition of an “immediate family member”.