SOCIAL WORKER II - 40004901

Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play. For more information about Durham County Government, visit www.dconc.gov.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Provides intensive social work services to disabled, aged and homebound Medicaid eligible adults, in which some cases are complicated by physical disorders that require a wide range of social work skills and interventions.

The social worker is responsible for identifying the most appropriate funding sources and for coordinating and arranging services indicated in the services plan. This involves negotiation between client and various services providers as to how client service will be delivered. An example would be the implementation of personal care services suitable to the client needs which may necessitate in-home aide, Adult Day health, Meals preparation and nursing services. In each services plan, the social worker will specify goals/objectives and dates for completion or continuation review. The monitoring process will vary depending on the ongoing needs and vulnerability of the client.

The assessment process will consist of the social worker, client, medical providers, guardians, and POA developing an individualized services plan for each client. In developing the services plan there is an expectation to explore and use all available programs and funding sources, including Medicaid (SA-IH) Social services Block Grant, Medicare, and other grant funding to provide services that will allow the client to remain in the community. Clients served will be “at high risk” for institutionalization; they will primarily be frail and elderly who have diagnoses such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, severe depression, and chronic serious physical illnesses. Clients served will range in need from those that might be comparably served in the pass family care home to those needing skilled nursing. These clients are now being serviced in the community safely. Clients may frequently be in crisis at the time request for assistance is made. The goal of this position is to assist the client in reaching an optimal level of functioning, as much as possible, to prevent or delay further deterioration. Activities includes assessment, development of services plan, counseling, and APS referrals. Depending on the needs of the client weekly, biweekly, monthly and/or quarterly interdisperary team meeting. Ongoing review and monitoring of the plan.

The SA-IH program gives the client supplemental income to remain in the community safe. By the SA-IH program providing supplemental income it prevents the client from being at risk for evictions, loss of utilities, and unnecessary medical emergencies.

Social workers, as case managers, provide a unique service that includes daily management of budgets for multiple clients. SA In-home is a Medicaid waiver program SA in-home is entitlement program which offers expanded in-home services to eligible medically fragile, elderly and disabled adult’s to prevent or delay institutionalization Rest home).  Conducts in-depth assessments and provides social work service for the Special Assitance program. Responsible for the daily management for multiple clients services and makes appropriate referrals to other population specific community agencies.

Excellent oral and written communication and effectiveness in delivering service to external and internal customers.

For a full understanding of work that may fall in this classification please review the State Job Specification: Social Worker II NC OSHR Job Specification

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Considerable knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices and their application to individual casework group work and community problems.
• Knowledge of the psychosocial, socioeconomic and behavioral problems and their treatment. Knowledge of governmental and private organizations and community resources.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations and policies which govern the program.
• General knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes and their treatment is required In certain programs or settings.
• Skill in establishing rapport with a client and applying techniques of assessing psychosocial. behavioral, and psychological aspects of client's problem.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrative superiors members of case load and their families, and with civics medical, social and religious organizations. 
• Ability to express Ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work
• Ability to work in collaboration with other agencies in the health and mental health field desired.
• Must possess the ability to integrate social work practices with medically diagnosed eligibility criteria.   

REQUIREMENTS

BSW degree from an accredited school of social work; or a bachelor’s degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university and one year of directly related experience; or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and two years of directly related experience. Candidates with bilingual skills preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires a valid North Carolina driver’s license with an acceptable three -year driving record and a vehicle.

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer