Intake Counselor (REPOST 9/1/26)

Government of the Virgin Islands; Christiansted (United States Virgin Islands); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Government of the Virgin Islands is seeking a caseworker to provide general casework services and assist clients and social workers. The role involves interviewing clients, assessing needs, opening case files, preparing forms, and advocating for clients.

The position requires an associate degree or a high school diploma with relevant experience, plus a valid driver's license. The work spans office and field settings with some driving and visits to clinics and service sites.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of human behavior and the ability to relate effectively to clients.
• Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures and practices, as well as community resources.
• Ability to elicit pertinent information from clients and translate such information into a meaningful course of action.
• Ability to work with people with problems, to exercise tact, diplomacy and direction in dealing with clients, co-workers and the general public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Interview clients applying for agency services.
• Assess client needs and determine services to meet those needs.
• Open case files and prepare required forms, summaries and referrals.
• Counsel clients experiencing minimally complex problems.
• Advocate for clients and schedule/escort to appointments and services.
• Support social workers with placement of abused/neglected children.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Human behavior

Policies & procedures

Information elicitation

Interpersonal skills

Clear communication

Education

Associate degree in social science

High School Diploma + 2 years experience

Job description

An employee in this position is responsible for providing general casework services of a less technical nature. This employee plays a supportive role to clients and social workers, assists with monitoring of cases, and provides direct problem-focused services to clients.

Work is performed under the direction of a higher-level officer but the employee is expected to exercise considerable judgment and independence in carrying out duties and responsibilities.

DUTIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE)

• Assumes responsibility for interviewing of clients applying to the agency for services.
• Assesses the need as presented by the client. Determines services that would best meet need.
• Opens case files for clients, completes required forms, prepares emergency financial requests, Indigent Burial applications, summaries, case narratives, referrals and other correspondence.
• Counsels clients experiencing minimally complex problems.
• Serves as client advocate.
• Assumes responsibility for scheduling appointments, escorting clients to clinic appointments, shopping, and other sources where clients go for services.
• Supports Social Workers with placement of abused and neglected children.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Associates Degree in social science or related field.

OR

High School Diploma/GED with two (2) years experience providing direct services to clients or general casework services.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATION

Possession of a valid driver's license.

FACTOR 1 - KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of human behavior and the ability to relate effectively to clients.
• Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures and practices, as well as community resources.
• Ability to elicit pertinent information from clients and translate such information into a meaningful course of action.
• Ability to work with people with problems, to exercise tact, diplomacy and direction in dealing with clients, co-workers and the general public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

FACTOR 2 - SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

General assignments are given by the supervisor or Social Worker but the employee must use integrity and sound judgment in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the position. Work is reviewed through conferences and meetings.

FACTOR 3 – GUIDELINES

Guidelines include departmental policies and procedures, manuals and periodicals.

FACTOR 4 – COMPLEXITY

The nature of the work is to assess clients needs, provide short-term counseling, intervention and support services, maintain case records and serve as clients advocate.

FACTOR 5 - SCOPE AND EFFECT

The purpose of the work is to support clients in preparing to better manage their social, physical and emotional needs so that they may become well adjusted, productive members of society.

FACTOR 6 - PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are with co-workers, clients and their family, and the general public.

FACTOR 7 - PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

To obtain and verify information received from customers and other agencies.

FACTOR 8 - PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is mostly sedentary, however, some driving, walking and climbing of stairs are required.

FACTOR 9 - WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in an office setting and in the field.