Integrated Case Worker II

CalHR; California (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CalHR is seeking an Integrated Case Worker II to determine eligibility for multiple public assistance programs and provide basic employment services. You will manage a diverse client caseload, conduct interviews, and coordinate with partners to support welfare-to-work goals.

Responsibilities also include class development, client counseling, and maintaining thorough records while ensuring compliance with regulations.

Qualifications

• Ability to interpret regulations and policies governing public assistance and employment services
• Strong interviewing and counseling skills with diverse populations
• Proficient in case management and data entry in automated systems
• Analytical ability to assess income and eligibility for multiple aid programs
• Strong organization and time-management capabilities

Responsibilities

• Conduct orientations and assist applicants with applications and employment readiness
• Interview and guide clients to determine employability and benefit eligibility
• Authorize benefits within guidelines or refer to appropriate resources
• Assess client records and guide transition to employment and services
• Coordinate case management with staff and community resources
• Maintain accurate case files and monitor compliance with program standards

Job description

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 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 (75% of time or more) 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 receive supervision from a Supervising Integrated Case Worker or a Human Services Supervisor.

duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 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
• 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

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Note: The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed below are related to job duties as distinguished between the two levels in the Definition section.

Knowledge of:

• 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 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

Ability to:

• 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
• 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

Experience

One (1) year of full‑time experience as an Integrated Case Worker I,

OR

One (1) year of full‑time experience as an Employment and Training Worker I,

OR

Thirty (30) months of full‑time experience with responsibility for performing case management, vocational guidance services, employment counseling or placement work.

Note: Qualifying experience must have included duties and responsibilities involving assessment of income and/or other qualifications needed to participate in programs.

** THIS RECRUITMENT WILL BE USED TO FILL PERMANENT FULL‑TIME AND RELIEF POSITIONS

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Merit System Services program is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Additional Information

The ability to speak, read and write Spanish in addition to English would be an asset in this position but is not required. A valid driver's license may be required at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis. Positions may require pre‑employment screening, including background checks, and fingerprinting. Government agencies accessing US government information, which include federal tax information must ensure that background investigation requirements for all agency employees and contractors that have access to federal tax information are consistent to the IRS background investigation requirements for access to federal tax information. A background check may be required if the position requires access to these types of records. Background requirements consist of three components which include, fingerprinting, citizenship verification and local law enforcement checks. State agencies must conduct investigation during time of hire and ensure a reinvestigation is conducted 10 years from the date of the previous background investigation for each employee that has access to federal tax information.

Benefits

Generous leave accruals

• Step Increases upon each 2080 hours worked, until max salary is reached
• Longevity incentive
• Medical, dental, vision insurance with substantial employer paid contribution
• CalPERS retirement benefits