Social Services

This is a first level position accountable for providing administrative and case management support under the direction of a Social Services Specialist or Supervisor. Responsibilities include interacting with clients in an effort to support the achievement of case goals and provide supportive interventions and activities. Administrative support tasks include but are not limited to setting appointments, maintaining case files, and assisting with case reports. Incumbents also provide paraprofessional services to clients, their families, and other interested parties in support of program objectives and plans. Work may involve arranging transportation and supervising/participating in client service activities.

Positions at this level work under the supervision of higher level staff to create and/or maintain a service plan throughout the duration of a case. Duties involve conducting assessments; coordinating and delivering direct services with community partners; and documenting all relevant activities, actions taken, and contacts involved with a case.

Second-level professional position accountable for coordinating and implementing the delivery of assigned services (e.g., adoption, foster care, parent training, substitute care, family-centered services, permanency planning, family and individual or group therapy, and protective and/or in-home services) that require specialized knowledge to ensure proper care and support for the client. Employees in this class conduct home visits to observe and interview the family and/or client, and obtain information through interviews of others involved with the family and client (e.g., extended family members, school officials, doctors, churches, therapists, etc.) to determine needs. Incumbents also ensure the stability and safety of the client; respond to emergencies; initiate emergency court action; and/or issue a finding that either supports or finds unsupported claims of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation. At this level, employees must possess the ability to assess physical and emotional risk to the client throughout the duration of the case or in response to a reportable condition.

Third-level professional position accountable for possessing a thorough knowledge of social service policies, practices, and techniques. Employees at this level have mastered the technical job content, perform work of greater complexity, exercise greater independence in making decisions, and have an established reputation and credibility both within the agency and community. Employees at this level may perform the duties described at the lower levels and demonstrate expertise in a particular area of social service (e.g., adoption, medical, etc.). Work may also involve specific core processes such as case management, relationship management, and/or knowledge of community resources. Incumbents in this class may also provide work coordination, case review, consultation, technical assistance, policy development, and training to the lower levels.

Supervisory-level employees accountable for the direct day-to-day social service activities for an assigned unit/area, including performing the work overseen and supervising professional and vocational staff. Employee supervision includes hire recommendations, training, planning and assigning work, performance assessment, coaching, and progressive discipline. At this level, employees interpret applicable state and federal laws and regulations that guide program policies and procedures.

Second-level supervisory positions accountable for overseeing first-line supervisors of social service activities of a facility or program. Employee supervision includes hire recommendations, training, planning and assigning work, performance assessment, coaching, and progressive discipline. Supervision at this level also requires these employees to have the knowledge and skills to perform and review the work overseen. Participates in developing procedures and administrative policies and administering program budget.

Managerial position accountable for the oversight of social service activities of a facility or program. Accountable for planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating programs and evaluating the effectiveness of these programs. Develops procedures and administrative policies, and administers program budget.