Determines applicants' eligibility for a variety of financial assistance and social services. Interviews clients, collects and completes required eligibility documentation, determines eligibility for financial and social services assistance and monitors client progress and usage of assistance. Provides supportive case management services to clients and families. Develops client/family individualized service plans and monitors progress. Utilizes community resources to assist clients and their families.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a job classification within the Social Services job family. This classification is distinguished from other social services classes due to the eligibility-related functions and short-term case management for various clients. This classification interviews clients and collects eligibility documentation to determine appropriate social services assistance and monitors client progress and usage of assistance. Duties also include needs assessments, developing client service plans, and accessing community resources to assist clients with problem-solving assistance and functioning as an advocate on behalf of the client. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department

• Interviews clients, collects and completes required documentation and determines eligibility for assistance based upon a variety of service regulations and procedures. Monitors and ensures contract and program compliance. May make home visits on an “as needed” basis for clients unable to come to the service site.
• Provides basic needs counseling and problem-solving assistance or case management services for clients. Conducts assessment of client needs. Develops casework/service plans, monitors progress and follow-up. Provides social services related to crisis intervention.
• Coordinates with other service agencies, organizations, and vendors to provide appropriate services and information for clients as well as referrals. Serves as an advocate on behalf of client. Makes appropriate referrals to other social service, education, and/or health agencies as needed. Interprets eligibility requirements, policy and procedures to clients, other agencies, vendors and governmental entities.
• Plans, organizes and participates in special projects, including outreach efforts, public speaking and special activities for client. Provides education and training to clients/community.
• Provides supportive case management, and service coordination to ensure maximum self-sufficiency and non-institutional living. May provide short-term independent living skills assistance and training.
• May assist clients in obtaining vocational and employment services, housing and basic needs, education.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in one of the Social or Behavioral Sciences AND two (2) years experience in social services related work;

OR,

Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
Valid Texas Driver's License.

Preferred:
Master's Degree

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• Policies, practices, procedures and terminology of assigned function.
• Local social services, organizations and programs and the resources available.
• Federal, State and Local program laws and requirements.
• Modern office practices, procedures and methods.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.

Skill in:

• Providing assistance to clients.
• Interviewing techniques.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Experience with client goal setting and case plans.
• Ability to conduct client needs assessments.
• Crisis intervention.
• Developing individual service plans.
• Referring clients to appropriate social services organizations and programs.
• Crisis intervention and counseling techniques used in trauma, grief or crisis situations.
• Obtaining services for clients.
• Planning and organizing social service programs and activities.
• Math computation.
• Operating a variety of modern office equipment, including a computer.
• Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

• Deal effectively with persons experiencing crises and economic stress.
• Work effectively and courteously under high-pressure circumstances.
• Prepare accurate and complete records and reports.
• Staff cases in consultation with other professionals as needed.
• Demonstrate consistent, sound, and mature judgment in the effective and efficient use of human and financial resources.
• Manage time well and meet timelines.
• Communicate effectively.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, community outreach and other organizations, clinical and other social service providers, and the general public

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing, crawling, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, and squatting to perform the essential functions.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm

Department: Health & Human Services

Location: Manor Community Center and the Pflugerville Community Center

Criminal, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.