Case Worker (Harm Reduction)

Case Worker

Under general supervision, the Case Worker uses intermediate skills obtained through experience and training to provide a range of employment and/or educational related services to individuals in assigned programs. Develops, implements and evaluates activities in accordance with the program's objectives and policies. Employee will work with assigned caseloads following established procedures to perform routine tasks. Receives general guidance and direction to perform a variety of non-routine tasks with limited decision-making responsibility. Resolves most questions and problems and refers new or unusual issues to a higher level. Routine contact with internal and external clients is required to obtain, clarify or provide facts and information.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assess and complete initial review process including identification of participant motivation, strength, barriers and resources
• Complete any necessary paperwork related to services provided
• Help program participants to identify and access options available to them through the program and their local community
• Develop and implement plans of action that help participants set goals, identify steps, a timetable and responsibilities for each party to act and deliver on
• Review and revise plan as necessary
• Provide on-going support to participants and ensure participation and program compliance
• Advocate on behalf of client in written and oral form when providing necessary referrals and contacts with other departments/agencies/companies
• Utilize program tools to identify goals and address barriers
• Assist clients in recognizing and understanding "at risk" behaviors
• Regularly collect documentation and evidence of participant progress and activities, complete required case notes and document all services in compliance with the agency's quality assurance plan
• Report on program progress at required intervals per funding guidelines
• Establish and maintain relationships with appropriate client referral sources
• Maintain agency confidentiality and client's privacy
• Maintain currency on new services and referral sources as well as services provided to clients
• Maintain program policies and procedures per funding guidelines
• Follow the funding source's requirements and CARF standards applicable to the services provided
• Depending upon assigned functional area and program may administer testing as needed, this may include blood testing and the coordination of administering, preparing, and shipping of samples and receiving test results
• May develop and maintain relationships with existing and potential employers.
• May recruit new employers each month
• May attend meetings with the Department of Health and Human Services to review deficient case files and determine participants compliance with program based on assigned functional area
• May regularly conduct home visits with clients based on assigned functional area
• May transport clients using company provided transportation
• May create educational/program marketing materials targeted toward increasing participation in assigned program including newsletters, Facebook and websites
• May conduct presentations and awareness campaigns in order to raise awareness of services offered and increase participation
• May conduct regular group client meetings
• May conduct employer visits daily/weekly to market program services and recruit new job openings
• May maintain employer files and documentation regarding the employer and current and past job openings
• May translate and interpret information for non-English speaking clients as needed
• May communicate and interact with external program funders, attend grant related meetings or participate in training sessions as required
• May assist program participants to develop effective job seeking skills, including completing applications, writing resumes, practicing job interviewing techniques and other related skills
• May provide translation services as needed
• May provide cultural awareness education to employers who hire immigrants and assist employers in resolving conflicts and/or tensions as needed
• Operate standard office equipment and use required software applications
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Community resources including social services agencies and crisis intervention providers
• Processes, rules and regulations of various services and funding agencies surrounding the eligibility and maintenance of the services being received
• HIPAA regulations based on assigned functional area

Skill in:

• Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications for program area and other applications, including Microsoft Office

Ability to:

• Partner with other functional areas to accomplish objectives
• Facilitate meetings, ensuring that all viewpoints, ideas and problems are addressed
• Organize and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Speak and write in English.
• Interpret, speak and write in Arabic, Spanish or other native language of the predominant service population is preferred.
• Maintain confidentiality of agency and client information

Educational/Previous Experience Requirements:

Minimum Degree Required:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent

~and~

• At least one year of related work experience based on assigned functional area or any equivalent combination of experience, education and/or training approved by Human Resources

Licenses/Certifications:

• Licenses/Certifications Required at Date of Hire:
• Chauffeur's License may be required depending upon assigned functional area.
• Clear driving record for last 3 years
• MDCH test counselor certification & phlebotomy depending upon assigned functional area if employee does not possess these certifications upon hire, they may receive the training and gain certification within 12 months but cannot draw blood until certification is received
• Licenses/Certifications Required within 12 months from Date of Hire:
• Career Development Facilitator certificate depending upon assigned functional area

Working Conditions:

Hours: Normal business hours, some additional hours may be required. Non-traditional hours including nights and weekends may be required based on assigned functional area.

Travel Required: Local travel may be required. May travel up to 20% including overnight travel based on assigned functional area.

Working Environment: Climate controlled office