GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST 2 provides consultation and technical assistance to direct service staff who provide counseling, therapy, and other agency services to children and their families. Employees in this class plan, assign, review, and approve the work of social service specialists and provide staff coordination, case review, and operational audit support for a supervisor.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the second level in a two-level series. The Social Service Specialist 2 is distinguished from the Social Service Specialist 1 by the responsibility to conduct case reviews and audits. At this level there is staff coordination and training performed and consultation and technical assistance is provided to lower level staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are not inclusive but characteristic of the type and level of work associated with this class. Individual positions may perform all or some combination of the duties listed below as well as other related duties.

1. Consultation and Technical Assistance. Research and answer questions for direct service staff concerning policy, procedures, statutes, and regulations affecting counseling, therapy, placement, and other agency services. Interpret policy and review new and/or changes to policy with employees. Provide case consultation and individual tutoring regarding development of case plans, placement decisions, child protective services, and treatment interventions. Cases may be sensitive, difficult, or complex in nature. Provide instruction, demonstrate tasks, and observe skill level, behavior, weaknesses, and/or strengths of direct service staff and provide feedback to supervisor and employee concerning performance. Remain informed of the services, benefits, eligibility requirements, and referral processes of agencies and community organizations.
2. Staff Training. Provide general orientation, training, and mentoring for new employees. Train staff on branch policies, procedures, and general guidelines. Observe direct service staff performance and recommend actions for improving or enhancing job skills.
3. Staff Coordination. Assign duties and/or cases to social service specialists and adjust for shifting workloads and schedules. Provide backup coverage for caseloads and intake assignments when staff are absent. Participate in interview panels and recommend hiring of new direct service staff.
4. Organizational Audits and Case Reviews. Assess the quality of services provided by reviewing client service plans, written reports, and client records prepared by direct service staff. Identify problem areas in the implementation of new programs and recommend corrective actions. Review and evaluate review board and court hearing processes to assure reviews are fairly and appropriately conducted and direct service staff provide adequate and informed responses. Audit and review case file documents and forms for complete information, proper formats, coding, timeliness, and proper determinations and actions based on information in the file, and to assure policies, Federal and State regulations, and acceptable standards of social work practice are maintained. Review and evaluate service agreements for timeliness and conformance with planning standards, content, and quality requirements.
5. Case Management. Conduct and participate in case staffing. Advise and assist direct service staff in case planning, caseload management, and client services. Assure cases are opened and closed in accordance with policy requirements. Track workflow to assure deadlines are met. Provide advice and guidance on decisions regarding out-of-home placements of children, content of case plans, and establishment of special care rates and agreements. Assess the quality of direct service staff decisions and provide feedback on the results to supervisor and employee for the purpose of maintaining established agency standards for child welfare and public safety. Serve as branch liaison to community agencies and service organizations.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class are in daily contact with other Social Service Specialist 2's to coordinate services and policy interpretations, and in weekly contact with central office staff for policy clarification, to request or provide information, or to consult on program issues and changes. These employees have daily contact with community agencies for joint planning of interagency services and with school personnel, juvenile court staff, and district attorneys to request or provide information on case planning issues. Employees in this class have daily contact with agency clients for purposes of responding to and clarifying case issues and agency actions and have daily contact with law enforcement personnel, service volunteers, and citizen review boards for purposes of receiving, verifying, and exchanging case information and information on agency or interagency actions.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees in this class work under the general supervision of a social services supervisor or other administrative superior. Work is reviewed for effectiveness and compliance with laws, rules, policies, and procedures through informal conferences, meetings, and case reviews. Referrals to and coordination with other public and private agencies are reviewed for appropriateness and effectiveness in meeting client needs and case situations. Federal and State statutes and regulations provide direction, and agency administrative rules and policies provide procedural information and specific mandates in the handling of and provision of services to child welfare cases, and outline case eligibility criteria for programs and services.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Positions in this class are based in agency branch offices located throughout the State. Because of the need to insure public safety, positions in this class at Children's Services Division (CSD) require a criminal history check and a record free of confirmed abuse referrals. Some positions in this class require the willingness to travel to client homes, private care facilities, foster homes, or court hearings, and to work extended or weekend hours as necessary. They require the willingness to deal with difficult, complex situations under specific timeframes established by law.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Three years experience related to child welfare case management (i.e., managing a caseload which involved case planning, placement decisions, child protection issues, or treatment interventions); OR
• A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or closely related field AND one year experience with responsibility for child welfare case management; OR
• A Bachelor's degree and two years experience with responsibility for child welfare case management.