Human Services: Case Aide

LA PLATA COUNTY Human Services: Case Aide - Supervises parenting time & provides transportation for children & their families involved with child welfare services. Provides basic parent coaching. Supports caseworkers in job duties. Must be accurate & efficient in computer data entry, organized & flexible. Requires high school diploma or GED & 2-3 years of experience working with community agencies & preferably with at-risk children. Valid driver’s license required. Full Time with medical, dental, vision, retirement, 38+ paid vacation/holiday days, 13+ paid sick days & paid parental leave benefits. $20/hour. Open Until filled. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CLASS TITLE: CASE SERVICES AIDE I

GRADE: G06

DEPARTMENT: HUMAN SERVICES

FLSA STATUS: N

REPORTS TO:

VARIOUS DATE: 03/13, 05/21

JOB SUMMARY: Provides paraprofessional services to clients in support of a professional caseworker and previously developed case plan; makes home visits and assists with activities of daily living. Requires a high level of supervision.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible. Performs a variety of services to clients including making home visits, providing transportation, arranging medical appointments, supervising visitation, informing and contacting foster families and birth families on case progress and other required services. Provides emotional support/nurturing to adults, families, and children; encourages children and parents to share feelings and emotions; utilizes relationships with clients to facilitate growth, family stability and goal attainment. Instructs parents in parenting skills; role models techniques; researches and offers ideas for activities parents can do with their children and for better communication skills with children. Instructs and/or assists clients in life skills, such as budgeting, shopping, finding and maintaining quality day care, personal hygiene, finding and maintaining housing, transportation issues, finding and using community resources, and promoting positive self image and self esteem. Coordinates necessary appointments for at-risk adults and for children in placement; makes appointments for dental and medical checkups; provides transportation when necessary for appointments. Updates caseworker/supervisor of client/family progress and assists any/all caseworkers as needed. Establishes and maintains clear communications with staff, clients, foster parents, other professional agencies, school staff and family members. Maintains accurate records and prepares related reports. Documents communications with clients; assists in creating case plans with caseworkers; creates visitation schedules; and works with the client/foster parent on visitation schedule. Completes required paperwork; performs data entry; develops new and updated forms as necessary; requests copies of required documents as needed; and compiles information for use by others. Performs clerical/administrative tasks including ordering office supplies, replenishing snack area for children; arranging travel accommodations for witnesses as needed; maintaining county van maintenance log and requesting service as needed; and providing office phone coverage. Serves as backup intake worker for general assistance and food assistance applications. Performs other related duties as assigned. Regular and predictable attendance is required.

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED: Computer(s) Calculator Copy Machine(s) Printer Camera(s) Video Camera Fax Machine Shredder Vehicle(s)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience: High School diploma or GED; and, One to two years of public contact experience related to the position.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid State Driver’s License

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of: Basic caseworker principles and practices. Placement prevention skills. Intervention/mediation skills. Community resources available to assist clients. Recordkeeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques. Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary. Policies, procedures, philosophies, rules, ethics and regulations governing the services to clients. Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations. All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.

Skill in: Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines. Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials. Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction. Using mathematics. Testifying in court. Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols. Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to: Ability to respond to each client with empathy and respect. Ability to make critical decisions in high risk and high stress situations. Ability to conduct accurate assessments related to cases assigned. Ability to deescalate chaotic and/or potentially violent situations and set limits when appropriate. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to collect, process and utilize incoming information, define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: Work is typically performed in a variety of environments including the office, client homes, community agencies and schools, and may involve potential exposure to hazardous and/or violent environments and/or clients. The incumbent=s working conditions are typically moderately quiet, but may be loud at times. Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office and setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time, to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation; to verbally communicate to exchange information. While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Working time may require irregular hours and/or on-call status.