Social Service Specialist II (#MDDO02)
$33,569.00 Yearly Min / $41,961.00 Yearly Mid / $50,353.00 Yearly Max

A class incumbent is involved in social service work requiring client/worker interaction and is responsible for interviewing and soliciting information, assessing clients needs, filling out appropriate forms, and documenting all pertinent information to insure intake and eligibility requirements are met and service provisions are processed in an accurate and timely manner.

A class incumbent reports to a technical or administrative supervisor and is responsible for interviewing clients and/or families, making financial assessments, reviewing cases for proper referral and action, soliciting and documenting data, and providing information and assistance to clients seeking, receiving and/or participating in programs/services in one of a variety of social service settings including public assistance, probation and parole, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, mental health and crime and delinquency treatment services for adult offenders.  An incumbent aids clients in completing forms properly and assures fulfillment of client responsibilities.  An incumbent refers clients and/or data to appropriate agencies and resources, schedules appointments and arranges for service provision.  Work includes answering oral, written and phone inquiries from agencies, clients and/or courts.  Concurrently, an incumbent may conduct special outreach activities to include on-site visits, assessment of information and provision of educational sessions on specific program areas.  The incumbent also logs data into the system, maintains records and case histories and prepares reports.  A significant aspect of the work involves conducting follow up to verify information and insurance of completion of recommendations as needed, and on-site coordination as required by agency.  A significant aspect of the work involves establishing effective working relationships and inspiring the confidence of patients/clients/families.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Interviews clients, reviews cases and compiles appropriate information in order to complete all necessary forms and data sheets.  Maintains supportive contact with patients, clients and families. Coordinates work with other members of the human services team.
• Assists clients and/or refers clients/cases to appropriate agency and resource.
• Maintains, logs, documents and records informational records and statistical reports.
• Answers inquiries and provides information to agencies, clients and other appropriate sources.
• May supervise clients whose probation/parole is for minor crimes.
• Assists in the establishment of appropriate client behavior by guiding, directing and influencing patients, clients and/or families.
• May conduct follow up by verifying information through phone contact, personal interview and/or computer screening.
• Prepares appropriate information, makes recommendations and assists in the facilitation of processing cases for completion, resolution and/or service provision.
• May speak before community groups and serve on task forces or committees as assigned.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of state, federal department, agency laws, rules, procedures and application pertaining to the specific agency.
• Knowledge of agencies, resources and their functions and appropriate referral procedures.
• Knowledge of recordkeeping practices and procedures and use of standardized forms.
• Skill in eliciting, documenting and providing accurate information.
• Skill in written and oral communication, interpersonal relations with persons from varied socio-econmic backgrounds.
• Ability to assess information and make proper recommendations and referrals.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, compile and record data.
• Ability to establish effective work relationships with other agencies, co-workers and the public.
• Ability to handle sensitive and/or emergency situations.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Social Service Specialist II
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Six months experience in health or human services support such as interviewing clients and assessing personal, health, social or financial needs in accordance with program requirements or coordinating with community resources to obtain client services.
2. Six months experience in record keeping.
3. Six months experience in applying laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
4. Six months experience in using an automated information system to enter, update, modify, delete, retrieve/inquire and report on data.