Social Worker (Intake Specialist)
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Under general supervision, the Intake Specialist shall be responsible for the initial assessment of applicants for services, including interviewing, gathering diagnostic information, and presenting cases to the eligibility team for disposition. The Intake Specialist shall identify the need for additional evaluations and recommend services; and shall complete the various phases of the intake process within set time lines. The Intake Specialist shall also perform related work as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This classification performs comprehensive, initial assessments of applicants with suspected developmental disabilities from the age of three years and beyond. The Intake Specialist frequently serves as the first point of contact for the inquirer, and determines the appropriateness of the referral.
QUALIFICATIONS:
A BA Degree from any accredited college or university in one of the above fields and two years of relevant experience or a Master’s Degree from any accredited college or university in social welfare, psychology, public health, special education or other related field and one year relevant experience in a case management position. Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred.
This position requires reliable transportation, possession of a valid California Drivers’ License, minimum vehicle insurance as prescribed by law or the ability for independent transportation.
DUTIES:
1.Works directly under the supervision of the Client Services Manager, and is involved in allaspects of the intake and assessment process.
2.Answers referral telephone calls, in a timely manner while utilizing the SANDIS program forrecording and tracking all referral activity, determines the appropriateness of the referral,gathers applicable information; refers ineligible callers to generic agencies.
3.Conducts the initial interview with applicants and families; describes Regional Centereligibility criteria and services; explains the appeals procedures and obtains signatures onpertinent
4. Writes Social Databases incorporating referral information, applicant interviews, and other available documentation; consults with staff, outside agencies and professionals to obtain additional information.
5. Identifies and obtains pertinent information from outside sources; determines additional information required to evaluate eligibility.
6. Presents cases to eligibility team regarding assessment of applicant information; makes recommendations for intervention; arranges for additional diagnostic evaluations or information as requested by eligibility team.
7. Prepares cases for transfer to the Client services unit, which includes completing transfer summaries, releases of information and other related records.
8. May participate in special assignments, programs or projects, and serve on committees as requested.
9. Participates in community outreach efforts for the agency.
SKILLS:
Extensive knowledge of principles, objectives and techniques of counseling individuals, especially that of grief counseling; human growth and development, and dynamics of family relationships; knowledge of available resources which can be utilized by the applicant; ability to identify and utilize generic service organizations; ability to interview skillfully, and interpret the information; ability to work independently and exercise judgment in making decisions; ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team; ability to stimulate the cooperation of clients, their families, and community agencies; ability to maintain case records in a clear and concise manner.
Extensive knowledge of the Regional Center system and the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act; knowledge of developmental disabilities, case management and assessment functions; ability to work with community agencies; possession of excellent interpersonal communication skills both verbally and in writing.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires extensive travel involving overnight trips throughout the four counties served by RCRC and California. This position requires a reliable form of transportation, possession of a valid driver’s license, minimum vehicle insurance as prescribed by law, or the ability for independent transportation.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
Extensive sitting in office settings, for meetings and for travel. Frequent walking and standing, and occasional lifting of up to 15 pounds with occasional bending, stooping, reaching and stretching to complete work duties. Adequate manual dexterity and coordination for operation of automobile, computer and other standard office equipment.
Hearing and vision corrected to within normal limits. Any of the above with reasonable accommodation.
This position requires the ability to work under pressure of deadlines and a fast-paced environment, and, at times, to cope with complex and potentially stressful situations.
OTHER DUTIES:
Provide Voter Registration application and to all Regional Center applicants of voting age in accordance with the Voter Registration Act of 1993.
Participates in speaking, and public information activities in the community and within the RCRC agency orientations.