Bachelor's degree in social work or behavioral sciences; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience. A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment. If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and /or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position. Applicants within six months of meeting the minimum education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status.

This is responsible professional counseling work in the Alachua County Department of Community Services, Social Services Office.

This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work.

An employee assigned to this classification interviews, counsels and investigates clients' background to determine eligibility for community-offered financial and medical services and aid.

Work is performed under the direction of a higher level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports and observation of the results obtained.

Exudes a positive customer service focus.

Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with core values including: integrity, honesty, respect, diversity, innovation, accountability and communication.

Interviews clients, determines need for community assistance such as food, rent, utilities, transportation, legal and medical aid; evaluates income, family status and related information.

Counsels clients with financial and personal problems; refers clients to appropriate community agencies.

Determines eligibility and processes necessary forms for direct services provided through this agency.

Records all contacts, requests for assistance, dispositions, and referrals directly into the computer.

Makes on-site visits as required to accurately assess the client's living conditions and environment.

Issues city bus tokens, schedules mini-bus service, or makes other transportation arrangements as needed.

Talks to client's employers, property owners, pharmacies, physicians, and others as needed to verify information; disseminates program information to citizens upon request.

Provides program guideline information including income parameters, low-cost housing ability, and medicaid/medicare directions to assisting agencies and clients.

Coordinates closely with area physicians and pharmacists to verify or change certifications for medication.

Coordinates with next of kin, contracted funeral homes, and City of Gainesville for burial or cremation of indigent persons/unclaimed bodies found in Alachua County.

Continuously reviews federal and state laws, rules and regulations on social service benefits administration.

Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.

NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of current principles and practices of social work and established casework methods and techniques.

Considerable knowledge of laws, rules and regulations relating to operations of community social service agencies.

Knowledge of various community/agencies/services available to aid clients.

Ability to establish effective relationships with applicants, their relatives, and other persons.

Ability to input data into the computer system.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, prepare reports and maintain accurate records.

Ability to establish and maintain a good working relationship with assisting agencies, other County employees and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach and to be mobile.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.