Job Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Case Aide I

Department: Human Services

Reports To: Child Welfare Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt



POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides support services to caseworkers.



ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or peripheral duties that may be required. Rio Blanco County reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of this job at any time.



Court-Ordered Visits:

Provides observation and coordination of court-ordered supervised visits for children and families where the child is in the custody of the department. Assists families in navigating the system by providing referral information, familiarizing individuals with available services and providing support and follow up. Acts as mandated reporter for referrals for potential investigation of suspected child abuse/neglect. Keeps records of contacts with clients on TRAILS computer program, on paper as appropriate, and completes monthly summaries on contacts. Schedules and provides transportation through coordination with the case workers to clients involved with the Department of Human Services. Reviews all work products to ensure highest level of quality. Drives vehicle to perform one or more essential functions. Performs other duties of a similar or related level as necessary or assigned.

Direct Child Care:

Observes family interactions and provides feedback to the parents and the caseworker assigned to the case. Assists parents in the home establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy and nurturing environment for the children. Supervises care to children in the home. Engages parents and children in meaningful play, including learning games and activities designed to enhance their knowledge and social skills. Works with the family to structure and maintain a daily routine and schedule. Teaches parent(s) household management and life skills (this may include, but not be limited to, housekeeping and household organization, child safety, personal hygiene, nutrition, and food preparation). Models and coaches appropriate parenting techniques and parent-child activities. Encourages healthy family relationships and self-confidence.
Observes individual children and interactions with parents and/or other adults or peers. Reports observations in written form and verbally to the caseworker. Reviews all work products to ensure the highest level of quality. Drives vehicle to perform one or more essential functions. Performs other duties of a similar or related level as necessary or assigned.


Kinship Support:

Offers case management services to all kinship families, which are individualized to meet each family's needs Being available when needs or concerns arise. Linking the family to other kinship families in the community for support and recognition. Offering the family resources in areas of need, such as food banks, clothing resources, emotional support, links to support groups, and activity and job resources for the child/youth. Assisting the family in navigating Medicaid/TANF and mental health services. Provide support to the family through home visits and an ongoing assessment of the family's needs.

Life Skills:

Offers instruction and support to families, in the family home, in the following areas:

Health meal preparation on limited budgets Household Management Budgeting Coordination and Scheduling of appointments Activities of daily living Basic Job Skills Parenting

Other Duties/Responsibilities:

Assist Case Aide II

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

Relevant Federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, codes and/or statutes. Modern office processes and procedures. Keyboarding, data entry and word processing skills. Grammar, spelling and punctuation. Basic math skills. Routine software and business applications including, but not limited to, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases.

Ability to:

Speak, read and write the English language. Communicate effectively verbally and in writing; communicate with clients tactfully and patiently. Write case notes clearly and make recommendations. Understand and follow written and verbal directions. Assess family functioning and pinpoint needs in the home environment. Organize workload and prioritize tasks. Use resources to solve problems. Work independently. Drive a vehicle safely and in accordance with state laws and regulations.
Handle stressful situations in a professional manner, including angry or difficult clients. Establish effective working relationships with coworkers and supervisors, other Departments/Offices, and other agencies. Understand and practice safety procedures and precautions. Maintain confidentiality.


Education and/or Experience:

Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

High School diploma or equivalent Experience working in child care or as a parenting class instructor

Licenses or Certificates:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Driver's License.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands and work environment 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 otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Talking and hearing. Driving a Motor Vehicle Stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, and fingering.

Work Environment:

The employee occasionally may be exposed to hazardous situations, which may involve physically violent persons, interviewing mentally or emotionally disturbed persons or bodily injury from biohazards, infections or blood-borne pathogens. The noise level in the internal work environment is usually moderately loud, with frequent interruptions and multiple demands; in the home environment, the noise level may be very loud.

Other:

The employee is frequently required to drive throughout the County; occasionally required to drive within the state.

This job description is not intended to be an exclusive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Rio Blanco County prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, sex, race, color, national origin, creed, ancestry, religion, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or any other status protected by federal or state law.