What are the responsibilities and job description for the Income Maintenance Caseworker II position at Nash County?
Positions available in Work First Family Assistance program. NC Fast experience preferred. Candidate should have strong computer and mathematical skills. Ability to read and interpret policy, communicate with clients and explain regulations and procedures. Ability to meet deadlines within established time frames. Applicants without Income Maintenance Caseworker experience may be considered for a one year work-against period as an Income Maintenance Caseworker I.
A. Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Work First Family Assistance Caseworker Il is assigned to the Work First/Child Care Unit, which is part of the Services Division of a local Department of Social Services. The primary purpose of the unit, to which this position lends most of its focus, is to carry out the agency's mandate to assist Work First Family Assistance (WFFA) recipients in becoming self-sufficient and self-supporting. The program strives to improve the employability of WFFA recipients. The subsidy program also meets the needs of Foster Parents, Child Protective Services clients, and children with special needs.
B. Primary Purpose of Position
The primary purpose of this position is to complete the initial screening and assessment for families that come to our agency seeking assistance through Work First Family Assistance (WFFA) and to assist the families in deciding what services best meet their needs. The worker must determine if the family is eligible for the service and if so, assist the family in completing an application. When the family applies for a service, the worker must process the pending application and maintain the case for ongoing management and eligibility determination. If not eligible, the worker must make appropriate referrals to other agencies on behalf of the family.
This position will also support the mission of the Child Care Unit, to assist eligible clients with a subsidy payment for child care that will enable parents/caretakers to afford quality child care so that they may pursue employment and training. Therefore, this position may also involve maintaining the Child Care Waiting List. When the unit is ready to address the waiting list, this position would assist with conducting the pull and provide a list of the names pulled to the Child Care Workers. At the conclusion of the pull, the person in this position will be responsible for verifying the names have been pulled off of the waiting list in NC FAST.
The person in the position may also serve as the gateway for distribution of the 8194 to the workers in the unit. When an 8194 is received, the person in this position will be responsible for forwarding the form to every case manager that has the case in their caseload.
C. Work Schedule
Work hours are generally from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. In emergency situations, overtime may be required. The worker will be housed with the Work First/Child Care Unit.
D. Change in Responsibilities or Organizational Relationship
Job responsibilities have changed with the implementation of NCFast. Position requires eligibility, while social work functions have been eliminated.The following is a description of the responsibilities and duties of this position. All responsibilities and duties described are essential to the effective performance of the Work First Family Assistance Caseworker II.
1. The Caseworker is responsible for the application for cash benefits from the Work First program. The worker will obtain the family information, work history and family resources by interviewing the client and completing the necessary paperwork. The worker must assess all information needed to determine eligibility for services and explain this need to the client. The worker is responsible for copying all documents required in the application process. The application must be entered into NC FAST and all required forms that are not in NC FAST must be completed and scanned into NC FAST.
2. The Caseworker is responsible for processing the application. The processing phase involves investigating the availability of resources and income for the applicant and the compliance with program requirements. The worker must complete a referral to the WFES worker for all clients that are included on the application. The referral starts the process of developing Outcome Plans in NC FAST. The worker must communicate with his/her co-partner in Work First Family Employment Services on a daily basis, as compliance with WFES requirements often has an effect on the status of a Work First cash benefit application. The worker must also communicate with the Child Support unit to prevent uncooperative clients from accessing benefits for which they are not eligible. The worker is responsible for the data entry of the application into NC FAST in order to approve or deny the case within the specified time limits. The worker is responsible for the organization of the application and
supporting documents in NC FAST, as well as assuring that all necessary forms and documents to support eligibility are uploaded according to taxonomy. The Caseworker must determine if any issues exists that exempt the client from participating in required activities. The correct information must be entered into NC FAST so that the client's time clocks for receiving benefits will be accurate. The Caseworker is responsible for determining all eligibility requirements have been met prior to the approval of the application. If the application is denied, the worker is responsible for issuing the proper notice of denial and the reason for the denial to the client within the specified time limits.
3. The Caseworker is responsible for the redetermination of a specific assigned caseload. The on-going case management duties involve a wide range of duties. The Caseworker must conduct and complete all reviews required in the case. The worker is responsible for scheduling the review and gathering all necessary information from the client to determine their on-going eligibility for services such as school verifications, medical check-up forms, collaterals to verify who is in the family composition, etc. The review must be keyed into NC FAST. The Caseworker must also react in an appropriate time to all changes reported by the clients. Such changes include, but are not limited to, births, change in income, change in address, etc. These changes often require the worker to determine the client's eligibility for benefits such as the Job Bonus or an exemption from the work requirement. She/he must issue all notices about benefit changes to the client in a timely manner, as well as inform other agency personnel of the changes through the DSS form 8194. The Caseworker is responsible for insuring the proper calculations are made regarding a client's monthly payments. All diligence must be given to avoid a county-responsible overpayment to the client. Quarterly reporting cases must be monitored each quarter and checked to make sure that the agency is given the correct information in order to prevent an overpayment or underpayment. The worker is also called upon, on many occasions, to verify a client's income and household composition or to assist the client in accessing other services such as emergency assistance from local community action agencies and housing subsidies, etc. The worker is also responsible for keeping the client informed of the availability of months on the twenty-four month and sixty month time clocks. The worker must communicate with the WFES social worker to insure that client benefits are issued, or not issued, based on the policy of the program and must verify NC FAST has correctly applied the changes to the case. The worker is responsible for checking the XPTR system every day to determine if any cases are flagged as non-cooperative with Child Support. If a case is "non-co-op", the worker must apply the sanction to end the client's benefits. This report is critical, as failure to implement the sanction can lead to a State audit finding. The worker is also responsible for making a Child Protective Services report on any situation the worker deems potentially harmful to a child. At such time the client is no longer eligible for services, the worker is
responsible for termination of the benefits. The worker is also responsible for notifying the client of the termination of benefits and the reason for termination. The worker is responsible for making appropriate referrals to the Program Integrity Unit in cases that she/he suspects intentional deceit. The worker may be called upon to testify in court as to the facts in such a case.
4. The worker will be responsible for all duties related to the Child Care Waiting List. Worker will provide intake services, processing services, as well as notification services for clients inquiring about eligibility for Child Care benefits. Worker will maintain the list in NC FAST, as well as on a spreadsheet, as a check for NC FAST reliability, and will pull the names off of the waiting list when advised to do so by the Supervisor, performing all duties that relate to the pull.
5. Administrative duties are necessary to insure appropriate service delivery. This involves maintaining required statistical reports, accurate documentation and record keeping in accordance with direct supervision, and periodic training sessions. The worker will execute the policy regarding Voter Registration for the unit.
6. The worker is required to keep abreast of all policy changes and to operate within the guidelines set by the local Social Services Administration, State and Federal Authorities.
7. The worker will serve as a gateway for the unit in the dissemination of client information through the 8194 distribution list. Employee will be expected to work in emergency shelters and/or perform related disaster tasks and perform other reasonable tasks requested by their immediate supervisor.
B. Other Position Characteristics
1. Accuracy Required in Work
The highest degree of accuracy possible is required in this position. Inaccurate information, or the misunderstanding of information, could result in a client being determined ineligible for a service when he/she is actually eligible for the service or vice versa. Inaccuracy in the processing phase could lead to an error in the payment amount, the limitation of benefits (such as with a sanction), or the actual termination of benefits.
2. Consequences of Error
Error in work can result in inaccurate determination of eligibility, which could be detrimental to the client or to the agency. The county could be responsible for the overpayment, if the worker failed to verify information necessary for determining eligibility or failed to act timely to a reported change in the client's situation.
3. Instructions Provided to Employee
Instructions are provided in written and oral form. Unit meetings are held to develop and receive instructions on policies and procedures. The supervisor is available at all times to the worker for training and consultation. State and regional personnel offers instruction through Administrative Letters and Policy Change Letters. NC FAST offers procedural instruction via Job Aids, Post Cards and Communication Summaries. The Learning Gateway offers Webinars on relevant subjects, as well as Job Specific On-line Training.
4. Guidelines, Regulations, Policies and References Used by the Employee
* Work First Program Manual/ Child Care Manual
* Income Eligibility Manual
* NC FAST - FAST HELP
* North Carolina Personnel Regulations
* Nash County Personnel Handbook
* Instructions from Director, Assistant Director, Program Administrator, Regional Consultant and Supervisor
5. Supervision Received by the Employee
The supervisor operates with an "open-door" policy — addressing situations as they arise.
Individual conferences are used to assist an employee with specific issues. Unit meetings are held for policy clarification.
6. Variety and Purpose of Personal Contacts
The worker in this position will maintain contact with the following units:
* Work First Employment Services
* Services Intake
* Food and Nutrition
* Children's Services
Child Support
Medicaid
* Administrative
7. Physical Effort
The employee must be able to move within the agency, climb stairs, and use office equipment described in item #9 below. Employee must travel to meetings within the county, as well as workshops and meetings out of the county. Overnight travel is sometimes necessary.
8. Work Environment and Conditions
Work is performed in a county social services agency. The employee has an office in the agency to perform duties. The employee is occasionally exposed to infectious diseases such as scabies, head lice, flu, AIDS, etc. The worker may also encounter hostile clients. All staff is aware of precautions to take when such events occur.
9. Machines, Tools, Instruments, Equipment, and Materials Used
The worker is required to have a valid driver's license and have access to a vehicle. The worker will use the telephone, files, file cabinet, copier, Personal Computer and printer, scanner and calculator in order to perform duties.
10. Visual Attention, Mental Concentration, and Manipulative Skills
Visual Attention and mental concentration are required continuously in this position. Work First is such a complex program, that the worker must always be aware of manual interpretations and changes. The position requires the worker to complete intricate forms and to compute payments based on information she/he has gathered from the client. Insuring accurate information is gathered and processed requires constant mental concentration on behalf of the worker.
11. Safety for Others
The worker protects clients by abiding by the law of confidentiality and monitors transportation plans.
12. Dynamics of Work
Programs are periodically affected by changes in methodology, guidelines, legislation, and shifting program emphasis. The worker will receive guidance and appropriate supervision as these changes occur.Considerable knowledge of the program/area(s) of assignment. General knowledge of all agency and community programs and services which could affect the client/applicant. Good mathematical reasoning and computational skills. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret rules, regulations and procedures. Ability to communicate with clients/applicants, the public at large, and public officials to obtain data, and to explain and interpret rules, regulations and procedures. Ability to perform caseworker functions within structured time frames. Specifically, the Caseworker should exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
1. The worker should have considerable knowledge of the laws, regulations and policies that govern each of the programs and its application to specific case instances. The Work First program is a highly visible one and, as such, is subject to scrutiny by community client advocates, the media, businesses, and other interested parties. Knowledge of specific laws, regulations and policies is essential in meeting these situations, as well as enabling the client to have the benefit of all program elements.
2. The worker must be familiar with the process of moving from an inquiry about Child Care Services to placement on the Waiting List and finally to receiving the service. The worker is on the front line and sets the stage for the client's view of the service. The worker must be able to answer questions, to advise on policy and to explain any decision made regarding an individual case.
3. The worker must have excellent communication skills so that the program policy, rules and
regulations may be relayed to the client in a clear, understandable way — regardless of educational, social or economic background.
4. The worker should have the ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work effectively. The worker must have the ability to organize the workload and prioritize duties. Time management and individual initiative will be important to the execution of this position.
5. The worker must be able to apply basic math skills in order to follow the budgeting process and to correctly compute payments in order to check eligibility decisions in NC FAST.
6. The worker must exhibit excellent interviewing skills. The worker must be able to conduct an interview that leads to the required information so that correct eligibility determinations may be made.
7. The worker should have the ability to operate a motor vehicle.One year experience as an Income Maintenance Caseworker and the following: Graduation from an accredited associate degree program in Human Services Technology, Social Services Associate, Paralegal Technology, Business Administration, Secretarial Science, or a closely related curriculum; or graduation for high school and two years of paraprofessional, clerical, or other public contact experience which included negotiation, interviewing, explaining information, gathering and compiling of data, analysis of data and/or performance of mathematical or legal tasks with at least one year of such experience being and income maintenance program; or graduation from high school and three years of paraprofessional, clerical or other public contact experience which included negotiation, interviewing, explaining information, the gathering and compiling of data, the analysis of data and/or the performance of mathematical or legal tasks; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
A. Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Work First Family Assistance Caseworker Il is assigned to the Work First/Child Care Unit, which is part of the Services Division of a local Department of Social Services. The primary purpose of the unit, to which this position lends most of its focus, is to carry out the agency's mandate to assist Work First Family Assistance (WFFA) recipients in becoming self-sufficient and self-supporting. The program strives to improve the employability of WFFA recipients. The subsidy program also meets the needs of Foster Parents, Child Protective Services clients, and children with special needs.
B. Primary Purpose of Position
The primary purpose of this position is to complete the initial screening and assessment for families that come to our agency seeking assistance through Work First Family Assistance (WFFA) and to assist the families in deciding what services best meet their needs. The worker must determine if the family is eligible for the service and if so, assist the family in completing an application. When the family applies for a service, the worker must process the pending application and maintain the case for ongoing management and eligibility determination. If not eligible, the worker must make appropriate referrals to other agencies on behalf of the family.
This position will also support the mission of the Child Care Unit, to assist eligible clients with a subsidy payment for child care that will enable parents/caretakers to afford quality child care so that they may pursue employment and training. Therefore, this position may also involve maintaining the Child Care Waiting List. When the unit is ready to address the waiting list, this position would assist with conducting the pull and provide a list of the names pulled to the Child Care Workers. At the conclusion of the pull, the person in this position will be responsible for verifying the names have been pulled off of the waiting list in NC FAST.
The person in the position may also serve as the gateway for distribution of the 8194 to the workers in the unit. When an 8194 is received, the person in this position will be responsible for forwarding the form to every case manager that has the case in their caseload.
C. Work Schedule
Work hours are generally from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. In emergency situations, overtime may be required. The worker will be housed with the Work First/Child Care Unit.
D. Change in Responsibilities or Organizational Relationship
Job responsibilities have changed with the implementation of NCFast. Position requires eligibility, while social work functions have been eliminated.The following is a description of the responsibilities and duties of this position. All responsibilities and duties described are essential to the effective performance of the Work First Family Assistance Caseworker II.
1. The Caseworker is responsible for the application for cash benefits from the Work First program. The worker will obtain the family information, work history and family resources by interviewing the client and completing the necessary paperwork. The worker must assess all information needed to determine eligibility for services and explain this need to the client. The worker is responsible for copying all documents required in the application process. The application must be entered into NC FAST and all required forms that are not in NC FAST must be completed and scanned into NC FAST.
2. The Caseworker is responsible for processing the application. The processing phase involves investigating the availability of resources and income for the applicant and the compliance with program requirements. The worker must complete a referral to the WFES worker for all clients that are included on the application. The referral starts the process of developing Outcome Plans in NC FAST. The worker must communicate with his/her co-partner in Work First Family Employment Services on a daily basis, as compliance with WFES requirements often has an effect on the status of a Work First cash benefit application. The worker must also communicate with the Child Support unit to prevent uncooperative clients from accessing benefits for which they are not eligible. The worker is responsible for the data entry of the application into NC FAST in order to approve or deny the case within the specified time limits. The worker is responsible for the organization of the application and
supporting documents in NC FAST, as well as assuring that all necessary forms and documents to support eligibility are uploaded according to taxonomy. The Caseworker must determine if any issues exists that exempt the client from participating in required activities. The correct information must be entered into NC FAST so that the client's time clocks for receiving benefits will be accurate. The Caseworker is responsible for determining all eligibility requirements have been met prior to the approval of the application. If the application is denied, the worker is responsible for issuing the proper notice of denial and the reason for the denial to the client within the specified time limits.
3. The Caseworker is responsible for the redetermination of a specific assigned caseload. The on-going case management duties involve a wide range of duties. The Caseworker must conduct and complete all reviews required in the case. The worker is responsible for scheduling the review and gathering all necessary information from the client to determine their on-going eligibility for services such as school verifications, medical check-up forms, collaterals to verify who is in the family composition, etc. The review must be keyed into NC FAST. The Caseworker must also react in an appropriate time to all changes reported by the clients. Such changes include, but are not limited to, births, change in income, change in address, etc. These changes often require the worker to determine the client's eligibility for benefits such as the Job Bonus or an exemption from the work requirement. She/he must issue all notices about benefit changes to the client in a timely manner, as well as inform other agency personnel of the changes through the DSS form 8194. The Caseworker is responsible for insuring the proper calculations are made regarding a client's monthly payments. All diligence must be given to avoid a county-responsible overpayment to the client. Quarterly reporting cases must be monitored each quarter and checked to make sure that the agency is given the correct information in order to prevent an overpayment or underpayment. The worker is also called upon, on many occasions, to verify a client's income and household composition or to assist the client in accessing other services such as emergency assistance from local community action agencies and housing subsidies, etc. The worker is also responsible for keeping the client informed of the availability of months on the twenty-four month and sixty month time clocks. The worker must communicate with the WFES social worker to insure that client benefits are issued, or not issued, based on the policy of the program and must verify NC FAST has correctly applied the changes to the case. The worker is responsible for checking the XPTR system every day to determine if any cases are flagged as non-cooperative with Child Support. If a case is "non-co-op", the worker must apply the sanction to end the client's benefits. This report is critical, as failure to implement the sanction can lead to a State audit finding. The worker is also responsible for making a Child Protective Services report on any situation the worker deems potentially harmful to a child. At such time the client is no longer eligible for services, the worker is
responsible for termination of the benefits. The worker is also responsible for notifying the client of the termination of benefits and the reason for termination. The worker is responsible for making appropriate referrals to the Program Integrity Unit in cases that she/he suspects intentional deceit. The worker may be called upon to testify in court as to the facts in such a case.
4. The worker will be responsible for all duties related to the Child Care Waiting List. Worker will provide intake services, processing services, as well as notification services for clients inquiring about eligibility for Child Care benefits. Worker will maintain the list in NC FAST, as well as on a spreadsheet, as a check for NC FAST reliability, and will pull the names off of the waiting list when advised to do so by the Supervisor, performing all duties that relate to the pull.
5. Administrative duties are necessary to insure appropriate service delivery. This involves maintaining required statistical reports, accurate documentation and record keeping in accordance with direct supervision, and periodic training sessions. The worker will execute the policy regarding Voter Registration for the unit.
6. The worker is required to keep abreast of all policy changes and to operate within the guidelines set by the local Social Services Administration, State and Federal Authorities.
7. The worker will serve as a gateway for the unit in the dissemination of client information through the 8194 distribution list. Employee will be expected to work in emergency shelters and/or perform related disaster tasks and perform other reasonable tasks requested by their immediate supervisor.
B. Other Position Characteristics
1. Accuracy Required in Work
The highest degree of accuracy possible is required in this position. Inaccurate information, or the misunderstanding of information, could result in a client being determined ineligible for a service when he/she is actually eligible for the service or vice versa. Inaccuracy in the processing phase could lead to an error in the payment amount, the limitation of benefits (such as with a sanction), or the actual termination of benefits.
2. Consequences of Error
Error in work can result in inaccurate determination of eligibility, which could be detrimental to the client or to the agency. The county could be responsible for the overpayment, if the worker failed to verify information necessary for determining eligibility or failed to act timely to a reported change in the client's situation.
3. Instructions Provided to Employee
Instructions are provided in written and oral form. Unit meetings are held to develop and receive instructions on policies and procedures. The supervisor is available at all times to the worker for training and consultation. State and regional personnel offers instruction through Administrative Letters and Policy Change Letters. NC FAST offers procedural instruction via Job Aids, Post Cards and Communication Summaries. The Learning Gateway offers Webinars on relevant subjects, as well as Job Specific On-line Training.
4. Guidelines, Regulations, Policies and References Used by the Employee
* Work First Program Manual/ Child Care Manual
* Income Eligibility Manual
* NC FAST - FAST HELP
* North Carolina Personnel Regulations
* Nash County Personnel Handbook
* Instructions from Director, Assistant Director, Program Administrator, Regional Consultant and Supervisor
5. Supervision Received by the Employee
The supervisor operates with an "open-door" policy — addressing situations as they arise.
Individual conferences are used to assist an employee with specific issues. Unit meetings are held for policy clarification.
6. Variety and Purpose of Personal Contacts
The worker in this position will maintain contact with the following units:
* Work First Employment Services
* Services Intake
* Food and Nutrition
* Children's Services
Child Support
Medicaid
* Administrative
7. Physical Effort
The employee must be able to move within the agency, climb stairs, and use office equipment described in item #9 below. Employee must travel to meetings within the county, as well as workshops and meetings out of the county. Overnight travel is sometimes necessary.
8. Work Environment and Conditions
Work is performed in a county social services agency. The employee has an office in the agency to perform duties. The employee is occasionally exposed to infectious diseases such as scabies, head lice, flu, AIDS, etc. The worker may also encounter hostile clients. All staff is aware of precautions to take when such events occur.
9. Machines, Tools, Instruments, Equipment, and Materials Used
The worker is required to have a valid driver's license and have access to a vehicle. The worker will use the telephone, files, file cabinet, copier, Personal Computer and printer, scanner and calculator in order to perform duties.
10. Visual Attention, Mental Concentration, and Manipulative Skills
Visual Attention and mental concentration are required continuously in this position. Work First is such a complex program, that the worker must always be aware of manual interpretations and changes. The position requires the worker to complete intricate forms and to compute payments based on information she/he has gathered from the client. Insuring accurate information is gathered and processed requires constant mental concentration on behalf of the worker.
11. Safety for Others
The worker protects clients by abiding by the law of confidentiality and monitors transportation plans.
12. Dynamics of Work
Programs are periodically affected by changes in methodology, guidelines, legislation, and shifting program emphasis. The worker will receive guidance and appropriate supervision as these changes occur.Considerable knowledge of the program/area(s) of assignment. General knowledge of all agency and community programs and services which could affect the client/applicant. Good mathematical reasoning and computational skills. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret rules, regulations and procedures. Ability to communicate with clients/applicants, the public at large, and public officials to obtain data, and to explain and interpret rules, regulations and procedures. Ability to perform caseworker functions within structured time frames. Specifically, the Caseworker should exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
1. The worker should have considerable knowledge of the laws, regulations and policies that govern each of the programs and its application to specific case instances. The Work First program is a highly visible one and, as such, is subject to scrutiny by community client advocates, the media, businesses, and other interested parties. Knowledge of specific laws, regulations and policies is essential in meeting these situations, as well as enabling the client to have the benefit of all program elements.
2. The worker must be familiar with the process of moving from an inquiry about Child Care Services to placement on the Waiting List and finally to receiving the service. The worker is on the front line and sets the stage for the client's view of the service. The worker must be able to answer questions, to advise on policy and to explain any decision made regarding an individual case.
3. The worker must have excellent communication skills so that the program policy, rules and
regulations may be relayed to the client in a clear, understandable way — regardless of educational, social or economic background.
4. The worker should have the ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work effectively. The worker must have the ability to organize the workload and prioritize duties. Time management and individual initiative will be important to the execution of this position.
5. The worker must be able to apply basic math skills in order to follow the budgeting process and to correctly compute payments in order to check eligibility decisions in NC FAST.
6. The worker must exhibit excellent interviewing skills. The worker must be able to conduct an interview that leads to the required information so that correct eligibility determinations may be made.
7. The worker should have the ability to operate a motor vehicle.One year experience as an Income Maintenance Caseworker and the following: Graduation from an accredited associate degree program in Human Services Technology, Social Services Associate, Paralegal Technology, Business Administration, Secretarial Science, or a closely related curriculum; or graduation for high school and two years of paraprofessional, clerical, or other public contact experience which included negotiation, interviewing, explaining information, gathering and compiling of data, analysis of data and/or performance of mathematical or legal tasks with at least one year of such experience being and income maintenance program; or graduation from high school and three years of paraprofessional, clerical or other public contact experience which included negotiation, interviewing, explaining information, the gathering and compiling of data, the analysis of data and/or the performance of mathematical or legal tasks; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Salary : $41,023
Income Maintenance Caseworker I
Person County Government -
Roxboro, NC
