Position Overview: Bilingual Social Services Caseworker

Department: Welfare Services

Reports to: Director of Welfare Services

Hourly Rate: $23.50 -Experience-based

Status: Full-Time Non-exempt

Date:   March 2023

Position Description:

Under the supervision of the Associate Director of Welfare Service, the bilingual Social Services Caseworker is responsible for distributing Township welfare funds through the General Assistance and emergency assistance programs and administrating other services offered by the Department to Township residents. This position will assess client needs and determine eligibility for programs provided in Welfare Services.

Essential Job Functions:

• Determine client eligibility and administer the General Assistance and Emergency Assistance programs within legal guidelines outlined in the Township General Assistance and Emergency Assistance Handbook
• Ensure assistance is granted or denied following the rules and regulations of the adopted General Assistance Handbook, as well as represent the Township at community events
• Process applications for programs related to Welfare Services including but not limited to CEDA (Community Economic Development Association), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), ATC (Access to Care), and MDC (Mobile Dental Clinic)
• Demonstrate knowledge of other government bodies and community resources, make appropriate referrals and act as an advocate to help clients achieve self-sufficiency
• Support clients in their application process for Public Aid, Social Security, and other benefits
• Possess and utilize tact, diplomacy, and discretion when dealing with sensitive or confidential issues
• Assign GA clients to Workfare and overview work assignments
• Complete all required paperwork related to client service on time, per policies and procedures
• Assist with the determination of eligibility for the holiday program, assignment to a sponsor, and distribution of gifts
• Assist in the Food Pantry as needed, including intake, scheduling, deliveries, and re-stocking shelves

Professional Improvement:

• Attend classes to improve and enhance computer skills
• Attend the annual General Assistance Training Institute (GATI)
• Become proficient in the use of Visual GA program software
• Establish a professional network and attend meetings with outside agencies related to programming and policy
• Read periodicals relating to General Assistance procedures and practices
• Attend all required program training
• Attend Cook County Case Workers meetings and other networking business as needed

Other Job Functions:

• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Director and Associate Director of Welfare Services
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and/or weekends as needed
• Translate to help the department’s effective conversations between Spanish speakers and staff, take notes, and recap appointments, and meetings as needed.
• Write department-level communication on behalf of the department or Township in both English and Spanish
• Translation support in highly confidential matters
• Able to prepare written communications and presentations in both, English and Spanish, to internal and external residents, directors, and team members.

Qualifications:

• Associate degree required, Bachelor’s degree preferred, in Social Work or Human Services
• 2 years of casework experience required
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience in Township General Assistance or Public Aid (DHS) preferred
• Proficiency with all Microsoft Office Suite applications
• Knowledge and understanding of local community resources and programs
• Ability to be empathetic, courteous, and understanding, and maintain the privacy and dignity of clients
• Demonstrate leadership abilities, including initiative, ability to work independently, and ability to effectively handle emergencies
• Capability to effectively manage and complete projects simultaneously, under tight time constraints
• Organizational skills with the ability to establish and maintain a professional level of competence with members of the public, media, not-for-profits, community groups, and other government agencies
• Possess and utilize tact, diplomacy, and discretion when dealing with sensitive or confidential matters
• Ability to lift 23-30 pounds involving bending and overhead lifting
• Bilingual, Spanish required

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 with reasonable accommodation.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, use repetitive motion, type, and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle and feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to bend, climb stairs, and reach overheads. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

Environmental Conditions:

• The work environment conditions described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job with reasonable accommodation.
• The position is primarily implemented indoor offices; however, it may require contact with outdoor weather at special events.
• This position may require off-site training which may have other conditions not listed here.
• Contact with low to moderate noise levels may be experienced during normal working hours and special activities.

Benefits

• This position is scheduled for 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Township offers a generous benefits package including paid time off, major medical, dental, vision, life and IMRF contribution retirement.
• If you are interested in this opportunity or have any questions regarding this overview, please email an updated resume & cover letter directly to the Township’s HR department at llizcano@schaumburgtownship.org