Social Services Assistant-Second Chance Reentry Program

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Riverside University Health System- Behavioral Health Department is seeking to fill a Social Services Assistant position for the Second Chance Reentry Program.

Under general supervision, provides routine support to professional staff and/or social workers in their case management, which may include, the coordination of social services programs, social services applicants and/or recipients, and outreach services and activities to community members; acts as a liaison between the client, County departments as assigned, and community groups and agencies; and performs other related work as required.

The Social Services Assistant is an entry level paraprofessional classification in the social worker class series and reports to an appropriate supervisory or management level job class.

Depending on area of assignment incumbents are responsible for providing routine social services and resource referral duties, supportive counseling, placement services, observation services of clients, and basic assessment and training.

The Social Services Assistant may be assigned a variety of routine investigative duties, including, but not limited to obtaining information to identify and locate missing/absent parents.

Incumbents support professional staff and/or outreach efforts and activities, which do not require the same level of expertise of a professional social worker.

The Social Services Assistant is distinguished from the Social Services Practitioner series in that the latter represents the professional level classes in the social worker series and incumbents perform case management services, which require greater assessment skills and a broader knowledge of social work concepts.

Other essential duties include but are not limited to the following:


* Visit families in their homes to evaluate their living situations and identify any risks to client safety.


* Collect information from clients and other sources and assist them in applying for County programs or services.


* Support case management by reviewing case files.


* Help create service plans and connect clients to helpful resources.


* Advocate for clients, offer emotional support, and teach essential skills like parenting, job readiness, and daily living.


* Address obstacles clients face, such as caring for youth with medical or emotional challenges.


* Act as a bridge between clients, professional staff, County departments, and community organizations.


* Ensure clear communication and smooth service delivery.


* Arrange transportation, supervise youth during transitions and visits.


* Keep detailed records of client progress, visits, and other case activities.



*Applicants should be familiar with public social service programs, the laws related to them, and how cultural factors impact clients.

They should also know how to assess clients' needs, create, and carry out service plans, track progress, and communicate well with different...