CASE MANAGER I

Summary

This position is responsible for providing case management and referral services to clients requiring assistance from social service agencies, including conducting General Assistance interviews and orientations.

Job Duties

• Interviews and screens consumers to determine the need, nature, and degree of the problem, as well as eligibility and appropriateness for General Assistance.
• Informs other agencies of services available through General Assistance and Community Services, cross-referencing client information.
• Makes initial and continuing eligibility determinations on all applications for welfare assistance services.
• Develops and maintains client case records of required and pertinent information through personal interviews, home visits, and collateral contacts to support authorization and/or deny applications of ineligible persons.
• Conducts regularly scheduled reviews of all cases, updates the information contained on client applications, and re-certifies welfare assistance where appropriate. Reviews cases with the supervisor on a regularly scheduled basis.
• Encourages applicants/recipients to utilize community resources in resolving particular problems.
• Develops professional relationships with other Federal agencies, State agencies, Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Red Cross, to develop resources for clientele.
• Provides information to the general public regarding the program.
• Provides case management/file documentation for individual caseloads and submits monthly and quarterly reports in an accurate and timely manner.
• Provides outreach and support services (i.e., home visits, interpretation services, transportation, etc.).
• Serves as an advocate for the homeless, participating in the Fairbanks Housing and Homeless Coalition, and other related activities.
• Encourages the use of traditions and culture as effective tools for community healing.
• Provides advocacy, information, and referrals, as needed, for food stamps, health and social service resources, medical assistance, low-income energy assistance, etc.
• Provides outreach services, traditional support, advocacy, and assistance with paperwork for Adult Protective Services clients.
• Works with local schools to promote healthy activities for students.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
  
  

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, And Ability

• Knowledge of health, social services, legal issues, and other general/local services throughout the Fairbanks area.
• Ability to learn and apply program/agency operating policies and procedures.
• Ability to report to work in a timely manner.
• Skill in operating computers utilizing a variety of computer software.
• Understanding and sensitivity to diverse cultures and lifestyles, and ability to work effectively with Alaska Native populations.
• Skill in managing multiple priorities and tasks concurrently and meeting deadlines.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative and respectful working relationships with children, parents, supervisors, and other employees.
• Ability to work independently as well as with teams.
• Ability to effectively present instruction, and/or information to students, staff, parents, administrators, and the public.
  
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience)

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two (2) years of experience in the social services field.
  
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience)

• Associate’s degree in social services, human development, counseling, or a related field.
  
  

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

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 essential functions.

The work is generally sedentary, requiring routine walking, standing, bending, and carrying of items weighing less than 25 lbs. The majority of work is performed in an office setting with a wide variety of people with differing functions, personalities, and abilities. The office is a non-smoking facility with outside smoking areas. Requires local travel between various program components of FNA which may involve exposure to extreme weather conditions. Works in an environment where protection of consumer confidentiality is essential. Crisis intervention with troubled clients may be required, which may put the incumbent at risk of physical violence. Personal Protective Equipment will be provided where/when needed.

Notice: All employment at the Fairbanks Native Association (FNA) is “at will.” This means the employee or FNA may terminate employment at any time and for any reason. Unless specified in writing, no duration of employment is expressed or implied for this position. Your signature indicates that you have read this Job Description and understand the essential functions of and qualifications for the job.