Social Work Associate - Non-Merit

Regular Schedule:  34 Hours Per Week

A vacancy exists in the Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Family Investment.

Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring in this classification may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested transfer and promotional candidates must apply at this time.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You can attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of license, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.Under general supervision, determines eligibility of applicants for social services programs and provides a direct service, counseling, crisis intervention, and/or referral to another agency or professional.

Examples of Essential Duties

• Conducts assessments to determine resources needed for barrier removal.
• Collects, records, evaluates, and monitors information obtained for the general population to support the family’s path to self-sufficiency.
• Coordinates, receives, and acts upon referrals and inquiries for social services programs. 
• Processes forms for Flex Funds and issues financial assistance as appropriate. 
• Acts as a liaison for between Community College of Baltimore County and Local Department of Social Services.
• Conducts Hardship Assessments for customers who received TCA for 60 Months.
• Prepares reports and summaries of participants status and services rendered.
• Provides assessment and service planning to link participants with resources and self-sufficiency services according to established criteria.
• Provides case management and makes appropriate referrals. 
• Provides limited counseling services as needed.
• Provides crisis intervention and immediate services according to established criteria. 
• Coordinates activities of support staff.
• Updates TCA Assessments and Family Independence Plans as changes occur.

(NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.)

Required Qualifications
Possession of a bachelor's degree in social work from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level)

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of social work and crisis intervention.

• Knowledge of the theories and principles of human behavior.

• Knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems.

• Knowledge of the functions of community health and welfare organizations and programs.

• Writing skill necessary to complete forms, case histories, and reports.

• Good interpersonal skills.

• Ability to gather and assess information and to apply guidelines for eligibility or suitability.

• Ability to interpret program guidelines, policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Ability to identify needs of individuals including crisis intervention.

• Ability to make appropriate referrals.

• Ability to diffuse hostile situations and clients.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

• Ability to read and understand professional journals and other publications.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Full Performance)

• Knowledge of the organization and role of assigned program within the County and State social and human services structure.

• Knowledge and understanding of applicable Federal, State, and local regulations, procedures, and guidelines, including those of courts and criminal justice system.

• Knowledge of alternative resources for clients.

• Knowledge of County and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to performance of duties.

• Skill in gathering and assessing information and applying guidelines for eligibility or suitability.

• Skill in interpreting program guidelines, policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Skill in identifying needs of individuals including crisis intervention.

• Skill in making appropriate referrals.

• Skill in diffusing hostile situations and clients.

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others.

• Ability to assist in the development of service plans.

• Ability to coordinate and review the work of others.

Licenses and Certificates
Possession of a license, issued by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners, as a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) is required at the time of application.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education
Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education may result in your application not being considered.

Proof of Degree Equivalency

Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org)

Mail or deliver documents to:
ATTN: Social Work Associate
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Avenue
Towson, MD 21204

You can attach your transcript(s), certification(s), and/or  license(s) to your application.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Employees must maintain licenses and certifications throughout the course of their employment.

Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification and fingerprinting checks.