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Social Work Assistant 1 Jurisdiction: Schuyler County Jurisdictional Class: Competitive Adopted: March 1, 2004, Reviewed: June 23, 2011 SOCIAL WORK ASSISTANT DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves responsibility for working closely with seriously and persistently mentally ill clients to ensure that the service required in the clients’ individual treatment plan is being provided. The work is carried out in accordance with specifically defined instructions and involves client advocacy, observation, informal reporting and direct assistance to an assigned caseload to insure that each client receives needed services at each stage of his/her move through the community support system. The work is performed under the direct supervision of a licensed professional mental health clinician or other mental health professional. Does related work as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: Advocates for the needs of mentally ill clients, including phone and direct contact with various social services, business and law enforcement agencies regarding the best interest of the clients; Transports and accompanies clients to various appointments such as medical, dental, legal or other business matters; Provides assistance in establishing an independent living setting including providing advice and assistance on obtaining furnishings, groceries, etc.; Mediates problems that clients are unable to deal with such as landlord/tenant or customer/vendor issues, etc.; Develops a helping and supportive relationship with clients and their families to empower client; Meets with other agency staff to discuss client progress and care plans, as well as decisions regarding the termination of therapy; Prepares copious and detailed notes and records regarding client services and care; Assists clients in filling out various types of forms. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of the practices and procedures of social work and of the social factors affecting mental illness; Working knowledge of organization and programs of mental health and human service agencies serving clients in the county and region; Working knowledge of community resources available to meet the needs of clients; Working knowledge of client entitlements, including SSI and sources of potential funding needed for clients; Ability to establish rapport and effective working relationships with clients and community service providers; Ability to exercise independent judgment regarding unstable or dangerous situations such as suicidal or homicidal clients; Ability to actively intervene and advocate on behalf of clients to mediate and resolve problems; Ability to interpret federal, state and local laws and regulations relative to delivery of social work services; ---PAGE BREAK--- Social Work Assistant 2 Ability to prepare and maintain complex records and reports; Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relations with clients, clinicians, physicians and others; Sensitivity to the reactions of others; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or a closely related field and one year of experience in a human services agency or field.