Case Worker Central Austin Special Project Worker

Travis County Health and Human Services (HHS) serves the community under the guidance of the Commissioners Court. We address community needs through internal and external investments and services. We strive to maximize quality of life for all people in Travis County by protecting vulnerable populations investing in social and economic well-being building a shared understanding of our community and promoting healthy physical behavioral and environmental living.

Travis County HHS is seeking a temporary full-time Special Project Worker Case Worker. This is a full-time position with benefits anticipated end date for the assignment is September 30 2026. The grant may be renewed for an additional year. This is an opportunity to join a highly motivated energized and cohesive team. We are looking for individuals who are very team-oriented and client-focused. We specialize in providing outstanding customer service being effective and efficient while providing support to each other as needed.

Determines applicants eligibility for a variety of social services available and/or provides other social services related to crisis intervention and short-term case management. Interviews clients collects and completes required eligibility documentation determines eligibility for social services assistance and monitors client progress and usage of assistance. Refers clients to clinical and social service provider resources. May serve as lead worker over subordinate social services staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is a job classification within the Social Services job family. This classification is distinguished from other social services classes due to the eligibility-related functions and short-term case management for various clients. This classification interviews clients and collects eligibility documentation to determine appropriate social services assistance and monitors client progress and usage of assistance. Duties also include problem-solving assistance and functioning as an advocate on behalf of the client. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

• Interviews clients collects and completes required documentation and determines eligibility for assistance based upon a variety of service regulations and procedures. Monitors and ensures contract and program compliance. May make home visits on an as needed basis for clients unable to come to the service site.
• Provides basic needs counseling and problem-solving assistance or case management services for clients. Conducts assessment of client needs. Develops casework/service plans monitors progress and follow-up. Provides social services related to crisis intervention.
• Coordinates with other service agencies organizations and vendors to provide appropriate services and information for clients as well as referrals. Serves as an advocate on behalf of client. Makes appropriate referrals to other social service education and/or health agencies as needed. Interprets eligibility requirements policy and procedures to clients other agencies vendors and governmental entities.
• Assists in contract development and monitoring.
• Plans organizes and participates in special projects including outreach efforts public speaking and special activities for client. Provides education and training to clients/community.
• May provide short and long-term case management crisis intervention and service coordination to ensure maximum self-sufficiency and non-institutional living. May provide short-term independent living skills assistance and training.
• May assist clients in obtaining vocational and employment services.
• May coordinate arrangement for indigent burials with funeral homes survivors and staff. Attends indigent burials to ensure compliance with contract.
• May recruit train and function as lead over volunteers and staff.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
Bachelors degree in one of the Social or Behavioral Sciences AND two (2) years experience in social services related work;

OR

Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge skills and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Licenses Registrations Certifications or Special Requirements:
Valid Texas Drivers License.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Policies practices procedures and terminology of assigned function.
• Local social services organizations and programs and the resources available.
• Federal State and Local program laws and requirements.
• Modern office practices procedures and methods.
• Computer equipment to include word processing spreadsheets databases and a variety of software packages.
• May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information.

• Providing assistance to clients.
• Interviewing techniques.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Referring clients to appropriate social services organizations and programs.
• Math computation.
• Operating a variety of modern office equipment including a computer.
• Both verbal and written communication.

• Deal effectively with persons experiencing crises and economic stress.
• Work effectively and courteously under high-pressure circumstances.
• Prepare accurate and complete records and reports.
• Demonstrate consistent sound and mature judgment in the effective and efficient use of human and financial resources.
• Manage time well and meet timelines.
• Communicate effectively.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele representatives of outside agencies other County employees and officials community outreach and other organizations clinical and other social service providers and the general public.

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds occasionally visual acuity speech and hearing hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing sitting walking climbing stairs bending stooping crouching kneeling pushing pulling reaching twisting balancing repetitive motion driving client/customer contact and squatting to perform the essential functions.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: 8 am - 5 pm Monday-Friday.

Location:Community Center of Central Austin 5325 Airport Blvd Austin TX 78751

Department:Health & Human Services

Criminal Driving Education and Employment Background Checks Required.

For updates or questions on this position contact:

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.