PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE - CASEWORKER (GRANT-FUNDED)

High school diploma or equivalent plus two (2) years similar experience in social services area and/or working with individuals experiencing homelessness; Bilingual in English and Spanish required.

Or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Certificates and Licenses Required-depending on area assigned
Must have or obtain by date of hire a valid driver's license applicable to job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to the County of El Paso.Interviews clients, applicants, and collateral sources to verify information to determine eligibility for coordinated assessment services; makes appropriate referrals; completes all necessary paperwork, interviews and enters data utilizing the HMIS (homeless management information system);
 
Types, scans, enters, records, proofreads and processes a variety of documents including general correspondence, reports, and memos;
 
Maintains case files and records, ensures that they are current, accurate and complete prior to a scheduled date;
                                                            
Provides data gathered from the HMIS system on homelessness services to staff, supervisor, and management on eligibility status for homelessness services through coordinated assessment system;
 
As directed serves as a department representative to coordinate or confer with government officials or community groups and agencies on behalf of the client;
 
Provides case conferencing;
 
Conducts annual assessments services; follow-up with clients and/or providers on referral to homelessness program;
 
Performs various clerical duties on a computer which may include data processing, entering data into a spreadsheet or database program information on the eligibility status of clients entered into the coordinated assessment system;
 
Prepares various activity reports; transfers and archives files; performs receptionist work;
 
Contacts clients on their verification of eligibility for coordinated access services;
 
Schedules appointments;
 
Assists the public with inquiries regarding homelessness assistance services
 
Commits self to providing excellent customer service and demonstrate commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts; and
 
Creates a high quality work culture through participation in and emphasis on training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and all employees, including safety related training and skills.
 
Other Important Duties
Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.
 
As members of the County of El Paso Emergency Response System, all El Paso County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to train on emergency response and/or perform certain emergency services at the direction of their supervisor.The Case Worker under general supervision conducts interviews and determines eligibility for  coordinated assessment services through screening, utilizing homelessness assessment tool, and verifying participant/client information.Minimum Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: interviewing concepts, principles, practices and techniques; modern office administration; English usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling; techniques for effective interpersonal communications; modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment to include Windows and Microsoft based products.

Skill/Ability to:  Learn the organization, procedures and operating details of the County department to which assigned; perform word processing and data entry; perform routine clerical work including maintenance of appropriate records and preparations of general reports; verify and cross check files and data; communicate in a polite and orderly manner;  understand and apply coordinated assessment policies procedures;  operate personal computer using standard office operating software and general office equipment; prepare and maintain records; maintain filing systems; do mathematical calculations; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; be dependable and self-motivated; to deal with the public courteously and effectively; work under stressful conditions, and establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted during the course of work; speak Bilingual Spanish/English; Pass a Criminal Background Check;

Each and every county position requires the following professional skills and abilities as key and
necessary elements of performance:

• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance;
• Work well with others and participate fully in a team oriented environment;
• Interface with other employees and customers in a courteous and respectful manner;
• Maintain strict confidentiality;
• Project positive support of their department and all county organizations at all times; and,
• Maintain and enhance the County's commitment to customer service excellence

Salary : $34,717