Case Worker - Office of Children Services (Healthy Families)

Looking for a career that truly makes a difference while also offering exceptional benefits and work-life balance? 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. TC-HHS is looking for a full-time Case Worker to join our Office of Children Services-Healthy Families division and be part of a mission-driven team that shows up every day for our community.

The Case Worker 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.

This role offers outstanding benefits, including hybrid work opportunities, generous paid vacation and sick leave, comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance, access to a free health clinic for you and your dependents, a robust retirement plan, and much more.

You’ll join a highly motivated, collaborative, and supportive team that values connection, professionalism, and a shared sense of purpose. Our work is rooted in excellent customer service, ethical practice, and effective advocacy for the individuals and families we serve. Just as importantly, we take care of one another; celebrating wins, supporting each other through challenges, and maintaining a workplace that is both compassionate and human.

We’re looking for team-oriented, community-engaged professionals who bring empathy, creativity, integrity, and a sense of humor to their work. If you’re passionate about social justice, enjoy meaningful collaboration, and want to do work that matters alongside people who care, we’d love to hear from you.

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.

This caseworker position performs as a Family Support Specialist/Home Visitor for the Healthy Families Travis County program. The program serves families with a new baby in the home who reside in Travis County by offering home visits, providing parenting information and education, child development screenings, and community resource referrals.

The Family Support Specialist/Home Visitor job duties and responsibilities include:

• Providing visits to families in their own homes at times that meet their needs during the day or evening. 

• Utilizing the Growing Great Kids parenting education curriculum, Just in Time Parenting eNewsletter, and other vetted and reputable parenting materials and information to support and enrich family goals.

• Assisting families in developing goals toward self-sufficiency.

• Administering Ages and Stages child development screenings and recommendations.

• Providing community resource referrals to assist and support families’ needs.

• Maintaining timely and accurate documentation in program database.

• Complete all required trainings by Healthy Families America/Prevent Child Abuse America, Healthy Families Travis County, and Travis County.

• Carrying program materials and supplies up and down stairs, uneven surfaces, in and out of vehicle.

• Communicating and interacting positively and professionally with others.

• Demonstrating the ability to express compassion and humility with others; and promoting the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging with all.

• Speaking, writing, and reading English and Spanish fluently.

• Driving their own well-maintained vehicle to and from visits and assigned work events. Mileage reimbursement is provided monthly.

• Maintaining a regular schedule, available to communicate with supervisor at any time during work hours.

• Practicing very good time management and organization skills.

• Participating in regular and required program meetings and events.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor's 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 Driver's License.

Preferred:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish; Speak, read, and Write.
• 2+ years working with children 3 and under.
• 2+ years experience working with diverse families; must be non-judgmental and feel comfortable working in the families' homes.
• Experience and knowledge of conducting in-home and virtual visits.
• Experience with MS Office, data base systems, Internet, email, and texting.
• Prior experience working 1:1 with individuals and families in crisis.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Infant and toddler development.
• Child development milestones. 
• Local community resources and social services. 
• 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.

Skill in:

• Working with diverse populations, including people of color, and other marginalized people.
• 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.

Ability to:

• 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:  5325 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX

Department: Health & Human Services

Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

For updates or questions on this position, contact: [email protected] 

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.