Social Services Caseworker

Job Description:

Social Services Caseworker

Description

Position Scope

Our Vision: We aspire to be the community of limitless possibilities.

Our Mission is to provide exceptional services for a safe, thriving community, while honoring our history and innovating for the future.

Embrace the New - Do Right - Lend a Hand - Find a Way - Enjoy our Work - Celebrate Uniqueness

Our Benefits
The City of Buckeye provides an extensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of our employees. This includes health, dental, vision, life, pet insurance, as well as wellness incentives. Coverage begins the first day of the month following the start of your employment.

Vacation & Sick Leave

At the City of Buckeye, we understand the vital role that vacation time plays in supporting the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of our employees. Vacation and sick leave accruals begin on the first day of employment and may be used upon accrual. Additionally, employees receive credit towards vacation leave accruals for years of service with other public sector retirement systems nationwide (not including Federal service).

Holidays

The City of Buckeye observes eleven holidays per year: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

Retirement
This position participates in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Contribution is mandatory, and the current contribution rate is 12.27%, per fiscal year.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

GENERAL PURPOSE: Under close supervision assists clients requesting social services assistance to identify and obtain resources in the areas of human and housing service providers.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Interviews clients, assesses needs and refers to appropriate social service agencies and organizations
• Develops a case plan to improve the client's well-being
• Plans regular follow-ups with clients to assess progress and additional needs
• Reviews and modifies plans as client circumstances change
• Acts as a liaison between clients and social services agencies and organizations
• Creates and updates client database, records contacts made with clients and families, and maintains records required for follow-up
• Provides clients and staff with notices of community activities, resources and services and encourages client participation
• Promotes programs by identifying recruitment sources, developing publicity materials, and distributing and posting recruitment flyers
• Keeps current files of social services available to area residents and provides information about how to obtain the services
• Collaborates with service providers as required by case plans
• Assists clients with applications for social services
• Provides emergency assistance, and referrals to community agencies
• Screens and routes calls to appropriate individuals, takes and delivers messages
• Performs other duties as required

Minimum Qualifications & Position Requirements

Education and Experience:
High school diploma or GED and two (2) years' experience in the human services, social services, housing programs and/or non-profit agencies; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Bilingual skills in Spanish preferred.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures
• Principles of record keeping and records management
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, ordinances, statutes, and regulations
• Area resources

Skill in:

• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business software
• Preparing accurate reports, documents and correspondence
• Providing excellent customer service
• Effective oral and written communication
• Active listening
• Maintaining and meeting deadlines
• Self-motivation

Ability to:

• Read and understand regulations, policies, and procedures
• Interpret social service program regulations in a clear and accurate manner to clients
• Communicate clearly and work effectively with all nationality, ethnicity, and social economic groups
• Be a role model for clients
• Maintain confidentiality of records and information
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance
• Resolve routine problems and customer service inquiries within scope of authority
• Establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of work

12-Month Goals:

• Months 1-3: Build foundational skills in client interaction, referral documentation, and begin training on Dynamics software for rent and utility assistance applications. Begin networking with key community partners.
• Months 3-6: Independently process assistance applications in line with policy and gain a solid understanding of major funding sources (e.g., LIHEAP, STCS, TANF).
• Months 9-12: Attain full proficiency in application processing, Dynamics usage, and referral coordination with community stakeholders.
• Ongoing (Months 1-12): Engage in continuous learning through internal and county trainings to enhance service delivery and professional growth.

These goals support efficient application management, stronger client outcomes, and continuous development in alignment with agency priorities.

Additional Information

Special Requirements: Valid Arizona Driver’s License. Card, Level 1 Fingerprint Card, CPR, First Aid and AED Certifications Required.

Days of Week Worked: Monday-Friday; evening hours, weekend work, and holidays required.

Physical Demands / Work Environment: Work is primarily performed in an office environment. Must be able to stand for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

Reports To: Social Service Coordinator

Supervision Exercised: None

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY : It is the policy of the city to provide employment opportunities to all persons based solely on ability, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

Employee Benefits & Wellness

The City offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time classified and management employees. Part-time classified employees may be eligible for select benefits where defined.

For complete Benefit Plan & Wellness Information, please visit the City website at:
Benefits & Wellness

City benefit plans are subject to change at any time.

Closing Date/Time: 6/16/2025 11:59 PM Mountain

Salary:

$22.00 - $32.98 Hourly