Job Description

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:

MAJOR FUNCTION

Conducts social determinants of health assessments for Polk County residents, identifying needs and facilitating access to community resources. Provides case management services, including eligibility assessments for the Polk HealthCare Plan and referrals for support programs. Engages in field, office, and home interviews to determine appropriate services and assist clients in navigating available resources.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

• Conducts comprehensive client assessments through referrals and interviews, evaluating financial, social, environmental, medical, and familial factors.
• Provides case management support, assisting clients in problem-solving, crisis de-escalation, and achieving self-sufficiency.
• Coordinates services with community agencies such as United Way, food pantries, and housing authorities.
• Educates clients on available services and acts as a liaison with medical personnel and social service agencies.
• Ensures compliance with regulatory standards, including HIPAA and Polk HealthCare Plan policies, maintaining accurate documentation in shared data systems.
• Collaborates with public officials, law enforcement, and legal professionals to address client needs.
• Participates in meetings to exchange social service information and remains engaged in professional development.
• May require local travel, flexible hours, and participation in special projects, including emergency response efforts.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Technical Knowledge

• Understanding of case management principles, population needs, and assessment tools.
• Familiarity with public, private, and non-profit community resources.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) and ability to learn new software.
• Strong ethical standards and adherence to confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA regulations.

Communication and Teamwork

• Effective verbal and written communication skills for interacting with clients, families, medical personnel, and partner agencies.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team to provide comprehensive client services.
• Capacity to provide clear instructions and maintain professional relationships.

Interpersonal and Advocacy Skills

• Active listening, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention capabilities.
• Cultural competence and understanding of how social and economic conditions impact health.
• Ability to develop service plans, advocate for clients, and maintain confidentiality in sensitive situations.
• Self-motivation and strong problem-solving abilities.

Planning and Organizational Skills

• Ability to manage multiple cases efficiently and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documentation and compliance tracking.
• Independent decision-making and critical thinking skills under general supervision.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in social work, Social or Behavioral Sciences, or a related field.

OR

A minimum of five (5) years of experience in social service interviewing, counseling, or related case management, including knowledge of HIPAA privacy and security regulations.

AND

Possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain a valid Florida driver’s license upon employment.

SPECIAL PREFERENCE

Bi-lingual (English to Spanish)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.