Caseworkers must be prepared for anything in their role of lead investigator, client advocate and coordinator of recommended social work services. Working in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, residential centers and health care facilities, caseworker duties include client outreach, support, referrals and follow up. Although caseworker job descriptions vary according to the setting, the role and responsibilities of the case worker entails helping people in difficult situations achieve their goals for a better life.
What Does a Caseworker Do?
Caseworkers are professional helpers who have a degree in social work or a closely related field. They may also be licensed by the state in which they practice, and may be certified in case management by the National Association of Social Workers. Caseworker duties include assessing client needs, listening to concerns, evoking motivation to change, problem-solving, information giving, referrals to community agencies and coordination of care providers. Clients may be children in need of protective services, vulnerable adults, adolescents in treatment, hospital patients or elderly individuals, for instance.
Conduct Intakes and Assessments
Caseworkers respond when clients request services or a report is made that an individual or family may be struggling. Communication skills are essential in making a connection, establishing rapport and building trust. As part of an initial interview, a social history is taken to help the caseworker understand the challenges facing the client and the complexity of the issues identified. Needs and goals are discussed. Brief motivational interviewing may be used to guide the client through resolving ambivalent feelings about making lifestyle changes, such as cutting back on drinking alcohol.
Coordinate Care and Services
Based on their assessment of client' needs, resiliency, motivation and strengths, the caseworker develops a case plan identifying the action steps needed to bring about the desired changes. Timelines are discussed and written into the plan. Information is provided on community programs and referrals are made to services that will benefit the client. For instance, the caseworker may facilitate a referral to a parenting support group, mental house counseling, food shelf, transitional housing, low income medical clinic or job services. If the caseworker is involved because children in the home are deemed to be at risk, the case worker closely monitors progress being made toward goal completion.
Write Case Notes and Reports
Caseworkers must continually update their case notes to keep track of their heavy case load. Records are kept of calls placed and received, referrals offered or refused, and programs completed by the client. Caseworker duties further entail assessing and revising case management plans as client needs change. Social work agencies may also require caseworkers to submit periodic reports documenting clients served and achieved outcomes. In certain situations, caseworkers may need their notes when testifying in court. For example, a case manager may be asked to state under oath whether a parent of a child in foster care is complying with substance abuse treatment ordered as a condition of reunification of the family.
- Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images