Social Work Associate

Class Specifications – H.65
Social Work Associate – 9341
Assistant Social Work Associate – 9342

May, 1979

Series Concept

Social Work Associates supplement the work of Clinical Social Workers by providing material supportive services which assist patients/clients and their families to achieve maximum functioning; and perform other related duties as required.

Incumbents provide such tangible services as arranging temporary housing, assisting in the filing for benefits or welfare assistance, arranging for medical appliances, scheduling patient/client personal activities in accord with medical/psychiatric problems and prescribed care; provide a supportive relationship to clients/patients; and participate in interdisciplinary treatment teams.

Class Concepts

Social Work Associate

Under general supervision, incumbents provide material and supportive services to patients/clients in cases where an awareness of the impact of feeling on the use of medical care and an understanding of various behaviors, cultures and lifestyles are required. Social Work Associates determine material social service needed without the guidance and prescreening of a Clinical Social Worker; give information about health and welfare resources; convey a non-judgmental acceptance of patients and families; determine the need for and arrange for professional assistance; and may act as the social service representative at various functions.

This is the journeylevel class in the series.

Assistant Social Work Associate

Under supervision, incumbents provide material services for patients/clients who have been prescreened or who are being seen concurrently by a Clinical Social Worker. Assigned tasks are facilitative in nature and supplementary to clinical activities.

This is the entry level class in the series, but certain positions may be permanently assigned to this level.

Minimum Qualifications

Social Work Associate

Possession of a bachelor’s degree in social work from a program approved by the Council on Social Work Education, and one year of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

Assistant Social Work Associate

Possession of a bachelor’s degree in social work from a program approved by the Council on Social Work Education; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.