County Caseworker 1 (Local Government) - Wayne County Children & Youth

Do you desire to be a part of a supportive team that makes a difference in the lives of children and their families? Do you consider yourself to be someone who is patient, organized, has sound judgment and communicates well with all ages?

Conduct interviews to obtain information from clients, their family members, and others to identify economic, emotional, health or physical barriers which impede children's ability to improve and thrive. Provide information about agency programs, determine/verify eligibility for program services. Assist families in formulating plans to change behaviors, circumstances, etc. to affect a healthier and more productive lifestyle for their children. Make referrals as appropriate. Manage a caseload. Keep reports and records well organized, understandable and current.

Responsible, with supervision, to provide family services. Complete and process all procedures necessary to establish family eligibility for a wide variety of services on the basis of established policy. Responsible for the provision of counseling services to clients and members of their families to aid them in achieving a more satisfactory adjustment to specific problems or situations. Assist and plan for supportive services for clients who are in situations detrimental to their well-being or that of the community. Assist in providing protective and supportive services for abused or neglected children. Prepare social studies, case histories and home studies. Communicate orally and in writing in a professional manner. Responsible, with supervision, to attend court hearings, prepare and/or present testimony on case progress and make recommendations to the court regarding specific cases, if asked.

Duties are not limited to desk work and may include frequent standing, climbing steps and walking distances. Able to climb flights of steps in homes or apartment buildings where no elevators are present. Often works more than eight hours per day. Frequent driving both in and out of County. Required to drive County vehicle while transporting children and parents. Manage multiple tasks, paying close attention to details under a constantly changing work environment which includes completion of paperwork and meeting strict deadlines. Completion of daily deadlines on paperwork and work assignments. Frequent involvement in abuse, neglect and other situations where children are involved to determine appropriate and necessary steps needed to protect the children.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week.
• Work hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday, with a one-hour lunch.

• Once training is complete, work hours may be flexed to coincide with consumer needs. Caseworker may be put on a rotation for on-call services which will include nights and weekends.

• On-call 24/7 on rotating basis. Irregular hours including evenings and weekends as required.
• Occasional overnight and out of county travel.

• $5,000 SIGN ON BONUS AVAILABLE for this position after completion of 1 year of service.

• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of experience as a County Social Services Aide 3 and two years of college level course work which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences; or
• A bachelor's degree which includes or is supplemented by successful completion of 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences and one year of experience as a County Social Services Aide 3 or in a similar position performing paraprofessional case management functions.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within two months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• Hiring preference for this vacancy will be given to candidates who live within Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, or Wayne counties. If no eligible candidates who live within these counties apply for this position, candidates who reside in other counties may be considered.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• You must pass a background investigation.
• A conditional offer of employment will require a drug screening.
  
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.