County Caseworker 1

Must apply on external site: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/northamptoncounty

Application deadline is July 29, 2024 at 5:00 PM EST. Applicants will not be contacted until after this date.

GENERAL PURPOSE
The County Caseworker 1 – Children, Youth & Families position is a full-time, entry- level professional casework position responsible for the social services administered to clients for Children, Youth and Families.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
This position reports directly to a County Casework Supervisor.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position does not exercise supervision over other functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION
Establishes a professional relationship engaging all family members, including resistive, unmotivated and sometimes hostile clients, while recognizing and respecting individual, family and cultural values.

Works directly with all family members, as well as others involved with the family, in a comprehensive family-focused assessment to determine the safety and risk of the children and the strengths and needs of the family.

Provides a variety of entry-level social services to children and families or refers for services to other social services agencies or community resources to address the needs of clients.

Receives instruction regarding the preparation of all required documents and correspondence as mandated by federal and state law, regulations, county and departmental policies and procedures.

Provides transportation as necessary for parents and/or children. Arranges and supervises family and sibling visits for children placed outside their family home.

Participates in court hearings, internal and external meetings, and contacts for purposes of promoting a safe and permanent outcome for children under supervision.

Reviews all case assessments and investigative assignments with supervisor as needed.

Reviews all cases accepted for service with supervisor as needed.

When appropriate, schedules and presents cases for agency staffing and/or Multi-Disciplinary Team.

Provides scheduled in-day coverage to address emergent situations within the division.

Acquires and maintains Direct Service Worker certification, and pursues professional growth and development via seminars, conferences and webinars.

*An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – 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

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

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.

Employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license. Must have an acceptable driving record. Personal vehicle required for County business, employee is eligible for mileage reimbursement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the basic principles of economics, sociology, psychology, and other social sciences.

Knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems and their impact on the growth and development of people.

Knowledge of human development and behavior including the individual, family, and group.

Ability to understand and accept the needs and rights of others and to work with adults and children who are physically challenged, mentally disabled, emotionally troubled, and economically disadvantaged.

Ability to learn, interpret, and apply relevant laws, regulations, and policies governing agency services.

Ability to learn how to conduct individual and family interviews and to use them to identify individual and family problems.

Ability to learn how to interact effectively with individuals, families, and as a member of a treatment team.

Ability to plan and organize work, prepare adequate records and reports, set priorities, and learn to maintain a caseload in an effective and timely manner.

Ability to clearly express ideas verbally and in writing.

Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English to perform the duties of this position.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Telephone, personal computer (including word processing and spreadsheet software), calculator, writing implements, fax machine, copy machine, and paper shredder.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk or hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The noise level in the office is moderately quiet. Employee may also work in other environments such as schools, private homes, etc. These work environments may range from quiet to loud.

SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview and reference check as well as job related tests may be required.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

FLSA STATUS: FLSA NON-EXEMPT (ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)

DESIGNATION: HUMAN SERVICES

PAY GRADE: PS-33

UNION STATUS: PSSU

Created September 2023