Caseworker CYA at County of Lancaster in Lancaster, PA

Starting Compensation:

$51,573.68/Annually

Find job security and stability alongside a growing community and a team that supports you. Level up your career through a large network and specialty training.

If you're passionate about making a difference, apply today to join us in serving the community!

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

• This is a casework position with the Permanency department of the Lancaster County Children and Youth Social Service Agency. 

• The caseworker will assume responsibility for direct and support services to Agency approved resource homes. 

• The caseworker will conduct on-site inspections of the homes to insure compliance with Department of Public Welfare regulations. 

• Applicant resource families will be studied for their capacity to provide appropriate care to resource children. 

• This caseworker will assist Resource unit home finders in selecting resource homes that match the needs of the children needing placement. 

• Attendance at most resource parent functions/trainings is necessary to promote communication and awareness of resource parent’s capabilities and needs. 

• Assessment of Agency resource parent training needs is an integral part of this position. 

• A prime goal is the development and retention of Agency resource homes to prevent utilization of more costly purchased homes. 

• This position works to directly open, recruit, and sustain new resource families. 

• This position co-facilitates the orientation program for all new resource families. 

• This employee will be available to assist Resource Unit members in completing kinship home studies, annual resource parent evaluations, pre-screening of potential Resource families and other unit functions as needed. 

• The employee will be able to conduct on-site inspections of resource homes to insure compliance with DPW regulations and Agency procedures/policies and will be able to assess the resource parents’ needs. The ability to understand, develop, adapt, and implement new laws and regulations surrounding fostering is essential.   

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• The caseworker reports directly to the immediate supervisor of the unit. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Work will be performed in such a manner that the safety of children in reported families will be assured and timely, accurate assessments are completed and appropriate community or Agency referrals will be made.

• Recruit, train, and open new traditional resource homes. 

• Co-facilitate the resource parent orientation program.

• Conduct Kinship home studies and present study to Placement Review Committee for possible retention.  Assist caseworkers to recruit, train, and open new kinship resource homes. 

• Conduct annual re-evaluations and provide supportive services to assigned homes. 

• Arrange and monitor respite placements for children in the custody of the Agency.

• Provide case management services in a supportive manner.  Provide support to Resource Parents and caseworkers and help to problem solve when needed.  Monitor and record changes within the Resource home.

• Evaluate and assess respite homes for identified resource families.

• Ensures that the Resource home comply with all State regulations and Agency policies, including a formal yearly written evaluation on each home. 

• Secure homes for children entering the care of the Agency and for children currently in care who need to move.  This includes locating homes through the Agency or through purchased care. 

• Attend, assist in planning and participate in Resource Parent events including but not limited to: Resource Parent Appreciation dinner, summer picnic, Fall event, Christmas event, and trainings. 

• Maintain quality records and perform routine paperwork in a timely manner.  Ensure records will pass DPW audit.

• Participate in Agency training, staff meetings, and unit meetings.

• Perform other job related duties as needed.

• Other Resource Unit responsibilities, such as working with the Resource Parent Association, arranging respite visits, and assisting with kinship placements, etc. can be assigned to this position at any time.  Resource Unit responsibilities can be changed periodically from one caseworker to another to meet the needs of the Agency

• Routinely provides own transportation to and from client’s homes, meetings, trainings, and other job related appointments in a timely manner while being able to access those locations with reasonable accommodations

• The percentage of time spent on essential duties will vary as the job requires.  Initiative will be encouraged

• This position requires the worker to be available outside typical work hours. The worker will often be required to work earlier than 8:00 AM and later than 5:00 P.M.  Additionally, some weekend hours are required.

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

• The caseworker will perform other related duties as required by the supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Six months of experience as a Caseworker Trainee; or

• Successful completion of the County Social Caseworker Intern Program; or,

• A bachelor’s degree with a social welfare major; or,

• A bachelor’s degree which includes or is supplemented by 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, human services or other related social sciences and one year of professional social casework experience in a public or private social services agency; or,

• Any equivalent combination of experiences and training which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, human services or other related social sciences.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Have an excellent understanding of the PA Juvenile Act, the Child Protective Services Law, and DPW Regulations.

• Knowledge of resource parent regulations is helpful.

• Ability to complete clear, concise written and verbal communication as related to record keeping, court testimony, service planning, dealing with community professionals, etc.

• Strong writing skills are necessary.

• Computer literacy, including familiarity with spreadsheets, is needed to maintain required documentation.

• Organization and time management skills to meet competing demands for client contacts, record keeping and related duties.

• Have an understanding of the corollaries of child abuse and neglect; ability to identify these factors in families and to interpret them for case disposition and planning.

• The ability to gather and analyze information in such a way that consequent judgments maximize the safety of children and minimize unwarranted intrusion into family privacy.

• Knowledge and ability to use crisis intervention modality to initiate and deliver short-term services.

• Thorough knowledge of child development and family dynamics.

• Ability to establish relationships with clients that facilitate meaningful involvement, and the ability to relinquish the relationship at case transfer or closing.

• Flexibility and energy to meet the unpredictable and emergency nature of caseload demands.

• Attitude of cooperation to enhance team functioning within the unit and to contribute to overall Agency goals.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

• Must pass pre-employment drug screening test.

• Must have acceptable background check that includes criminal history and ChildLine clearances.

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving history in accordance with County policy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Does not pose a threat to the health and safety of the department

• Must have the ability to work independently.

• Must have the ability to transport self to various locations for meetings, visits and other appointments.

• This position will require the ability to conduct home visits and other appointments and to access those locations with reasonable accommodations.

• This position has been identified as having the potential for exposure to Hepatitis B.

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees.  Read more about our benefits here.

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.