Caseworker CYA

Lancaster County•Lancaster, PA

About The Position

This is a casework position with the Intake department of the Lancaster County Children & Youth Agency. The caseworker in this unit conducts a thorough investigation of referrals of neglect, following the PA Juvenile Act, the PA Child Protective Services Law, DPW regulations and agency policy. This caseworker provides emergency or short-term services required during the course of the investigation and makes recommendations for long-term service planning.

Requirements

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.
Have an excellent understanding of the PA Juvenile Act, the Child Protective Services Law, and DPW Regulations.
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 and efficient investigation, and the ability to relinquish the relationship at case transfer or closing.
Ability to complete clear, concise written and verbal communication as related to record keeping, court testimony, service planning, dealing with community professionals, etc.
Organization and time management skills to meet competing demands for client contacts, record keeping and related duties.
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.
Must pass pre-employment drug screening test.
Must have acceptable background check that includes FBI clearance, PA State Police Criminal history and ChildLine clearances.
A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving history in accordance with County policy.
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.

Responsibilities

Investigate referred cases received from the Intake Screening Unit which involve allegations of physical, sexual, or emotional mistreatment and neglect of children under the age of 18.
Interview family members, the child and collateral resources to determine whether the allegations are valid, and/or if the family presents significant problems that require ongoing Agency services.
Conduct safety assessments and completes written assessments.
Assures the safety of children through written safety plans when needed, and, if necessary, arranges emergency child placements, including exploration of alternative resources or petitioning the court for placement into agency custody.
Develop service plans with the family if ongoing services are needed and arranges for the transfer of the case to an ongoing unit.
Maintain all required documentation, including validations of the reported allegations, summary Risk Assessments, court petitions, narrative record keeping, Family Service plans, and Placement Amendments.
Cooperate with other unit members to assure unit coverage, assist in emergencies and share information.
Access, facilitate, and coordinate agency and community services for families.
Participate in unit and Agency staff meetings where information is disseminated and policy practice is reviewed, proposed and discussed.
Routinely provide own transportation to and from client homes, meetings, outreach visits and other job-related appointments in a timely manner with reasonable accommodations.