Caseworker Senior Protective Services

County of Lancaster • Lancaster, PA

9d • $52,065

About The Position

An employee in this position is responsible for investigating allegations of abuse, exploitation, abandonment and/or neglect of older adults and is responsible for reducing risk by the provision of protective services.

Requirements

• One year as a Caseworker (Aging) or Caseworker (Assessor); or
• Three years of experience in public or private social work, including one year of direct aging care management experience and a bachelor’s degree which includes or is supplemented by 12 semester hours credit in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, or other related social sciences: or
• Two years of experience in public or private social work including one year of direct aging program experience and a bachelor's degree with a social welfare major; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training including successful completion of 12 semester hours of college level courses in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, or other related social sciences.
• Reference check of minimum of three Professional references
• Criminal Background Checks
• Drug testing
• Driver records

Responsibilities

• Conducts thorough investigations of Protective Service Reports according to the Protective Service Regulations and Department of Aging guidelines to determine whether an older adult is at risk of abuse/neglect/exploitation/abandonment and in need of protective services.
• Home visits, contacts with collaterals, medical professionals, securing medical /financial records, and arranging for evaluations of capacity.
• Appropriate documentation of the investigation form, journal notes, and related entries within specified time frames.
• Develops a plan of care to eliminate or reduce the risk of abuse/neglect/exploitation/abandonment.
• Requires a thorough knowledge of agency programs, community services, and placement options.
• Care Plans must be developed that employ the least restrictive alternative that will effectively reduce the identified risk(s).
• Petition for emergency intervention, involuntary mental health commitment, or guardianship may be necessary.
• Manage the case and consult with their supervisor regarding all decisions/actions until a permanent guardian takes over.
• All substantiated cases with a care plan are required to be reassessed before being closed.
• Participation in a rotating schedule of workers who receive and screen Protective Service Reports whenever the agency is closed and to initiate an investigation after hours when necessary.
• Response to situations in which LCOA is the temporary emergency guardian of the older adult.
• Worker must be able to perform on-call duties according to the protocol in the latest edition of the agency On-Call Manual.

Benefits

• The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to their employees.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level