Caseworker Senior PS

County of Lancaster•Lancaster, PA

2d•Onsite

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. This role offers job security and stability, opportunities for career advancement through a large network and specialty training, and the chance to make a difference in the community.

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.
Ability to prioritize cases and tasks based on assessment of risk.
Skill at analyzing and resolving conflicting evidence and writing decisions in case record.
Knowledge of laws and regulations relevant to protective services.
Proficiency in creating care plans to reduce risk.
Understanding and anticipation of consumer needs.
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.
Develops a plan of care to eliminate or reduce the risk of abuse/neglect/exploitation/abandonment, employing the least restrictive alternative.
Initiates petitions for emergency intervention, involuntary mental health commitment, or guardianship when necessary for mentally incapacitated older adults at risk.
Manages cases where LCOA is appointed temporary emergency guardian, consulting with supervisor on all decisions/actions.
Participates in a rotating schedule for on-call duties to receive and screen Protective Service Reports when the agency is closed and initiate investigations after hours.
Responds to situations where LCOA is the temporary emergency guardian of the older adult during on-call duties.
Occasionally requires presentations on Protective Services to facilities/educational institutions/general public.
Mentors new PS workers.
Performs other duties as assigned.