Caseworker Senior PS

Lancaster County•Lancaster, PA

2d•Hybrid

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 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!

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.
Demonstrate skill at analyzing and resolving conflicting evidence and writing decisions in case record.
Develop a knowledge of laws and regulations relevant to protective services.
Become proficient in creating care plans to reduce risk.
Understand and anticipate 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. This will necessarily include home visits, contacts with collaterals, medical professionals, securing medical /financial records, and arranging for evaluations of capacity.
Position requires appropriate documentation of the investigation form, journal notes, and related entries within specified time frames. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times and respect of the rights of all parties is essential.
Develops a plan of care to eliminate or reduce the risk of abuse/neglect/exploitation/abandonment. This 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).
In cases where a mentally incapacitated older adult is at risk, a petition for emergency intervention, involuntary mental health commitment, or guardianship may be necessary. This will require knowledge of guardianship procedures, effective testimony of worker at a hearing and subsequent management of the case until risk has been reduced.
Whenever LCOA is appointed temporary emergency guardian, the worker is required to 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.
The development, approval, and implementation of the care plan to reduce risk must be documented in the case record according to Department of Aging guidelines and time frames.
This position requires 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.
On-call duties may also require 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.
Occasionally requires presentations on Protective Services to facilities/educational institutions/ general public, mentoring new PS workers, and other duties assigned.