Caseworker Senior PS (2 vacancies)

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 involves assessing risk, developing plans of care to eliminate or reduce risk, and participating in on-call duties. The position also occasionally requires presentations on Protective Services, mentoring new workers, and other assigned duties.

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

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of guardianship procedures.
Effective testimony skills at a hearing.
Ability to manage a case until a permanent guardian takes over.

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.
May petition for emergency intervention, involuntary mental health commitment, or guardianship in cases where a mentally incapacitated older adult is at risk.
Manages cases where LCOA is appointed temporary emergency guardian, consulting with supervisor on all decisions/actions.
Reassesses all substantiated cases with a care plan before closing.
Participates in a rotating schedule of on-call duties to receive and screen Protective Service Reports when the agency is closed and to initiate investigations after hours when necessary.
May require response to situations in which 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.