Caseworker 37.5 FT

Lancaster County•Lancaster, PA

About The Position

Provide care management for consumers receiving Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) thru the Caregiver Support Program and those dually enrolled in OPTIONS program. Works with consumer, caregiver, and/or family to assess need, develop and implement a safe and comprehensive Individual Service Plan (ISP). This employee reports to and has frequent contact with supervisor concerning situations, care management issues, and work assignments. Supervisory meetings are held monthly to review workload, and to discuss specific assignments, issues /concerns, and employee matters. Supervisor oversees work by reviewing all case records in database, Individual Service Plans (ISPs), and other paperwork, by making joint supervisory visits as needed, and through observation of overall employee performance.

Requirements

Successful completion of six (6) months of experience with the County as a Caseworker Trainee; or
Successful completion of the County Social Caseworker Intern Program; or
One (1) year of experience in public or private social work and a bachelor’s degree which includes or is supplemented by 12 semester hrs credit in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology or other related social sciences; or
A bachelor’s degree with a social welfare major; or
Any equivalent combination of experiences and training including successful completion of 12 semester hrs credit in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology or other related social sciences.
Knowledge of social casework principles and methods.
Knowledge of individual and group behavior and ways of working effectively with older adults who have social, economic, emotional or health problems.
Skill in the development of care plans for older adults.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, other members of the staff, outside agencies and institutions and the general public.
Ability to plan and organize work, prepare adequate records and reports, set priorities and maintain a caseload of older clients in an effective manner.
Ability to clearly express ideas orally and in writing and to interpret laws and regulations.
Ability to maintain agency confidentiality standards.
Ability to understand and accept the needs and rights of others and to work with older adults who are physically or emotionally disabled or economically disadvantaged.
Ability to work effectively with people and aid them to grow in the constructive use of their potential in adjusting to their specific problems.
Acceptable Pre-Employment Criminal Background Check
Acceptable Pre-Employment Drug Screening
Acceptable Driver History in accordance with County Policy
Must successfully complete the Pennsylvania Department of Aging Protective Services Basic training by the end of the first year of employment and annual refresher trainings, thereafter

Responsibilities

Complete comprehensive Individualized Service Plans (based on medical model and assessed need), document according to requirements.
Interpret program policies and monitor consumer situations and provision of services on regular basis via home visits and phone contacts to ensure that services meet consumer and caregiver needs.
Educate caregivers on available community resources, provider agencies, support groups, and use of informal supports to meet needs of consumer and caregiver.
Assist caregivers in developing back-up plans for emergency situations and comprehensive list of services/supplies reimbursable under the Caregiver Support Program.
Identify home modifications and/or assistive devices needed to benefit and support the caregiver/consumer relationship.
Complete required data entry and paperwork, including extensive case documentation, according to Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA)and agency standards for Caregiver Support Program, Options and Protective Service.
Provide backup Protective Service Investigative services, evaluate situations and provide HCBS to reduce risk.
Maintain accurate knowledge of all aging services and thorough working knowledge of community services.
Maintain knowledge of Nursing Facility Clinically Eligible (NFCE) requirements in order to assist transition from Caregiver Support Program to Aging Waiver if needed.
Attend all mandated training sponsored by Pennsylvania Department of Aging relative to community services and programs (including enrichment sessions)
Perform other duties as assigned.