Caseworker PT

Lancaster County • Lancaster, PA

7d

About The Position

This is entry-level professional social service work in the County Behavioral Health/Developmental Services Agency. The position is assigned to a Support Coordination Unit, where the employee is commonly referred to as a support coordinator trainee. After successfully completing a six-month probationary period, employees in this classification are promoted to the Caseworker classification.

The employee participates in formal and informal training to learn the methods, procedures, rules, and regulations needed to provide social services and case-management support to people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism and their families. The work supports individuals in pursuing a more inclusive social, economic, emotional, and physical life while maintaining health and safety. Duties are initially limited in scope and performed under close supervision; greater latitude in judgment and decision-making is provided as knowledge and skills develop.

The trainee learns the three functions of support coordination—locating, coordinating, and monitoring—and develops knowledge of community resources, agency-funded services, agency and state policies, required forms, documentation techniques, and databases. The role includes training, client meetings, entry-level support coordination duties, referrals, and beginning management of a caseload of up to 35 clients. The employee must also complete mandatory and elective training to meet ODP requirements.

Work is reviewed by a support coordinator supervisor through scheduled individual and group conferences and review of records and reports. The employee collaborates with the unit supervisor, Directors of Support Coordination, Administrative Entity staff, other Support Coordination Units, MH/ID components, contracted service providers, and the community. Occasional compensatory or flex time may be requested to meet client, family, or provider needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree that includes or is supplemented by 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or another related social science; or an equivalent combination of experience and training that includes those 12 college credits.
• Knowledge of human development and behavior, including individuals, families, and groups.
• Knowledge of basic principles of psychology, sociology, or other social sciences.
• Ability to understand and accept the needs and rights of others and work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Ability to learn, interpret, and apply laws, regulations, and policies governing agency services.
• Ability to learn to conduct individual and team meetings and use them to identify strengths, goals, and abilities in support of individuals’ Everyday Life.
• Ability to plan and organize work, prepare records and reports, set priorities, and learn to maintain a caseload effectively and on time.
• Ability to express ideas adequately, orally and in writing.
• Pass a pre-employment drug screening test.
• Obtain acceptable FBI, Pennsylvania State Police criminal history, and ChildLine clearances before employment; clearances may not be more than one year old at the time of employment.
• Hold a valid driver’s license and have an acceptable driving history under County policy.
• Be able to work in a busy, open environment and routinely provide own transportation to and from consumer homes, meetings, outreach visits, and other job-related appointments.

Responsibilities

• Participate in formal and informal training on agency operations, regulations, client populations, and services.
• Learn about community resources and agency-funded services through resource review, site visits, and observation of experienced casework staff.
• Learn agency and state policies and procedures, required forms, documentation techniques, and required databases.
• Attend and participate in client meetings and on-the-job learning experiences.
• Provide entry-level social services and support coordination to children and adults with intellectual disabilities and autism.
• Assist clients and families in developing their potential to address social, health, emotional, and economic problems.
• Refer clients to community agencies and resources to meet their needs.
• Begin managing a caseload of up to 35 clients, including completing contact plans and monitoring requirements.
• Complete mandatory and elective training required to meet ODP training requirements.
• Collaborate with the unit supervisor, Directors of Support Coordination, Administrative Entity staff, other Support Coordination Units, MH/ID components, contracted service providers, and the community.
• Perform other duties as specified by the Supervisor, Directors, and Administrative Entity staff.

Benefits

• The County of Lancaster states that it offers comprehensive employee benefits; specific benefits are not listed in the posting.
• Training and voluntary Hepatitis B vaccination are provided.

What This Job Offers

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