Chief Caseworker CYA

Lancaster County•Lancaster, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a casework supervisor position with Lancaster County Children & Youth Agency. Casework is performed so that child safety is maximized and investigations are initiated in a timely manner. The supervisor reports to the Director of Intake Services. The employee will manage 6 full-time caseworkers in the Child Protective Service (CPS) unit.

Requirements

Two years of professional experience in public or private social work and a bachelor's degree with major course work in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences; or Any equivalent combination of experience and education which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences
In-depth knowledge of child welfare programs and operations, planning and supervision.
Computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets and other related programs.
Must pass pre-employment drug screening test.
Must have acceptable background check that includes FBI clearance, PA State Police Criminal history and ChildLine clearances.
If applicable, a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving history in accordance with County policy.
BA/BS Degree in Social Work or related field.

Responsibilities

Provides quality supervision to six (6) caseworkers
Assures that children receive proper care and are safe, and that regulatory requirements are met by reviewing case records and discussing case plans and services provided with caseworkers.
Trains and instructs staff in job performance.
Develops staff competence through individual conferences and unit meetings.
Carefully manages work-related stress and assists staff in coping with work-related stress.
Assigns new cases to caseworkers in both CPS units, assures equitable division of work.
Oversees the use of CWIS, pulling all CWIS numbers from the state system nightly to ensure that all reports have been received.
Assures that all reports are entered in an abuse spreadsheet and monitors all reports in both CPS units for compliance to the State Regulations.
Assures that all CPS outcomes are submitted in a timely manner, including caseworkers assigned to other supervisors.
Participates in scheduled administrative meetings and other committees as assigned.
Conducts yearly performance evaluations of caseworkers.
Attends court hearings to provide consultation to Agency attorney and testifying caseworkers.
Represents the Agency in the community via speeches, service on boards, etc.
Conferences with caseworkers on a regular basis (a minimum of once every ten days) to ensure compliance with Agency policies and procedures; Reviews, edits and approves face sheets and screening forms, leave requests, time logs, and other paperwork; Reviews all case material and records for compliance with regulations and agency policy; Assists workers in establishing annual goals, checks on their progress, suggests recommended changes in order to achieve stated goals; Collaborates with the other Agency departments, county agencies and community partners to promote team work in service delivery.
Effectively utilizes a variety of written and oral communication skills to gather information, assist different audiences to understand organizational issues, and interact effectively in sensitive situations.
Serves as a resource person for resolving interpersonal conflicts with staff, clients and other systems; successfully de-escalates disagreements.
Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity of diverse views and adapts own behavior to promote successful outcomes to situations.
Demonstrates leadership in the Agency, in professional situations and in community organizations so that the Agency’s mission and desired outcomes are achieved.
Exemplifies consistent customer focus; develops long-term partnerships with the entire scope of Agency customers so that services and outcomes are improved.
Applies technical expertise, with a focus on achieving positive outcomes of Agency goals, to make decisions which fall within clear parameters.
Understands the impact of complex problems and looks beyond the obvious for solutions; systematically analyzes and implements solutions to find the best possible resolution.
Tackles multi-dimensional problems and projects; utilizes assessment, evaluation and measurement tools to improve outcomes.
Monitors established work schedules and communicates expected outcomes, follows contractual and County policies, holds employees accountable.
Develops learning opportunities and rewards and recognizes employee development.
Encourages teamwork and develops self as team leader.
Builds morals, utilizes various styles of supervision based on the knowledge of individual employee’s strengths and weaknesses.
Incorporates laws and regulations into practice, documentation and testimony as demonstrated by unit’s performance.
Establishes social work theory to instruct and initiate changes in casework practice to address sound decision making and case planning.
Utilizes sound social work principals to effectively manage diversity in the work place.
Models and teaches strategies to use to assure the safety and well being of children, including parenting education, use of community resources, establishing and evaluating outcomes for the family.
Assists workers in strategies to engage and support clients throughout the casework process.
Directs all unit work towards goals of safety and permanence.
This position requires the worker to be available outside typical work hours. The worker will often be required to work earlier than 8:00 AM and later than 5:00 P.M. Additionally, some weekend hours may be required.
The supervisor will perform other related duties as required by the needs of the CPS unit and the Intake department.