03/03/2011 L0618

COUNTY SOCIAL CASEWORK INTERN

DEFINITION: This is professional social casework training performed under a  structured internship program in a local county government agency such as Children 
and Youth, Mental Health/Intellectual Disability, Area Agencies on Aging or Human  Services Agency.

Employees in this class are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in sociology,  social welfare, psychology, or other related social sciences; and concurrently participate 
in the internship program by performing intensified on-the-job project assignments.  The  six month work experience occurs during the summer months and/or during leave of 
absence from classroom studies between the end of the first semester of the junior year  and graduation.  The scope and progression of assignments and performance measurement 
objectives are predetermined in accordance with internship program  guidelines.  Assignments are structured to provide progressively responsible practical  work experiences which 
apply generally accepted social work principles in order that  knowledges acquired through course curriculum may transform into working skills, and  upon completion of the internship
period, the employee can function in the field of social  services.  Training and supervision are accomplished through conferences, detailed  instructions, and the frequent review of 
work in progress and upon completion.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:    Completes a six-month internship providing formal and on- the-job training and experience in a local government agency such as Children and  Youth, Mental Health/Intellectual Disability, Area Agency on Aging or Human Services Agency.

Under supervision, elicits information from clients to aid them in obtaining a variety of  social services.

Under supervision, provides specific services, such as placement of children and adults  in foster and adoptive homes and day care centers; supportive counseling to adults and 
children with mental disabilities; counseling and assistance in such specialized areas as  home and money management, housing, child care and child rearing, employment,  living 
arrangements for children and adolescents, and individuals with physical, mental  or developmental disabilities; case management services with individuals and families,  case 
coordination and advocacy to effect referrals and increase effectiveness of  services, etc.

Under supervision, refers clients to public and private social service organizations and  community resources. 

Under supervision, prepares social studies, case histories, and reports on information  obtained and services provided.

Attends and completes training courses and other training activities.

Performs related work as required. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:    Knowledge of the principles  of sociology and psychology.

Knowledge of social, economic, and health problems affecting older adults and  individuals with disabilities.

Knowledge of the types of health care services and social services available to meet the  needs of individuals with disabilities or older adults.

Knowledge of the principles and methods of interviewing.

Ability to analyze written material.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

MINIMUM EXPERIECE AND TRAINING:    Enrollment as a full time student in a  bachelor’s degree program in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, or  other 
related behavioral science, and completion of 75 credits, including completion of  15 credits in one of the listed majors.

Commonwealth Equivalent PSG ST02