Job Title:  COUNTY CASEWORKER 1   

Job Code:  L0623 

Definition:  This is entry level professional social service work in a County Children and Youth, Mental Health/Mental Retardation, or Human Services Agency.

Employees in this class participate in formal and informal county agency training programs which provide knowledge of the methods, procedures, rules and regulations necessary to perform social service and case management supportive services to children, youth, and families, people who are mentally disabled, people who are physically challenged, and others to assist them in attaining a more satisfactory social, economic, emotional, or physical adjustment.  The work assigned is limited in scope and difficulty, and is performed under close supervision, but as knowledges and skills are acquired, more latitude in judgment and decision making is permitted.  Work is performed under the close supervision of a professional social service or administrative supervisor and is reviewed through individual and group conferences, assignment of professional reading, attendance at training programs, and the reading of records and reports.

Examples of Work:  Participates in formal and informal training programs which provide basic knowledge relative to agency purpose, services provided, client population characteristics, and applicable laws, methods, procedures, rules and regulations governing the operation of the agency.

Learns about the network of available community resources by reviewing resource files, site visits, and working with and observing higher level caseworker staff.

Receives instruction regarding the reason for and proper completion of applicable forms and paperwork.

Performs a variety of entry level social services and case management duties designed to provide supportive services to children, youth and families, people who are mentally disabled, people who are physically challenged, and others.

Assists clients and their families in developing and using their own potential for more adequately resolving their social, health, emotional and economic problems.

Provides or assists in the provision of social services, such as placement of children and adults in foster or adoptive homes, day care centers, domiciliary care facilities, or institutions.

Guides clients in home and budget management, housing, child care and parenting skills, employment, recreation and living arrangements.

Schedules and conducts interviews and follow-up visits to provide service and counseling.

Prepares and provides testimony in court under supervision.

Makes referrals to other public and private social services and community agencies and resources to meet client needs; assists clients and their families in understanding and utilizing these resources.

Attends and participates in case reviews and supervisory conferences and is exposed to a variety of learning experiences, including forms and on-the-job training programs, designed to develop professional and technical skills.

Documents activities and services using designated agency methods and procedures, including social service summaries, correspondence and reports.

Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities:  Knowledge of the basic principles of economics, sociology, psychology, and other social sciences.

Knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems and their impact on the growth and development of people.

Knowledge of human development and behavior including the individual, family, and group.

Ability to understand and accept the needs and rights of others and to work with adults and children who are physically challenged, mentally disabled, emotionally troubled, and economically disadvantaged.

Ability to learn, interpret, and apply relevant laws, regulations, and policies governing agency services.

Ability to learn how to conduct individual and family interviews and to use them to identify individual and family problems.

Ability to learn how to effectively interact with individuals, families, and as a member of a treatment team.

Ability to plan and organize work, prepare adequate records and reports, set priorities, and learn to maintain a caseload in an effective and timely manner.

Ability to adequately express ideas orally and in writing.

Minimum Experience and Training:  A bachelor's degree which includes or is supplemented by successful completion of 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences;

or

Two years of experience as a County Social Services Aide 3 and two years of college level course work which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences;

or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences and one year of experience as a County Social Services Aide 3 or in a similar position performing paraprofessional case management functions.

Commonwealth Equivalent PSG ST05