Chief Caseworker CYA

Starting Compensation:

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Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

• Provides quality supervision to 5 caseworker and 1 clerical

• 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, assuring equitable division of work

• 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.

•   Reviews, edits, and approves Family Service Plan reviews, Summary Risk Assessments, Safety Assessments, petitions to the court, leave requests, time logs and other paperwork.

• Reviews case records for compliance with regulations and agency policy.

• Participates in Agency administrative meetings, Placement Review meetings, and other ad hoc meetings.

• Assists workers in establishing annual goals, checks on their progress, and recommends changes in order to achieve stated goals.

• Meets with parents to assist caseworkers in clarifying points of the plan, or to intervene when conflicts develop between those individuals and the caseworker.

• Supervises BSW or MSW field placements as needed.

• Participates in interviews for prospective employees

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• The Supervisor reports directly to the Director of In-Home Services

• Work is assigned and reviewed by the Director of In-Home Services via supervisory conferences, unit meetings, email correspondence and direct communication. 

• Formal performance reviews are completed annually by the Director of In-Home Services per the regulations set forth by County Human Resources policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

•  Manages a work unit of caseworkers and clerical

• Assigns family records to casework staff

• Conducts monthly conferences with staff

• Documents performance for staff

• Provides motivational and constructive feedback to assigned staff

• Reports safety concerns for families to Director of In-Home Services

• Manages unit coverage

• Reviews documents produced by staff

• Reviews and approves staff time sheets and expense reports

• Attends court hearings with staff

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

•     Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Two years of professional experience in public or private social work

• Bachelor’s Degree with major courts work in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice or other related social sciences

• Master's degree in social work preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• 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 morale, 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 principles to effectively manage diversity in the workplace

• Models and teaches strategies 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 toward goals of safety, permanence, and well-being

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

• PA State Police background check, FBI and PA Childline Clearances are required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must have the ability to work independently. 

• Must have the ability to get to various locations for meetings, etc., independently. 

• Work is primarily sedentary in nature, no special demands are required

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees.  Read more about our benefits here.

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.