Caseworker - Ongoing (Pottstown)

Employee is a member of a casework unit and reports to a unit supervisor. Position is responsible for provision of child protective, child placement and/or child permanency casework services. Services are family-focused and usually delivered in biological or foster/adoptive family homes. The service area is divided regionally; however, some travel throughout the County is expected and out-of-County trips are necessary on occasion. Responsibilities Professional assessment of child risk, safety and family strengths and problems in accordance with legal mandates and best practices. Emergency response, crisis intervention and provision of in-home protective services for children at risk, and coordination of emergency child placements with legal authorities, provision of child placement and permanency services. Management of caseload and case records of client families receiving child welfare services; assuring child safety and promoting family stability. Plan concurrently for permanency options for all children in placement and petition the Court to establish a permanency option no later than the 15th month of placement. Deliver intensive reunification services to meet timelines established by the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997. Manage and maintain a caseload of families and children and related records to document data, reports, actions, events, etc. via the automated case management system. Be proficient in computer skills and use including Microsoft Office, Word, Outlook, etc. Provide mandated family‑oriented social services in compliance with Federal and State laws, Department of Human Service regulations and County policy. Utilize community resources whenever possible to assist client families. Monitor client progress toward service goals and objectives. Initiate court proceedings when necessary to protect children, assisting in case preparation and testimony in Court. Maintain ongoing contact with provider agencies and other professionals, police, physicians, etc., involved in service provision with client families. Other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Six months of experience as a Caseworker Trainee; OR a CWEB (Child Welfare Education for Baccalaureate) Program Casework Intern within 60 days prior to graduation or after graduation and upon successful completion of the internship period; OR a bachelor of social work degree; OR a bachelor’s degree which includes, or is supplemented by 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related coursework, and 1 year of professional social casework experience in a public or private social services agency; This position is subject to mandates requiring Child Abuse, Criminal History, and FBI Clearances for employment. Pennsylvania residency is not a requirement for this position. Promotions are based on meritorious service and seniority. Meritorious service is defined as the absence of any discipline during the 12 months preceding the closing date of this posting, and the last regular or introductory evaluation is higher than fair. Seniority is defined as a minimum of 6 months of service in the next lower class as of the closing date of the posting. Physical Demands Sit, stand, walk, stoop or kneel and climb stairs. Talk, hear and see to assess and communicate. Use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or control and reach with hands or arms. Transport client children and families as needed. Complete visits within County, out of County and out of State home and placement visits in accordance with regulatory requirements. Have scheduling flexibility to work before or after regular work hours, including occasional evenings and weekends. Apply decision‑making techniques and make sound judgment related to child safety and wellbeing. Complete required documentation of casework duties. Lift approximately 30 pounds 5% of the time including infants, children, car seats, case records and a child’s belongings. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Must have an automobile in good working condition with a Pennsylvania driver’s license and adequate insurance coverage.

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