Caseworker (HELP Program)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from a New York State registered or regionally accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Counseling, Nursing, Education or other Human Services Field, Criminal Justice; OR
• Graduation from a New York State registered or regionally accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree AND one (1) year of satisfactory full-time paid experience in social casework with a public or private agency; OR
• Possession of a current valid license to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State and one (1) year of post licensure experience as a Registered Professional Nurse.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT(S):

Certain assignments made to employees in this class will require reasonable access to transportation to meet field work requirements made in the ordinary course of business in a timely and efficient manner. Operation of county-owned vehicles requires employees to possess a current valid New York State Motor Vehicle operator’s license.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

Under supervision, a Caseworker provides social work services for individuals and/or their families, including children, to assist them with their economic, emotional, social, and environmental difficulties; Does related work as required. Work is performed under the close supervision of a Case Supervisor Grade B, Senior Caseworker, or unit supervisor, with in-service training provided through the agency's staff development program. A Caseworker, in consultation with the supervising worker, formulates and carries out plans to meet the individual problems of the cases assigned.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative Only)

• Formulates and carries out plans to meet the needs of the individual or family.
• Provides counseling to motivate the individual or family to increase their own capacity and confidence in their ability to handle problems.
• Studies the background and need for care of children referred, securing information from the child himself, the family, relatives, schools, churches, family courts, and other agencies.
• When foster care is necessary, determines appropriate level of care to best meet the child’s needs.
• Plans with parents and relatives for the care of children and reestablishment of the home.
• Establishes a relationship with individuals and families to engage them in the acceptance of recommended social services.
• Identifies the need for services through in-depth discussions with clients.
• Maintains liaison with various individual agencies to which individuals and families can be referred for services.
• Works closely with staff personnel from other agency departments in carrying out the plan for services.
• Reviews existing records for available information for use in formulating a plan of treatment.
• May file petitions in Family Court and testify in Family Court.
• Periodically reviews cases to determine changes in the individual or family situations affecting the need for service.
• Maintains case files according to required standards.
• Performs other duties related to the work or as assigned by the Supervisor.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Working knowledge of Federal, State and Local Social Services Laws and programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain successful relationships with people.
• Imagination.
• Sensitivity to the reactions of others.
• Good powers of observation and analysis.
• Initiative.
• Tact.
• Emotional maturity.
• Good judgment.
• Ability to be flexible and respond appropriately to change and emergencies.
• Ability to utilize an alphanumeric keyboard to access and retrieve information.
• Good time management skills.
• Ability to work independently but recognize the need for supervision.
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Cayuga County Civil Service Commission hires for 35 county departments, 23 Towns, 9 Villages, 6 School Districts and 5 Special Districts.We also administer Civil Service examinations to interested candidates for civil service jobs within Cayuga County.