Caseworker

Job Description

Job Description

The Putnam County Department of Social Services and Mental Health is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Caseworker.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:  
This is professional work involving formulation and implementation of plans to address individu­al problems of cases assigned. Duties may also include planning and implementing group sessions and recreational therapies. In the course of performing duties, the caseworker consults on a regular basis with the Senior Caseworker, Di­rector of Social Services, or other supervisor as assigned. Work is performed under the close supervision of higher-level social services staff. Training and development is gained through individual and group conferences. Performs related work as required. 

SOME TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Conducts intake interviews as assigned and makes investigations by visiting applicants and/or clients to assess needs and refer appropriately to available services and/or care.
• Reviews and researches existing case records for available information to use in formulating a plan of treatment.
• Makes necessary collateral contacts with employers, relatives, friends, physicians, hospitals and other agencies.
• Investigates referrals, reports and complaints relative to alleged child abuse or neglect as well as alleged abuse or neglect of adults.
• Investigates applications for foster children or adoptions.
• Makes referrals to Social Protective and Legal Protective Services where necessary.
• Provides protection to victims of domestic violence and refers to available services and resources.
• Interviews and makes appropriate referrals relative to children and/or adults needing care, supervision or services.
• Develops and maintains detailed social histories and treatment plans which, with supervisory approval, are the basis for delivery of services.
• Studies the background and need for care of children and/or adults referred, securing information from the individual himself, the family, relatives, schools, hospitals, family courts and other agencies.
• Makes referrals to other agencies when indicated; assists clients in obtaining other aid; places clients in care facilities.
• Visits clients and/or clients’ children in their homes or foster parents’ home to assure proper care and counsel on problems.
• Studies and evaluates family homes desiring to care for children at board, at wages or on a free or adoptive basis and recommends boarding homes for certification.
• Assists with locating alternative housing situations appropriate to adult clients’ individual needs.
• Arranges for medical care of children in foster homes, takes children to doctors, dentists and clinics if foster parents are unable to do so.
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  
(Either)

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Associate’s degree and two (2) years full time paid experience in social work with a public or private social agency adhering to acceptable standards.
• One (1) year of paid professional experience as a licensed Registered Nurse.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience as indicated above.

PLEASE NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid unrestricted appropriate level driver’s license and acceptable driving record is required at time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment. 

SCHEDULE: Full-Time, Monday-Friday.

BENEFITS:

• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision Insurance.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, personal, comp).
• NYS Retirement System Membership.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• CSEA Membership.

APPLICATION:

Applications and resumes may be submitted to the Putnam County Personnel Department by mail or email:

Putnam County Personnel Department

110 Old Route 6, Bldg 3

Carmel NY, 10512