Caseworker - Intake (Pottstown 2 Unit)

About the Role

This position is a member of a casework unit and reports to a unit supervisor. The role is responsible for the provision of child protective, child placement, and/or child permanency casework services. Services are family-focused and typically delivered in biological or foster/adoptive family homes. The service area is divided regionally, though some travel throughout the county is expected, and occasional out-of-county trips are necessary.

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, including 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, ensuring child safety and promoting family stability.
• Concurrent planning for permanency options for all children in placement, including petitioning the Court to establish a permanency option no later than the 15th month of placement.
• Delivery of intensive reunification services to meet timelines established by the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997.
• Management and maintenance of a caseload of families and children, documenting data, reports, actions, and events via the automated case management system.
• Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Word, and Outlook.
• Provision of mandated family-oriented social services in compliance with Federal and State laws, Department of Human Service regulations, and County policy.
• Utilization of community resources to assist client families.
• Monitoring client progress toward service goals and objectives.
• Initiation of court proceedings when necessary to protect children, including assisting in case preparation and testimony in court.
• Ongoing contact with provider agencies, professionals, police, physicians, and others involved in service provision with client families.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and climb stairs.
• Must be able to talk, hear, and see to assess and communicate.
• Use of hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
• Transport client children and families as needed.
• Complete visits within the county, out of county, and out-of-state home and placement visits in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Scheduling flexibility to work before or after regular work hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Apply decision-making techniques and make sound judgments related to child safety and well-being.
• 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.