County Caseworker 1 (Local Government) - Northumberland County C&Y (Multiple Vacancies)

Description of Work

This is an entry level professional social services position in the Northumberland County Children and Youth Agency. Our staff performs a variety of entry level social service and casework duties designed to provide supportive services to children, youth, and families. We work in close cooperation with other social service agencies, hospitals, mental health facilities, police, Courts, schools, and other community resources in assisting the families.

Physical Job Requirements

• Mobility: Ability to travel between office locations, client homes, hospitals, and community sites. This may involve walking, standing, climbing stairs, and/or driving.
• Sitting/Standing: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or computer, as well as standing or walking when conducting field visits.
• Lifting/Carrying: May require lifting or carrying files, office supplies, small equipment, a child, or an adult (typically up to 25-150+ pounds).
• Reaching/Bending: Regularly required to reach, bend, crouch, or kneel to assist clients or handle paperwork.
• Fine Motor Skills: Frequent use of hands for typing, writing, and handling documents.

Mental and Emotional Demands

• High Stress Tolerance: Ability to manage crisis situations, interact with individuals in distress, and handle potentially volatile situations.
• Communication: Frequent verbal and written communication with clients, families, healthcare providers, and legal entities.
• Decision-Making & Problem-Solving: Requires critical thinking to assess client needs, develop care plans, and navigate complex social services.

Work Environment Considerations

• Client Homes and Community Settings: May encounter unsanitary conditions, pets, smoke, or environmental hazards.
• Potential Safety Risks: Interactions with individuals experiencing severe mental illness, substance use disorders, or behavioral crisis.
• Flexible Schedule: May require evening, weekend, or on-call work depending on agency requirements.

Required Experience, Training & Eligibility

• Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: Two years of experience as a County Social Services Aide 3 and two years of college level course work which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences; or A bachelor's degree which includes or is supplemented by successful completion of 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences; or Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences and one year of experience as a County Social Services Aide 3 or in a similar position performing paraprofessional case management functions. Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within two months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.
• Other Requirements: PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title. You must be able to perform essential job functions. This particular position also requires you to possess a valid driver’s license which is not under suspension.

Legal Requirements

• You must pass a background investigation. This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law. Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

How to Apply

Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted. Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.