SOCIAL SERVICE AIDE II

Please note: This posting is for informational purposes only. To be considered for this role, you must apply at www.employment.pa.gov and meet the required experience and training requirements.

About the Role

Social Services Aide 2 personnel at Northumberland County Children and Youth Services are assigned to the Parent Education Program of the agency.

Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing parent education services, both at the Parent Center sites and in the home, to parents referred for services.
• Work in close cooperation with other Aides to facilitate individual and group activities for parents, adolescents, and children.
• Prepare daily for activities, including but not limited to: parenting skills building, group therapy, discipline, budgeting, self-esteem building, and crafts.
• Organize parents in groups to assist each other with concrete services.
• Interface with therapists holding group sessions at the Parent Center and actively participate in the therapy groups.
• Participate in unit/team meetings to report on the progress of parents receiving parent education services and to review and update client goals.
• Participate in the referral of parents to appropriate community resources.
• Maintain case records sufficient to document the progress, or lack thereof, of each client.
• Participate in daycare arrangements for children, if needed.
• Provide transportation services as needed to assist families.
• Attend training sessions to maintain updated knowledge of parenting skills.
• Attend trainings and meetings (staff, supervisory, unit, Children’s Clinic) as required.
• Supervise interaction between parents and children as needed and provide instruction on appropriate methods of communication/interaction.
• Administer pre- and post-testing to parents/clients entering and completing the Parent Center.
• May provide testimony in court as required under the supervision of a professional worker or supervisor.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Eligibility – All candidates must meet the minimum experience and training (METs) for this position:

• One year as a County Social Services Aide 1, OR
• Graduation from high school or its equivalency, AND two years of experience in public contact work in a human services agency, which included one year of experience in interviewing and obtaining information, OR
• An associate’s degree in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences, OR
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Additional requirements:

• Must be a resident of Pennsylvania.
• Must be eligible for selection in accordance with Civil Service rules.
• Must possess a valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License.

Physical Job Requirements

• Mobility/Ability: 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 crises.
• Flexible Schedule: May require evening, weekend, or on-call work depending on agency requirements.