Caseworker 37.5 FT

Starting Compensation:
$44,967.00/Annually

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Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

- Employees in this class provide a full range of support coordination services to families with children who have developmental delays or intellectual disabilities to assist them in attaining services/supports.
- This person needs to possess casework skills which include setting and managing a daily schedule, obtaining essential information, arranging and facilitating meetings, supporting children and families in natural settings, assisting families with appropriate resources, working with providers of service, utilizing computer skills for entering information into the statewide data base as well as use of other programs necessary to complete job functions.
- Work also involves the application of problem solving skills, writing measurable outcomes, monitoring service delivery and progress, and interacting with agencies that make up the service network.
- Work is performed in accordance with established regulations, announcements,  policies and procedures.
- The employee should be able to exercise considerable independent judgement and decision making.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

- This position reports directly to their assigned supervisor.
- Work is reviewed by the assigned supervisor through regularly scheduled supervisions.
- Work is also reviewed through observations in the field, reviewing of  records, provider and family contacts and others as  identified  by the supervisor as needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

A support coordinator completes functions in three areas of support coordination:  locating, coordinating and monitoring as follows:

- Gathering family assessment information and distributing to team members prior to evaluation
- Participating in initial/annual evaluations which requires travel to home or community locations
- Facilitating and participating in the development, implementation, and review of evaluations, Individualized Family Service Plans, and Transition Planning
- Locating supports and facilitating communication with and between team members
- Coordinating timely and accurate entry of data into current databases including LUIS, PELICAN, and EI Tracking
- Facilitating, coordinating, and monitoring timely delivery of early intervention services as per regulations and procedures
- Coordinating referrals for IFSP services to ensure timely delivery of services to families in Early Intervention
- Informing families of their Rights and Procedural Safeguards
- Educating families and team members on Natural Environments and Early Intervention Philosophy
- Informing family of appropriate community resources
- Offering the family opportunities and support for the infant or toddler with a disability to participate in community activities with other children
- Assisting families with the coordination of health care as it relates to the Individualized Family Service Plan
- Developing, updating, and maintaining accurate paperwork in a timely manner.
- Completing progress monitoring every 90 days
- Completing and documenting family contact every 90 days as well as reviewing the support coordination plan
- Referring at-risk children to the tracking system and tracking at-risk children
- Documenting all activities of support coordination within 5 business days of the activity in the Pelican Data Base; documentation should be factual, clear and concise.
- Understanding and being able to explain various funding streams as they relate to Early Intervention and Provider Choice
- Participating in the 24 hrs of required training imposed by OCDEL as well as other elective trainings as time permits
- Possessing effective communication and active listening skills
- Informing the family of the availability of advocacy services Must have the ability to use the computer which is an essential function of all activities of support coordination

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

- Perform other duties and/or tasks as assigned .

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

- Six months of experience as a Caseworker Trainee; or,
- Successful completion of the County Social Casework Intern (BHDS or CYA) program; or,
- A bachelor's degree with a social welfare major; or,
- A bachelor's degree which includes or is supplemented by 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, human services or other related social sciences and one year of professional social casework experience in a public or private social services agency; or
- Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, human services, or other related social sciences.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

- Knowledge of current social, economic, health concerns and resources and the recognition of their impact on the growth and development of people.
- Knowledge of individual and group development and behavior and ways of working effectively with adults and children who have social, economic, emotional, or health concerns.
- Knowledge of the basic principles and methods of program interpretation and community organization.
- Knowledge of social welfare policy and law as they relate to agency function and purpose and societal structures.
- Knowledge and ability to use computer (laptop) at meetings and facilitate meetings simultaneously for entering information into the statewide data base as well as use of other programs necessary to complete the job functions.
- Ability to work effectively with a variety of people and diverse populations
- Ability to understand and accept the needs and rights of others and to work with families with children who have developmental delays or intellectual disabilities.
- Ability to conduct family assessment and to use the information to help identify individual and family needs.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, their families, other staff, outside agencies and institutions, and the general public.
- Ability to plan and organize work, prepare adequate records and reports, set priorities, and maintain a caseload in an effective and timely manner.
- Ability to plan and organize.
- Ability to interpret and apply relevant laws, regulations, and policies governing agency services.
- Ability to adequately express ideas orally and in writing with families and professionals.
- Understands and follows all confidentiality and HIPAA policies.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

- Must pass pre-employment drug screen test
- Must have acceptable background check that includes FBI Clearances, PA State Police Criminal History and ChildLine Clearances
- All clearances are required prior to the start of employment and may not be more than one year old at the time of employment.
- A Valid Driver’s license and acceptable driving history in accordance with County policy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

- Support coordinator must be able to work in a busy and open environment.
- Must be able to travel to and from client locations.
- This position requires the use of a laptop computer in the field and  a laptop with monitor and keyboard in the office.
- This job also requires a person to be able to sit at family meetings for extended periods of time.
- This position has been identified as having the potential exposure to Hepatitis B.
- Access to training and a voluntary vaccination against Hepatitis B is provided.
- The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees.   Read more about our benefits here .

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.