Caseworker Trainee

Location: Behavioral Health Developmental Services - 150 North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA

Starting Compensation

$42,841.50/Annually

Find job security and stability alongside a growing community and a team that supports you. Level up your career through a large network and specialty training.

If you're passionate about making a difference, apply today to join us in serving the community!

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

This is entry level professional social service work in our County Behavioral Health/Developmental Services Agency.

Employees who successfully complete a six-month probation in this classification are promoted to the Caseworker classification.

The caseworker trainee position is assigned to a Support Coordination Unit and the employee is commonly referred to as a support coordinator.

Employees in this position participate in formal and informal BHDS agency training programs which provide knowledge of the methods, procedures, rules and regulations necessary to perform social service and case management supportive services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families to assist them in attaining a more inclusive social, economic, emotional, and physical life while maintaining health and safety.

The work assigned is limited in scope and difficulty, and is performed under close supervision, but as knowledge and skills are acquired, more latitude in judgment and decision making is permitted.  Work also involves the training and application of problem solving techniques.

Work is performed in accordance with established regulations, policies, and procedures, but employees are expected to exercise initiative and judgment in discharging their duties.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Work is reviewed by a support coordinator supervisor through regularly scheduled individual and group conferences, and the review of records and reports.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The support coordinator trainee participates in a formal and informal training program which provides the basic knowledge of the agency purpose, rules and regulations governing the operation of the agency, client population characteristics, and services provided.  The training is provided within the framework of the 3 functions of support coordination: locating, coordinating and monitoring.

Learns about the network of community resources and agency-funded services by reviewing resources, site visits and working with and observing higher level casework staff.

Receives instruction regarding agency and State policies and procedures and completion of all applicable forms. Receives instruction in proper documentation techniques and use of the required databases.

Attends and participates in a variety of client meetings and is exposed to a variety of learning experiences, including forms and on-the-job training programs designed to develop professional and technical skills.

Performs a variety of entry level social services and support coordination duties designed to provide services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities and autism.  Assists clients and families to develop their own potential for more adequately resolving their social, health, emotional and economic problems. Makes referrals to community agencies and resources to meet client needs.

Begins to manage a caseload of up to 35 clients which includes maintaining required levels of contact and monitoring.

Support Coordinators must also complete and participate in mandatory and elective trainings to meet ODP training requirements.

Occasional compensatory or flex time may be requested to meet the needs of individual clients, family members or service providers.

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

The employee will work in collaboration with the Supervisor of the Unit and the Directors of Support Coordination and Administrative Entity (AE) staff to promote a cooperative work effort within the other Support Coordination Units.

They will promote a cooperative work effort within MH/ID’s various components, e.g. administrative, mental health, as well as with contracted service providers and with the community at large.

Support coordinators will complete other duties as specified by the Supervisor, Directors and AE staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of human development and behavior including individuals, families and groups.

Knowledge of the basic principles of psychology, sociology or other social sciences.

Ability to understand and accept the needs and rights of others and work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Ability to learn, interpret and apply relevant laws, regulations and policies governing agency services.

Ability to learn how to conduct individual and team meetings and use them to identify strengths, goals and abilities to support individuals to have an Everyday Life.

Ability to plan an organize work, prepare adequate records and reports, set priorities and learn to maintain a caseload in an effective and timely manner.

Ability to adequately express ideas orally and in writing.

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, 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

Must be able to wo