Casework Manager I, Permanency Unit, CYF

County of Chester; West Goshen (PA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Chester in Pennsylvania seeks a Casework Manager I to supervise a group of supervisors and caseworkers in a child welfare unit. Responsibilities include overseeing investigations, safeguarding children, planning services, and ensuring timely delivery of services.

Candidates must have three years of social work experience, supervisory background, a Bachelor’s degree with relevant credits, valid driver’s license, and the ability to maintain confidentiality; background checks will follow

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in public or private social work including one year in a public welfare program and one year in supervisory capacity.
• Bachelor's degree with 12 credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or related social sciences; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and use of a private vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the work of supervisors, caseworkers or support staff as it relates to the quality of client services.
• Supervise supervisors/caseworkers to identify clients’ needs and provision of appropriate services.
• Review and analyze case records to ensure quality of services provided
• Respond to calls from the public by providing related information and referral, determine eligibility for services.
• Attend and represent department at court hearings.
• Plan and supervise the administrative aspects of case management by assigning cases, monitoring work flow and ensuring timely provision of services
• Prepare correspondence, compile reports and maintain records.
• Participate in planning and implementation of in-service training.
• Train staff in policies and procedures.
• Evaluate performance and make appropriate recommendations regarding personnel actions.
• Produce, distribute and monitor reports containing statistical data on the number and disposition of cases.
• Ability to provide comprehensive overview of department and services to the community
• Monitor individual cases and programs to ensure regulatory compliance
• Monitor, implement and maintain departmental and county policies and procedures.
• Serve as liaison to service providers ensuring timely and appropriate delivery of services to clients.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Child welfare knowledge

Organizational skills

Time management

Confidentiality

Communication / listening

Education

Bachelor's degree with 12 credits in social sciences

Equivalency option for education/experience

Tools

Microsoft Windows

Word

Outlook

Job description

The Casework Manager I supervises a group of supervisors and caseworkers in one of the three child welfare program units. This work includes supervision of those conducting abuse/dependency investigations, protecting children living in their homes from abuse/ neglect, ensuring their safety, maintaining/strengthening family life and providing services for families and children who require separation in order to protect the child’s safety, health and well-being.

This job requires the following documents to be obtained, reviewed as acceptable by the supervisor and re-obtained every five years: PA Child Abuse, PA Criminal History and FBI Criminal History.

A person in this position is expected to demonstrate the System of Care practice model which maximizes all resources around an individual or family. This system of care includes child and adult serving agencies and community partner that join with an individual or family to meet their goals.

A criminal background check is required.

• Oversee the work of supervisors, caseworkers or support staff as it relates to the quality of client services.
• Supervise supervisors/caseworkers to identify clients’ needs and provision of appropriate services.
• Review and analyze case records to ensure quality of services provided
• Respond to calls from the public by providing related information and referral, determine eligibility for services.
• Attend and represent department at court hearings.
• Plan and supervise the administrative aspects of case management by assigning cases, monitoring work flow and ensuring timely provision of services
• Prepare correspondence, compile reports and maintain records.
• Participate in planning and implementation of in-service training.
• Train staff in policies and procedures.
• Evaluate performance and make appropriate recommendations regarding personnel actions.
• Produce, distribute and monitor reports containing statistical data on the number and disposition of cases.
• Ability to provide comprehensive overview of department and services to the community
• Monitor individual cases and programs to ensure regulatory compliance
• Monitor, implement and maintain departmental and county policies and procedures.
• Serve as liaison to service providers ensuring timely and appropriate delivery of services to clients.

• Maintain a professional public image in accordance with county and agency policy.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Three years of experience in public or private social work which included one year in a public welfare program and one year in a supervisory capacity; and a Bachelor’s degreefrom an accredited college or university which includes or is supplemented by 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice or other related social sciences;or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 12 college creditsfrom an accredited college or universityin sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice or other related social sciences.
• Social Work is defined as providing services to families to help them attain a more satisfactory social, economic, mental or physical adjustment to their environment. Interviewing clients to obtain social histories, providing comprehensive information about agency programs/ services, determine eligibility for services, provide information and referral, navigate systems and negotiate/ advocate for services and formulate/ implement plans for change.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and use of a private vehicle.

Clarification of Requirements: The equivalency statement under “Minimum Requirements” means that related advanced education may be substituted for a segment of the experience requirement and related experience may be substituted for required education, except for the 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences. It does not mean that unrelated experience or education will be accepted.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Three years of supervisory experience.
• Three years of child welfare experience.
• One year of management experience..
• Department of Public Welfare Supervisory Certification.
• Knowledge of child welfare regulations and related laws.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters.
• General understanding of Human Resources guidelines
• Adaptable to workplace change.
• Ability to establish priorities and carry tasks to completion.
• Excellent listening skills.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Windows
• Knowledge of Word
• Basic knowledge of OutLook (Email and Calendar)

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. Occasionally, employee will be required to walk, stand, climb stairs, carry items and drive a vehicle. On rare occasions, employee will need to reach or work with arms above shoulder height; bend, twist or rotate at the waist while working; kneel, stoop, crouch and squat; or push or lift items.

There are no special vision requirements listed for this position.

Work Environment

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
• Will spend approximately 90% of the time inside.
• Will spend approximately 10% of the time attending community meetings.

Other

• Confidentiality is crucial to this position.
• This position requires professionalism.
• Ability to work extended hours, as necessary