Casework Supervisor, Permanency Unit (Foster Care Unit)

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

Job summary

County of Chester is seeking a County Casework Supervisor to lead a team of caseworkers in the Child Welfare unit. The role emphasizes supervision of investigations, ensuring child safety and coordinating services to families in crisis.

The position requires a Social Work background with two years of relevant experience, plus state police and FBI clearances. A valid driver's license and vehicle are required. This role offers opportunities for professional development and community collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university with two years of experience in human services.
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from an accredited college or university with two years of experience in human services.
• Bachelor’s degree with 12 credits in the social sciences and two years of experience in human services.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and use of a private vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, motivate and train staff through conferences and referrals to training.
• Assign caseloads and coordinate staff counseling services to assist clients in emergencies.
• Produce and monitor reports reflecting statistical data on cases opened, closed or transferred.
• Oversee case preparation, participate in court hearings, and coordinate with the legal liaison.
• Monitor, implement and maintain policies and procedures.
• Evaluate staff performance and conduct training programs.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Training and performance evaluation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work

Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences

Bachelor’s degree with 12 credits in social sciences

Job description

The County Casework Supervisor supervises caseworkers in one of the three child welfare program units. This work includes supervision of caseworkers conducting abuse/ dependency investigations, protecting children living in their homes from child 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.

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 partners that join with an individual or family to meet their goals.

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.

Essential Duties, Tasks and Accountabilities:

• Supervise, motivate and train staff through the use of regularly scheduled conferences and referrals to appropriate training.
• Assist with tracking and reviewing client information.
• Assign caseloads and related duties, and coordinate staff counseling services to assist clients with emergencies or other crisis situations.
• To ensure effective service, produce, distribute and monitor reports and records reflecting statistical data on the number and disposition of cases opened, closed or transferred.
• Through individual and group conferences, assist staff members in analyzing case problems and improving their diagnostic and helping skills.
• Review case records and recommend specific actions to ensure quality of service.
• Monitor, implement and maintain policies and procedures.
• Assist and oversee the caseworker’s preparation of court documents and monitor their participation in court hearings.
• Coordinate case preparation through conferences with the agency’s legal liaison, attorneys and collaterals, and attend all court hearings.
• Provide case management services in the absence of caseworkers.
• Ensure that state regulations and county/agency protocol is followed.
• Operate within approved budget.
• Evaluate staff performance and make recommendations regarding personnel actions.
• Conduct, recommend or direct staff to appropriate training programs.
• Ability to take on responsibilities of the manager upon their absence.
• Maintain positive public image in accordance with county and agency policy.
• Serve as liaison to community-based services.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Minimum Requirements:

The Children, Youth & Families Casework Supervisor comes under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law. Pennsylvania State Police, Childline and FBI clearances are required..

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.

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university and two years of experience in the human services field/public or private social work; or
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from an accredited college or university with two years of experience in the human services field/public or private social work; or
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with 12 credits in the social sciences and two years of experience in the human services field /public or private social work.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and use of a private vehicle.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• See minimum requirements above plus three years of job-related experience.
• Supervisory experience to include training and performance evaluation.
• DHS Child Welfare Certification.
• Knowledge of child welfare and/or child protective services law/Juvenile Act.
• Experience and knowledge in child development.
• Background and knowledge in social work and psychology.
• Strong knowledge of office policy and procedures

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 Word skills
• Basic OutLook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Basic Internet skills for research purposes