Caseworker

County of Lancaster; United States; On-site; USD 46,416 - 56,731; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

The County of Lancaster seeks Caseworkers to focus on intake, family support and permanency services, ensuring safety and well‑being for at‑risk families and children.

Roles span intake investigations, family support and permanency planning, with emphasis on court‑informed case plans and collaboration with community professionals.

Qualifications

• Six months of experience as a Caseworker Trainee or completion of the County Social Caseworker Intern Program.
• Bachelor’s degree with a social welfare major or 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, human services or related social sciences and one year of professional social casework experience.
• Any equivalent combination of experiences and training that includes 12 college credits in the aforementioned disciplines.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and must obtain acceptable background checks including FBI clearance, PA State Police Criminal history, and ChildLine clearances.
• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving history are required.

Responsibilities

• Investigate referrals of abuse/neglect and provide emergency or short-term services.
• Support families to address drug/alcohol use, mental health, domestic violence, housing and parenting skills.
• Supervise and coordinate services for kinship, resource, group, or residential placements and create court‑approved case plans.

Skills

Understanding of PA Juvenile Act

Child Protective Services law

DPW Regulations

Crisis intervention

Child development

Family dynamics

Written & verbal communication

Organization & time management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social welfare

12 college credits in sociology/social welfare/psychology

One year of professional social casework experience

Job description

Starting Compensation: $51,573.68/Annually

Position Summary

The Lancaster County Children & Youth Social Service Agency seeks professional individuals to serve as Caseworkers, focusing on intake, family support, and permanency services. The role supports families and children at risk of abuse and neglect, ensuring safety, permanency, and well‑being.

Intake Division

Investigate referrals of abuse and/or neglect in accordance with the Pennsylvania Juvenile Act, the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law, DPW regulations, and agency policy. Provide emergency or short‑term services during investigations, and make recommendations for long‑term service planning.

Family Support Division

Assist families whose children are at risk or have experienced abuse and neglect. Support caregivers in addressing drug/alcohol abuse, mental health challenges, domestic violence, housing, and parenting skills. Work toward stabilizing the family unit so that children’s safety and well‑being needs are met. Manage approximately 15 to 25 families and close most cases upon successful completion of Family Service Plan goals.

Permanency Division

Supervise, coordinate, and provide services to families of children placed in kinship, resource, group, or residential homes. Prioritize activities to meet client demands while maintaining quality service. Create and implement written, court‑approved case plans, make referrals, track progress, develop written reviews, and present summaries to the court.

Minimum Qualifications

• Six months of experience as a Caseworker Trainee, or successful completion of the County Social Caseworker Intern Program.
• A bachelor’s degree with a social welfare major, or a bachelor’s degree supplemented by 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, human services, or related social sciences and one year of professional social casework experience.
• Any equivalent combination of experiences and training that includes 12 college credits in the aforementioned disciplines.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Understanding of the PA Juvenile Act, the Child Protective Services Law, and DPW Regulations.
• Ability to identify and interpret corollaries of child abuse and neglect, and to apply this knowledge in case disposition and planning.
• Skill in gathering and analyzing information to maximize child safety while minimizing unwarranted intrusion into family privacy.
• Proficiency in crisis intervention modalities for short‑term service delivery.
• Knowledge of child development and family dynamics.
• Ability to establish and, when appropriate, relinquish relationships with families.
• Clear, concise written and verbal communication for record keeping, court testimony, service planning, and collaboration with community professionals.
• Organization and time‑management skills to meet competing demands.
• Flexibility, energy, and a cooperative attitude to enhance team functioning.

Required Licenses, Certifications, and Clearances

Must pass a pre‑employment drug screening. Must obtain an acceptable background check, including FBI clearance, PA State Police Criminal history, and ChildLine clearances. A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving history are required.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

Must be able to work independently and travel to various locations for meetings, visits, and appointments, including home visits. Ability to access locations with reasonable accommodations. Potential exposure to Hepatitis B. The position poses no threat to departmental health and safety.

Benefits

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits, including paid time off, health insurance, flexible healthcare plans, employee assistance programs, tuition reimbursement, and more. For full benefits information, review the County’s benefits portal.

Equal Employment Opportunity is guaranteed for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information, or disability. The County observes all applicable laws regarding veteran status. Employment is based upon the ability to perform the job and dependability.