Caseworker Senior PS (2 vacancies)

County of Lancaster; United States; On-site; USD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off

Health insurance

Job summary

County of Lancaster seeks a Protective Services Investigator to assess abuse/neglect risks to older adults and coordinate protective interventions. You will work with a supervisor on case assignments, maintain case documentation, and ensure confidentiality throughout investigations.

The role involves developing care plans, navigating guardianship or emergency interventions when needed, and joining a rotating on-call schedule to respond to urgent Protective Service Reports after hours.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with related social sciences (sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology) or equivalent.
• One year as a Caseworker (Aging) or Caseworker (Assessor); three years of public/private social work experience with aging care management.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training including completion of college coursework in related social sciences.

Responsibilities

• Investigate Protective Service Reports to assess risk to older adults.
• Develop care plans to reduce or eliminate risks with least-restrictive options.
• Participate in rotating on-call duties to respond after hours or when agency is closed.
• Deliver presentations on Protective Services to facilities, educational institutions, and the public.
• Mentor new Protective Services workers and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Investigation

Risk assessment

Case management

Communication

Documentation

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree with related social sciences

12 semester hours in sociology/social welfare/psychology/gerontology

Job description

Starting Compensation: $52,065.00/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.

JOB SUMMARY

An employee in this position is responsible for investigating allegations of abuse, exploitation, abandonment and/or neglect of older adults and is responsible for reducing risk by the provision of protective services.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This employee reports to their direct Supervisor and/or unit Supervisor daily for consultations on cases, assignments, and specific contingencies. Supervisory meetings are held bi-weekly to discuss protective service cases, workload, employee performance, and concerns. Supervisor oversees employee's work by reviewing cases, individual care plans, making joint supervisory visits as needed, and through observation of overall employee performance.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

ASSESSMENT OF RISK (45%)

Conducts thorough investigations of Protective Service Reports according to the Protective Service Regulations and Department of Aging guidelines to determine whether an older adult is at risk of abuse/neglect/exploitation/abandonment and in need of protective services. This will necessarily include home visits, contacts with collaterals, medical professionals, securing medical /financial records, and arranging for evaluations of capacity. Position requires appropriate documentation of the investigation form, journal notes, and related entries within specified time frames. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times and respect of the rights of all parties is essential.

REDUCTION OF RISK (45%)

Develops a plan of care to eliminate or reduce the risk of abuse/neglect/exploitation/abandonment. This requires a thorough knowledge of agency programs, community services, and placement options. Care Plans must be developed that employ the least restrictive alternative that will effectively reduce the identified risk(s). In cases where a mentally incapacitated older adult is at risk, a petition for emergency intervention, involuntary mental health commitment, or guardianship may be necessary. This will require knowledge of guardianship procedures, effective testimony of worker at a hearing and subsequent management of the case until risk has been reduced. Whenever LCOA is appointed temporary emergency guardian, the worker is required to manage the case and consult with their supervisor regarding all decisions/actions until a permanent guardian takes over. All substantiated cases with a care plan are required to be reassessed before being closed. The development, approval, and implementation of the care plan to reduce risk must be documented in the case record according to Department of Aging guidelines and time frames.

ON-CALL DUTIES (10%)

This position requires participation in a rotating schedule of workers who receive and screen Protective Service Reports whenever the agency is closed and to initiate an investigation after hours when necessary. On-call duties may also require response to situations in which LCOA is the temporary emergency guardian of the older adult. Worker must be able to perform on-call duties according to the protocol in the latest edition of the agency On-Call Manual.

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

Occasionally requires presentations on Protective Services to facilities/educational institutions/ general public, mentoring new PS workers, and other duties assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• One year as a Caseworker (Aging) or Caseworker (Assessor);
• Three years of experience in public or private social work, including one year of direct aging care management experience and a Bachelor's Degree which includes or is supplemented by 12 semester hours credit in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, or other related social sciences;
• Two years of experience in public or private social work including one year of direct aging program experience and a bachelor's degree with a social welfare major;
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training including successful completion of 12 semester hours of college level courses in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, or other related social sciences.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to prioritize cases and tasks based on assessment of risk. Demonstrate skill at analyzing and resolving conflicting evidence and writing decisions in case record. Develop a knowledge of laws and regulations relevant to protective services. Become proficient in creating care plans to reduce risk. Understand and anticipate consumer needs.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

• Reference check of minimum of three Professional references
• Criminal Background Checks
• Drug testing
• Driver records

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job is not sedentary, carrying or lifting rolling laptop case weight, approximate weight is 6 lbs. This job may occasionally require assisting consumers with transfer to and from a vehicle. Employee may be required to walk up/down staircases to access consumers in dwellings without elevator access. Repetitive motion of data entry in the field and office onto laptop. This position has been identified as having the potential for exposure to Hepatitis B. Access to training and a voluntary vaccination against Hepatitis B is provided. The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees.

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. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.

About Us

Working for Lancaster County offers not just a job, but a chance to thrive both professionally and personally. The benefits package for full-time employees, including paid time off, health insurance and flexible healthcare plans, ensures that you feel valued and supported in your role. With employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement and more, you'll have the resources you need to provide excellent service to the 550,000 residents of Lancaster County. With 1,600 full-time employees and 300 part-time employees spread across 40 departments, there are plenty of opportunities for growth and development within the county. Whether you're interested in human services, public safety, administration, or any other field, there's a place for you to make a difference and advance your career. Lancaster County itself is a vibrant and diverse community, offering something for everyone. From the peaceful farmland to the bustling city and towns, there's always something new to discover. Whether it's exploring farmers markets, enjoying local cuisine, or immersing yourself in the rich history of the area, Lancaster County has endless opportunities for you and your family to learn, explore, and enjoy. Joining the team at Lancaster County means becoming part of a community dedicated to maintaining and improving this wonderful place we call home.