Chief Caseworker CYA

County of Lancaster; United States; On-site; USD 61,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Pension plan

Flexible spending accounts

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Employee assistance program

Family medical leave

Job summary

Lancaster County Government seeks a dedicated supervisor for In-Home Services to lead 5 caseworkers and 1 clerical staff, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance in every case. You will guide staff through case plans, review records, and provide coaching to improve outcomes.

The role includes court appearances, collaboration with agency attorneys, and active community representation. A relevant social work background and supervisory skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Two years of professional experience in public or private social work.
• Bachelor’s Degree with major in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice or related social sciences.
• Master's Degree in Social Work preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervises a team of 5 caseworkers and 1 clerical staff.
• Ensures children receive proper care and safety; reviews case records for regulatory compliance.
• Trains staff and conducts regular performance evaluations.
• Attends court hearings to provide consultation to Agency attorney and testifying caseworkers.
• Represents the Agency in the community and in external meetings.

Job description

Compensation Range: $61,214.40 - $91,811.20

Our full-time positions come with an array of excellent benefits including comprehensive healthcare coverage, a pension plan, flexible spending accounts and even a tuition reimbursement program. At Lancaster County, we understand the importance of work-life balance. That's why we offer paid time off for sick, vacation and holidays, an employee assistance program, and family medical leave.

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

• Provides quality supervision to 5 caseworker and 1 clerical
• Assures that children receive proper care and are safe, and that regulatory requirements are met by reviewing case records and discussing case plans and services provided with caseworkers
• Trains and instructs staff in job performance
• Develops staff competence through individual conferences and unit meetings
• Carefully manages work-related stress and assists staff in coping with work-related stress
• Assigns new cases to caseworkers, assuring equitable division of work
• Conducts yearly performance evaluations of caseworkers
• Attends court hearings to provide consultation to Agency attorney and testifying caseworkers
• Represents the Agency in the community via speeches, service on boards, etc.
• Reviews, edits, and approves Family Service Plan reviews, Summary Risk Assessments, Safety Assessments, petitions to the court, leave requests, time logs and other paperwork
• Reviews case records for compliance with regulations and agency policy
• Participates in Agency administrative meetings, Placement Review meetings, and other ad hoc meetings
• Assists workers in establishing annual goals, checks on their progress, and recommends changes in order to achieve stated goals
• Meets with parents to assist caseworkers in clarifying points of the plan, or to intervene when conflicts develop between those individuals and the caseworker

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• The Supervisor reports directly to the Director of In-Home Services
• Work is assigned and reviewed by the Director of In-Home Services via supervisory conferences, unit meetings, email correspondence and direct communication
• Formal performance reviews are completed annually by the Director of In-Home Services per the regulations set forth by County Human Resources policies and procedures

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Manages a work unit of caseworkers and clerical
• Assigns family records to casework staff
• Conducts monthly conferences with staff
• Documents performance for staff
• Provides motivational and constructive feedback to assigned staff
• Reports safety concerns for families to Director of In-Home Services
• Manages unit coverage
• Reviews documents produced by staff
• Reviews and approves staff time sheets and expense reports
• Attends court hearings with staff

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Two years of professional experience in public or private social work
• Bachelor’s Degree with major courts work in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice or other related social sciences
• Master's Degree in Social work preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Effectively utilizes a variety of written and oral communication skills to gather information, assist different audiences to understand organizational issues, and interact effectively in sensitive situations
• Serves as a resource person for resolving interpersonal conflicts with staff, clients and other systems; successfully de-escalates disagreements.
• Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity of diverse views and adapts own behavior to promote successful outcomes to situations.
• Demonstrates leadership in the Agency, in professional situations and in community organizations so that the Agency’s mission and desired outcomes are achieved
• Exemplifies consistent customer focus
• Develops long-term partnerships with the entire scope of Agency customers so that services and outcomes are improved
• Applies technical expertise, with a focus on achieving positive outcomes of Agency goals, to make decisions which fall within clear parameters
• Understands the impact of complex problems and looks beyond the obvious for solutions; systematically analyzes and implements solutions to find the best possible resolution
• Tackles multi-dimensional problems and projects; utilizes assessment, evaluation and measurement tools to improve outcomes
• Monitors established work schedules and communicates expected outcomes, follows contractual and County policies, holds employees accountable
• Develops learning opportunities and rewards and recognizes employee development
• Encourages teamwork and develops self as team leader.
• Builds morale, utilizes various styles of supervision based on the knowledge of individual employee’s strengths and weaknesses
• Incorporates laws and regulations into practice, documentation and testimony as demonstrated by unit’s performance
• Establishes social work theory to instruct and initiate changes in casework practice to address sound decision making and case planning
• Utilizes sound social work principles to effectively manage diversity in the work place
• Models and teaches strategies to assure the safety and well-being of children, including parenting education, use of community resources, establishing and evaluating outcomes for the family
• Assists workers in strategies to engage and support clients throughout the casework process
• Directs all unit work toward goals of safety, permanence, and well-being

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

• PA State Police background check, FBI and PA Childline Clearances are required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must have the ability to work independently.
• Must have the ability to get to various locations for meetings, etc., independently.
• Work is primarily sedentary in nature, no special demands are required

Equal Employment Opportunity

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. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. 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.