County Caseworker 1 (Local Government) - Lehigh County C&Y (Multiple Vacancies)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Lehigh County is seeking a County Caseworker 1 to support children and families through guided casework and structured training, helping build safer futures.

This entry-level position focuses on family safety, permanency and well-being with structured training, home visits, and coordinated services, culminating in a career path within county social services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 12 credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, or related social sciences.
• Or two years as a County Social Services Aide 3 with two years of related coursework.
• Equivalent combination: 12 credits plus one year in paraprofessional case management.
• Applicants may be within two months of graduation with qualifying degree/credits.

Responsibilities

• Assist in evaluating family functioning, strengths, and needs.
• Participate in home visits and interviews with children, parents, and caregivers.
• Help develop and implement Family Service Plans.
• Provide supportive services related to parenting, housing, and access to resources.
• Make referrals to community agencies and connect families with services.
• Observe and document child safety and well-being during contacts.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree with 12 credits in social sciences

Job description

Lehigh County Children and Youth Services is seeking a County Caseworker 1 who is ready to help children and families build safer and stronger futures. This role allows you to learn important skills while supporting families through guided casework and structured training. You will work with caring professionals who are committed to child safety and well-being. Step into a career where your dedication helps create stability and positive change.

This position provides beginning-level social services work that supports child safety, permanency, and family well-being through structured training and guided casework.

Responsibilities

• Family Assessment: Assist in evaluating family functioning, strengths, and needs
• Home Contacts: Participate in home visits and interviews with children, parents, and caregivers
• Plan Support: Help develop and implement Family Service Plans
• Basic Services: Provide supportive services related to parenting, housing, and access to resources
• Agency Referrals: Make referrals to community agencies and assist families in connecting with services
• Safety Monitoring: Observe and document child safety and well-being during contacts

Work Schedule and Additional Information

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week.
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience as a County Social Services Aide 3 and two years of college level course work which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences; or
• A bachelor's degree which includes or is supplemented by successful completion of 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences and one year of experience as a County Social Services Aide 3 or in a similar position performing paraprofessional case management functions.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within two months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Other Requirements

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements

• You must pass a background investigation.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

Veterans

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS)

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or: your score may be lower than deserved. you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.