CASEWORKER

The work involves responsibility for providing social work services to individuals, including children, families and/or caregivers.  An incumbent assists clients with economic, emotional, social and environmental difficulties by making the necessary service referrals to address the social problems identified throughout the course of a case.   The Caseworker, in consultation with a Case Supervisor, Grade B, formulates and carries out plans to meet individual and/or family problems of the cases assigned.  The work is performed under the general supervision of a Case Supervisor, Grade B with extensive mandated training provided through the State and the agency.  Does related work as required.

• Investigates reports of abuse or neglect of children or adults assessing the safety of the environment and provides the necessary interventions, such as placement out of the home, or Family Court, when the situation warrants it;
• Provides casework counseling to motivate individuals, families and children to increase their capacity and confidence in their ability to problem solve and make better choices for themselves and/or family;
• Gathers information regarding children and families by interviewing neighbors, family members, school personnel, physicians and any others familiar with the family;
• Reviews existing case records and available information for use in formulating a plan of treatment;
• Makes the necessary community service referrals on behalf of the individual, children and families assigned;
• Monitors service plans with individuals and/or families by maintaining on-going contact with service providers and routinely updates supervisor of progress;
• Conducts service plan reviews with individuals, families, and service providers to update the service goals and report progress;
• Establishes a relationship with individuals and families to persuade them to avail themselves of recommended social services;
• Recruits and trains prospective foster and adoptive parents;
• Conducts home study evaluations to include certification and placement recommendations of prospective foster boarding homes, adoptive homes and/or relative homes;
• Assesses the placement needs of children and determines whether a child’s needs can best be met in a foster home, group home, or an institution and makes the referral on their behalf;
• Identifies and places children in adoptive homes and assists them through the adoption process by making service referrals and providing casework counseling until finalization;

• Visits the homes of parents, foster parents, adoptive parents, family daycare providers, institutions or other agencies and coordinates the delivery of service;
• Petitions, testifies, and reports to Family Court;
• Maintains liaison with various community agencies to which individuals and families can be referred for services;
• Periodically reviews cases to determine change in the individual’s or family’s situations affecting the need for services;
• Provides casework counseling in a number of areas including disability benefits, medical benefits, available community services, financial management and parenting;
• Prepares and maintains a variety of reports, case notes, service plans, and court summaries on a personal computer in accordance to State laws and mandates, and policy of the agency.

Either:
 
A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a bachelor’s degree; or 

B. Licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse with one year of satisfactory full-time paid experience in that profession. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:         Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license at the time of appointment. License must remain valid throughout appointment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:  Applicants that may be assigned to the Child Support Unit are required to undergo a criminal history investigation including fingerprinting to determine suitability for employment.Good knowledge of State and Federal laws and rules governing social services programs; good knowledge of community service agencies and programs; good knowledge of interviewing techniques and practices; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; ability to counsel individuals in the areas of economic, social, emotional and vocational problems; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to operate a personal computer and utilize common office software programs; ability to develop and implement a service plan for individuals, children and/or families; ability to understand and empathize with the needs and concerns of others; ability to analyze and organize data and prepare records and reports; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.