Caseworker, Social Work

Vacancy

At the present time, there is one full-time opening in the Schuyler County Social Services Department – Children’s Services Unit. The persons hired will need to take a Civil Service test at a later date and be reachable on the list to gain permanency in the position.

Applicants must submit a Civil Service “Application for Employment and/or Examination” to Schuyler County Civil Service office. Applications WILL be accepted via email or fax. You may include a resume with your application; however, you may NOT substitute “See Resume” for completing any portion of the application form. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE DISAPPROVED.

Candidates must have been legal residents of Schuyler or a contiguous (Chemung, Seneca, Steuben, Tompkins and Yates) county for at least one month immediately preceding the date of the application. Preference in appointment may be given to a resident of the jurisdiction for which there is a vacancy.

The work involves responsibility for providing social work services for individuals, including children, and their families or caregivers. The focus of the work is on assisting clients with their economic, emotional, social and environmental difficulties. The Caseworker, in consultation with the Case Supervisor Grade A, or Case Supervisor Grade B, or Senior Caseworker, formulates and carries out plans to meet the individual problems of the cases assigned.

The work is performed under the general supervision of a Case Supervisor Grade A, or Case Supervisor Grade B, or Senior Caseworker, with in-service training provided through the agency. Does related work as required.

• Formulates and carries out plans to meet the needs of the individual or family and routinely reviews progress with supervisor.
• Maintains copious records of all case notes on a personal computer.
• Investigates reports of abuse or neglect of children or adults.
• Provides counseling to motivate the individual or family to increase their own capacity and confidence in their ability to handle problems.
• Studies the background and need for care of referred children, securing information from the child, family members, schools, physicians and others familiar with the child’s situation.
• Reviews existing case records for available information for use in formulating a plan of treatment.
• Plans with parents and relatives for the care of children and reestablishment of the home.
• Determines when a child’s needs can best be met in an institution or foster family home.
• Establishes a relationship with individuals and families to persuade them to avail themselves of recommended social services.
• Visits houses of clients, foster parents, family daycare providers, institutions or other agencies and coordinates the delivery of service.
• Appears in court as a child or adult advocate or witness.
• Maintains liaison with various agencies to which individuals and families can be referred for services.
• Works closely with other staff personnel in carrying out the plan 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 available community services, financial management and parenting in an effort to prevent possible problems in the future. Shares in rotational on-call duties (Child Protective Services Unit staff only.)

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, or closely related field.

Note:

Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found on the Internet at http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

You must pay the required evaluation fee.

Applicants must possess a valid New York State driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle or otherwise demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the job.