Caseworker II

Definition of Class

• This is a specialized caseworker position that oversees the collaboration between the Erie County Office of Children and Youth (ECOCY) and the contracted providers of Independent Living Services, currently Bethesda Lutheran Services and Family Services of NW PA. This position is supervised by the Transitional Unit Supervisor.
• Provision of all services will be in accordance with the state laws and regulations, as well as the agency mission, vision, policies, and procedures.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure that all youth eligible for the Independent Living Program are referred, assigned to a case manager, and are offered all appropriate services from the program in a timely manner.
• Complete all tracking documentation necessary, maintain up to date files on each youth, and share reports with various entities, including the fiscal department of ECOCY, and contracted providers.
• Organize and prioritize tasks to maximize efficiency, understanding that some tasks, while routine or repetitive, require deviations from standard procedure due to an individual’s situation or circumstances.
• Schedule, attend, and participate in various meetings within ECOCY, including supervision and unit meetings, as well as meetings with contracted service providers, youth receiving services, and their support persons. Additional meetings that generally occur after hours include the Erie County Youth Advisory Board (YAB), and the Resource Families Association (RFA) Board.
• Carry a reduced caseload, maximum of 10 cases, at supervisor discretion.
• May be required to travel long distances to visit youth in placements outside of the County of Erie; schedule, coordinate and facilitate team meetings for youth including the youth, family members, placement providers, service providers, the Independent Youth case manager, etc.
• Learn and apply required computer software and data entry skills.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of conversations, activities, child placements and written communications.
• Refine and streamline processes to increase responsiveness and effectiveness and continually improve Independent Living Services provided to the youth and young adults.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• The mission, vision, goals, practices, and methodologies of the PA Office of Children Youth and Families, and ECOCY.
• The laws and policies that govern child welfare practice and procedures of ECOCY, specifically policies and bulletins relating to independent living services, and case management for youth ages 14 who are receiving services.
• The Independent Living Program, including services offered, and opportunities available to youth exiting the child welfare system.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of 6 months Experience as a County Caseworker I or Completion of the County Social Casework Intern Program or a Bachelor's Degree in a Social Welfare Major or a Bachelor's Degree with 12 Credits Sociology, Psychology, Social Welfare or other related Social Sciences and 1 year Social Casework Experience or Equivalent Training and Experience including 12 Credits in Sociology, Psychology, Social Welfare or other related Social Sciences of Professional Social Casework Experience or the Equivalent Combination of Experience and Training which includes 12 Credits in Sociology, Psychology, Social Welfare or other related Social Services
• Must have a Valid Driver's License

Supervision Received

• Supervised by the ECOCY Transitional Unit Supervisor.
• Attend supervision with the Casework Supervisor. Keep Supervisor informed of significant events with clients; collaborate on treatment planning and techniques to use in contacts with families and youth.
• Participate in peer group with all members of the unit, as scheduled.
• Attend interagency meetings such as the Multi-Disciplinary Team for the purpose of coordination of treatment plans, and develop new ideas for services or service delivery.
• Read memoranda to keep informed of Agency procedural changes and statewide regulation changes.
• Attend mandatory staff meetings as scheduled.
• Participate in trainings addressing child welfare issues, laws, and theories, prioritizing trainings that are applicable to the older youth population.

Conditions Of Employment

• Required to provide and are subject to Pennsylvania criminal and child abuse clearances as well as an FBI fingerprint clearance.