Juvenile Investigator

Summary

The Juvenile Investigator supports the Child Advocacy Unit (CAU) by gathering critical information about children involved in the dependency system. This includes visiting clients in various settings—homes, schools, foster care, congregate care, and medical facilities—to assess their well-being, safety, and service needs. The caseworker collaborates closely with attorneys to ensure holistic, client-centered representation and must be able to build trust with children from diverse backgrounds.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00AM – 4:30PM. Work required in office on a regular basis; travel to client homes, schools, placements, and other facilities as required.

• Position covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
  
  

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Visit with clients, caretakers and others to develop a trusting and professional relationship with clients.
• Interview caretakers and children, to the extent possible, in order to observe and document the children’s current living situation, developmental progress and emotional wellbeing.
• During client contact, the caseworker is expected to note any services that have not been implemented, that may need to be implemented, or any other issues for attorney review.
• Evaluate and recommend the need for further or different services that may be beneficial to the child and the family.
• Identify services in the community and make referrals as needed.
• Assist attorneys with client interviews.
• Communicate regularly with the attorneys, both verbally and in writing, regarding status of caseloads and assignments and with all relevant information regarding the client.
• Manage and maintain caseload.
• Schedule appointments for client visits and collateral meetings.
  
  

Qualification Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Education, or a related field; OR
• Associate degree with significant direct experience in a related field.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of child development, child abuse, domestic violence, mental health, substance use, and child sexual exploitation.
• Ability to work with children of all ages, backgrounds, and identities.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Basic computer literacy, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Spanish language proficiency preferred (5% salary increase with certification of general professional proficiency).
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and reliable transportation.
  
  

Education and Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Education, or a closely related discipline. In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree combined with significant direct experience in a related field may be considered.
  
  

Experience and Skills

• Basic computer literacy including Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel required.
• Excellent verbal, written, and oral communication skills required.
• Fluency in Spanish preferred but not required.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license required.