The posting
Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Emergency Duty (ED) caseworkers work cooperatively to provide agency coverage during off hours: 5:00 p.m. through 8:00 a.m. weekdays, all holidays and weekends.
Emergency Duty is an essential function of this position. The Emergency Duty caseworker is deemed essential personnel.
The use of personal transportation is required, the expenses for which are reimbursed by the agency consistent with current policy.
Full-time Emergency Duty caseworker shall reside no more than thirty (30) miles from the County Services Center during work shifts. Employees hired prior to June 6, 1996, shall be excused from this requirement.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential Functions
The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Responsible for responding to after-hours referrals including CPS investigations, emergency placements, and crisis intervention.
- Supervision of performance, personnel-related issues, and coordination of sick leave, annual leave, and training are provided by the Second shift/E.D. Unit Supervisor.
- Supervision of case-specific activity is provided by regular unit supervisors on a rotational coverage basis.
- Work assignments are received from the County Communications Center operators as calls come to their attention, via the Child Welfare Information System (CWIS), or by specific assignment by the On-call Supervisor or Second Shift/E.D. Unit Supervisor.
- The Emergency Duty caseworkers will collaboratively perform the duties of responding to the communication Center and monitoring of CWIS activity ensuring that each function is covered 24/7. If there is no agreement on who shall perform each function, then the Emergency Duty Unit Supervisor or assigned On-call Weekend Supervisor will assign the duties.
- Child abuse and neglect investigations are conducted pursuant to the Child Protective Services Law, Agency policy and procedures, as well as those activities required to protect children from abuse, serious neglect, or imminent harm. All Child Protective Services (abuse) calls require supervisory consultation.
- Required to report activities and have all the paperwork completed by the next day at 8 am in a manner prescribed by the Agency.
- Participation in daytime training, monthly staff meetings, and court testimony is required, as necessary or assigned and will be accommodated with flex schedule or overtime.
- Shall have access to agency files and other facilities (either directly or through automated systems) to facilitate their work.
- For bilingual County Caseworker II, translating forms from English to Spanish, and interpreting client phone calls from Spanish to English.
- Performs related tasks as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
One of the following is required:
- One (1) year of experience as a County Caseworker I; and a satisfactory PER; and supervisory recommendation; and no disciplinary measures.
- Successful completion of the County Social Casework Intern Program; and supervisory approval, and satisfactory PER; and no disciplinary measures.
- A bachelor’s degree with a social welfare major;
- A bachelor’s degree which includes or is supplemented by 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences and one year of professional social casework experience in a public or private social service agency;
A successful interview and written sample are also required.
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of current social case management principles, techniques, and methods.
- Knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems and resources and the recognition of their impact on the growth and development of people.
- Knowledge of individual and group development and behavior and ways of working effectively with adults and children who have social, economic, emotional, or health problems.
- Knowledge of the basic principles and methods of program interpretation and community organization.
- Knowledge of social welfare policy and law as they relate to agency function and purpose.
- Ability to work effectively with people and aid them to grow in the constructive use of their potential in adjusting to their specific problems.
- Ability to understand and accept the needs and rights of others and to work with adults and children who are physically challenged, emotionally troubled, or economically disadvantaged.
- Ability to conduct individual and family interviews and to use them to identify individual and family problems.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, their families, other staff, outside agencies and institutions, and the general public.
- Ability to plan and organize work, prepare adequate records and reports, set priorities, and maintain a caseload in an effective and timely manner.
- Ability to interpret and apply relevant laws, regulations, and policies governing agency services.
- Ability to adequately express ideas orally and in writing.
- Ability to accept direction and supervision as well as the flexibility to change daily assignments on short notice.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Ability to handle Stress.
- Physical presence in the office is required.
- Must have a valid PA driver’s license, a good driving record, a car available for daily use that is in good working condition and fully insured.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Occasional light lifting (under 40 pounds.)
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Office environment and various field locations as assigned.
This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.
About Us
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
The County of Berks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
About Us:
Berks County is a combination of rich farm country, industry, beautiful parks, entertainment, and top-notch educational institutions. Whether you are interested in County services, the availability of our parks, tax rates, or other county information, this is the place to start.
Mission Statement:
It is the mission of Berks County government and all County employees to administer and deliver services to the citizens of the County in the most effective, efficient and professional manner possible within the constraints of the financial resources available.
