What are the responsibilities and job description for the Independent Living Case Consultant I position at County of Venango?
POSITION: Independent Living Case Consultant I
Full-Time, 80 hours per pay
DEPARTMENT: CYS
Troy A. Wood Human Services Complex, Franklin, PA
PAY GRADE: HS Non-Exempt Hourly Grade 1
$16.37/hr.
OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB
This is a social service position in a public children and youth services agency. Employees in this class provide case consultant to parents and children in an effort to help them attain a more satisfactory social, economic, emotional or physical adjustment. Employment of case consultant skills is important in order that essential information is obtained and utilized to counsel individuals and members of their families. Work is performed in accordance with established regulations, policies, and procedures. Incumbents in this position are to provide support to children and/or youth and adolescents experiencing difficulties; and to provide an effort to facilitate growth, behavioral, and emotional improvements to those individuals and their families.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB
1. Conducts intake or preliminary interviews to determine needs of children/families.
2. Provides support to assigned group of individuals.
3. Conducts counseling sessions as needed.
4. Provides crisis intervention as needed.
5. Maintains regular contacts with individual, families, and/or guardians through home, office or school visits.
6. Assists in the development and implementation of family service plans based on needs of the individual.
7. Provides for necessary arrangements according to individuals and needs; makes referrals/contacts to other community services/agencies as necessary.
8. Maintains accurate documentation and records on individuals and their progress.
9. Attends court hearings; writes reports as needed.
10. Testifies in court, if necessary, regarding children’s needs; prepares summaries for court as requested.
11. Prepares required reports as mandated by federal, state, or County policies and procedures.
12. Completes necessary filing and maintenance of records.
13. Utilizes computer and other office equipment as needed.
14. Maintains statistics on individual base and completes required paperwork/reports.
15. Provides transportation for IL youth for activities such as group meetings, job seeking, apartment hunting, college tours, etc.
16. Travels regularly and long distance (i.e., 2 to 4 hours one way) and makes home visits to individuals as necessary.
17. Processes IL referrals and follows up on as required.
18. Accesses and utilizes IL-related databases.
19. Distributes IL stipends as required.
20. Assists in the annual budgeting process.
21. Provides instruction and facilitates Life Skills Group meetings.
22. Assists youth in obtaining personal documents, such as birth certificates, social security cards, and photo ID’s.
23. Administers IL youth needs assessments as required.
24. Attends IL-related training.
25. Engages youth and their families in transition planning through FGDM.
26. Completes and maintains all IL required documents in the Youth IL case file.
27. Assists with moving, carrying or lifting a youth’s personal belongings including clothing and furniture.
28. Works with SWAN for child preparation services and child profiles.
29. Works with and collaborates with service coordinator or juvenile probation officer of record for each IL youth.
30. Serves on committees / focus groups at State and regional level as requested.
31. Meets with IL Coordinator and Supervisor as required.
32. May be required to complete safety and/or risk assessment.
OTHER DUTIES OF THE JOB
1. Attends staffings, training, and other meetings as required.
2. Attends certification trainings as required under Act 151 of the Child Protective Services Law, Title 23 PA., C.S. and Chapter 6.
3. Performs other job-related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Receives continuous instruction and regular supervision from Foster Care and Independent Living Service Coordination Supervisor.
SUPERVISION GIVEN
None
WORKING CONDITIONS
1. Works indoors in adequate work space, lighting, temperatures, and ventilation.
2. Works with average indoor exposure to noise, but subject to frequent disruptions and stress.
3. Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.
4. Works in conditions of potential outbursts or disruptive behavior of clients.
5. Travels frequently during all seasons and is exposed to outdoor elements, including snow and icy roadways.
6. Works frequently outside the office and is exposed to above-average dust/dirt/odors and smoke.
7. Regularly works beyond normal work hours or on-call or on as-needed basis.
8. Must be available to work non-traditional work hours, including evenings and weekends.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONDITIONS
1. Must possess the ability to record, convey, and present information, explain procedures, and follow instructions.
2. Must be able to sit and/or drive for long periods throughout the work day, with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting, and reaching as necessary to carry out essential duties of job.
3. Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands; feet/legs; torso necessary to carry out duties of job.
4. Occasional lifting/carrying of objects.
5. Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position.
6. Must be able to physically and mentally react quickly in the event of a disturbance or physical outbreak.
7. Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Associate’s degree majoring in social welfare and 3 years of professional casework or human service experience; or a bachelor’s degree majoring in social welfare and 1 year of professional casework or human service experience; or a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field with at least 12 credits in social welfare and 2 years of professional casework or human service experience; or a bachelor’s degree and successful completion of an accredited casework intern program; or successful completion of 6 month probationary period as a Service Coordinator Trainee.
Clearances:
· Must work in conjunction with employer to apply for Act 34 PA State Police Criminal History, Act 151 PA Child Abuse and FBI clearances prior to employment. Clearances currently possessed that are less than 4 years old will be accepted until new clearances are available. All clearances must reflect acceptable results.
· Must not appear on Preclusion Lists as defined by “Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance Bulletin 99-11-05 Provider Screening of Employees and Contractors for Exclusion from Participating in Federal Healthcare Programs.”
· Must successfully complete pre-employment drug screening.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
1. Must be able to speak and understand the English language in an understandable manner in order to carry out essential job duties.
2. Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills.
3. Must possess initiative and problem-solving skills.
4. Must possess ability to function independently, have flexibility, and the ability to work effectively with individuals, co-workers, and others.
5. Must possess ability to maintain confidentiality in regard to individuals’ information and records.
6. Must possess ability to operate personal computer and related software, to type and utilize other office equipment, and to prepare required reports.
7. Must possess ability to make accurate observations and documentation of same in regard to individuals’ needs and make determinations of risk assessment.
8. Must possess the academic knowledge and some skill in promoting therapies and social service work and skills with children and youth and families.
9. Must possess knowledge of child development and the ability to conduct assessments and investigations.
10. Must possess ability to provide structured and unstructured life skills instructions and guidance to individuals as needed.
11. Must possess the ability to express empathy and understanding to all individuals.
12. Must be able to interact effectively with children and youth, department staff, counselors, attorneys, and the courts.
13. Must have some knowledge of the judicial and court system as it relates to child services.
14. Must possess a valid driver’s license and a willingness to travel for work-related job duties.
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.
HOW TO APPLY
All interested, qualified individuals should contact Human Resources at 814-432-9758. A Venango County application is required.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2025 by 4:00 PM
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
**DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE**
APPLICANTS WHO REQUIRE SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS DUE TO A DISABILITY SHOULD CONTACT 814-432-9758 FOR ASSISTANCE
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $16.37 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Loan forgiveness
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Education:
- Bachelor's (Preferred)
Experience:
- sociology: 3 years (Preferred)
- human services: 3 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $16