Caseworker Office of Aging

Starting Compensation:

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Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

An employee in this position is responsible for investigating allegations of abuse, exploitation, abandonment and/or neglect of older adults and is responsible for reducing risk by the provision of protective services.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This employee reports to their direct supervisor and/or unit supervisor daily for consultations on cases, assignments, and specific contingencies. Supervisory meetings are held weekly to review active protective service cases, workload,  employee performance, and concerns. Supervisor oversees employee's work by reviewing case documentation, individual care plans, making joint supervisory visits as needed, and through observation of overall employee performance. Â

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Conducts thorough investigation of Reports of Need according to the protective service regulations/guidelines, to determine whether an older adult is at risk of abuse/neglect/exploitation/abandonment and in need of protective services. This will include home visits, contacts with collateral contacts, medical professionals, securing medical /financial records, and arranging for evaluations of capacity. (30%)

• Inputs specified case related information into the approved data reporting system (SAMS) throughout the duration of each case. Adheres to documentation standards and time frames, as set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. (40 %).

• Develops a plan of care to eliminate or reduce the risk of abuse/neglect/exploitation/abandonment. This requires a thorough knowledge of agency programs, community services, and placement options. Care plans must employ the least restrictive alternative that will effectively reduce the identified risk(s). In cases where a mentally incapacitated older adult is at risk, a petition for emergency intervention, involuntary mental health commitment, or guardianship may be necessary. This will require knowledge of guardianship procedures, effective testimony of worker at a hearing and subsequent management of the case until risk has been reduced. (30 %)

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

• This position requires participation in a rotating schedule of workers who receive and screen protective service reports whenever the agency is closed and to initiate an investigation after hours when necessary, approximately 6 times a year.

• Occasionally requires presentations on protective services to facilities/educational institutions/ general public, mentoring new PS workers, and other duties assigned.

• Knowledge and adherence to all County and agency policies/procedures.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSÂ

One year as a Caseworker (Aging)/Caseworker (Assessor) in the Lancaster County Office of Aging or Aging Care Manager 2/Aging Program Assessor in the State Civil Service System; or

Three years of experience in public or private social work, including one year of direct aging care management experience and a Bachelor's Degree which includes or is supplemented by 12 semester hours credit in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, or other related social sciences; or

Two years of experience in public or private social work including one year of direct aging program experience and a bachelor's degree with a social welfare major; or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training that includes successful completion of 12 semester hours of college level courses in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, or other related social sciences and one year of direct aging program experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to prioritize cases and tasks based on assessment of risk.

• Demonstrate skill at analyzing and resolving conflicting evidence and writing decisions in case record.Â

• Develop a knowledge of laws and regulations relevant to protective services.    Â

• Become proficient in creating care plans to reduce risk.

• Understand and anticipate consumer needs.    Â

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

• Acceptable Pre-Employment Criminal Background Check

• Acceptable Pre-Employment Drug Screening

• Acceptable Driver History in accordance with County Policy

• Must successfully complete the Pennsylvania Department of Aging Protective Services Basic training and annual refresher trainings, thereafter.Â

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This job is not sedentary, carrying or lifting rolling laptop case weight, approximate weight is 6 lbs.

• May occasionally require assisting consumers with transfer to and from a vehicle.

• May require walking up/down staircases to access consumers in dwellings without elevator access.

• Repetitive motion of data entry in the field and office onto laptop.

• This position has been identified as having the potential for exposure to Hepatitis B. Access to training and a voluntary vaccination against Hepatitis B is provided.

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees. Â Read more about our benefits here .

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired. Â