MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from a New York State registered or regionally accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Counseling, Nursing, Education or other Human Services Field, Criminal Justice; OR
Graduation from a New York State registered or regionally accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree AND one (1) year of satisfactory full-time paid experience in social casework with a public or private agency; OR
Possession of a current valid license to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State and one (1) year of post licensure experience as a Registered Professional Nurse.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT(S) Certain assignments made to employees in this class will require reasonable access to transportation to meet field work requirements made in the ordinary course of business in a timely and efficient manner. Operation of county-owned vehicles requires employees to possess a current valid New York State Motor Vehicle operator’s license.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS Under supervision, a Caseworker provides social work services for individuals and/or their families, including children, to assist them with their economic, emotional, social, and environmental difficulties; Does related work as required. Work is performed under the close supervision of a Case Supervisor Grade B, Senior Caseworker, or unit supervisor, with in-service training provided through the agency's staff development program. A Caseworker, in consultation with the supervising worker, formulates and carries out plans to meet the individual problems of the cases assigned.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
(Illustrative Only) Formulates and carries out plans to meet the needs of the individual or family.
Provides counseling to motivate the individual or family to increase their own capacity and confidence in their ability to handle problems.
Studies the background and need for care of children referred, securing information from the child himself, the family, relatives, schools, churches, family courts, and other agencies.
When foster care is necessary, determines appropriate level of care to best meet the child’s needs.
Plans with parents and relatives for the care of children and reestablishment of the home.
Establishes a relationship with individuals and families to engage them in the acceptance of recommended social services.
Identifies the need for services through in-depth discussions with clients.
Maintains liaison with various individual agencies to which individuals and families can be referred for services.
Works closely with staff personnelfrom other agency departments in carrying out the plan for services.
Reviews existing records for available information for use in formulating a plan of treatment.
May file petitions in Family Court and testify in Family Court.
Periodically reviews cases to determine changes in the individual or family situations affecting the need for service.
Maintains case files according to required standards.
Performs other duties related to the work or as assigned by the Supervisor.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS Working knowledge of Federal, State and Local Social Services Laws and programs.
Ability to establish and maintain successful relationships with people.
Imagination.
Sensitivity to the reactions of others.
Good powers of observation and analysis.
Initiative.
Tact.
Emotional maturity.
Good judgment.
Ability to be flexible and respond appropriately to change and emergencies.
Ability to utilize an alphanumeric keyboard to access and retrieve information.
Good time management skills.
Ability to work independently but recognize the need for supervision.
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
