SENIOR CASEWORKER 30020
(Competitive)
The work involves responsibility for making social studies to identify the need for social services and renders social services to clients. The Senior Caseworker may supervise a small group of Caseworkers and volunteers. A Senior Caseworker provides professional social services work involving the determination and recommendation of the need for service, and the formulation and carrying out of plans to meet the individual problems of cases assigned. The functional duties are similar to those of the Caseworker except that through training and experience, the Senior Caseworkers have gained an expertise to handle more complex problems and situations with less direct supervision. The majority of 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. Incumbents must successfully pass a background check. Does related work as required.
Recommends services necessary to carry out plans to meet the needs of individuals or families.
Makes visits to applicants to ascertain the need for services.
Develops involved or complex social histories and a plan of treatment which, with supervisory approval, is the basis for delivery of the services.
Aids individual Caseworkers in formulating services and work organization plans.
In each case, in cooperation with the individual or family, plans the use to be made of available resources.
Makes necessary collateral contacts with employers, relatives, friends, physicians, hospitals, law enforcement, schools and other agencies.
Makes referrals to other agencies when indicated.
Writes letters and reports as required.
Regularly reviews cases to assess safety and risk, and changes in client situations affecting the need for services.
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, determine the level of care appropriate to the child's needs.
Finds family homes in caring for children.
Studies and evaluates family homes desiring to care for children at board, at wages, or on a free or adoptive basis and recommends boarding homes for certification. Arranges for medical, mental health and educational provision and transports to appropriate service provider if foster parent is unable to do so.
Plans with caretakers for the care of children for the purpose of family preservation or reunification or other permanency options.
Conducts public presentations or educational sessions with groups regarding Child Welfare and Adult Protective Services and related issues.
Regularly reviews and audits cases handled by other agencies to ensure compliance with agency standards.
Identifies community services, sharing this information with supervisors and caseworkers.
Good knowledge of modern principles and practices of social casework, case management and group work, including child welfare services, and ability to apply these in performance of duties.
Good knowledge of family systems, child development, child welfare policy, regulations, laws and procedures.
Good knowledge of the aging process, the effect aging has on the individual and family relationships.
Working knowledge of Federal, State and local Social Services laws and programs.
Knowledge of the techniques of preparing psychosocial case assessments.
Knowledge of crisis intervention and mediation techniques.
Knowledge of the techniques of preparing social studies.
Skill in interviewing and assessment, including safety and risk assessments.
Ability to apply knowledge in the performance of duties.
Ability to establish and maintain successful relationships with people.
Ability to direct the work of others.
Ability to interpret the work of the agency.
Ability to work with computer based systems.
Good powers of observation, analysis and communication.
-2- 30020
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Promotion:
Four (4) years of permanent competitive status as a Caseworker or Caseworker (Spanish Speaking).
Open Competitive:
Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a bachelor's degree and two (2) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in social work with a public or private social agency adhering to acceptable standards.
Note: Successful completion of graduate semester hours in social work from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of regents to grant degrees may be substituted for work experience as follows: Thirty (30) graduate semester hours is equivalent to one (1) year of work experience.
08/2017 Revised