Caseworker at Rensselaer County Dept of Social Services

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  Provides professional casework services to adults, children and families to enhance their ability to cope with and resolve emotional, social, environmental and economic problems. The work requires the exercise of sound professional judgment in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of adults, children and families, identifying problem areas and developing and implementing an appropriate service plan.  Incumbents must be emotionally mature, able to make independent difficult decisions and able to work in stressful situations particularly those requiring crisis intervention.  The work is performed under general supervision with leeway allowed for carrying out assignments in accordance with prescribed procedures and practices.  Supervision may be exercised over the work of Caseworker Trainees.

A Caseworker also does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

Makes appropriate referrals to other agencies when indicated;

Develops and carries out plans to meet the individual problems of the cases assigned;

Locates, studies and evaluates family homes for the placement of children or adults;

Provides Case Management for adults, children and families;

Investigates referrals pertaining to adults or children protective situations;

Recommends boarding homes for certification;

Determines whether a child or an adult’s needs can best be met at home, in an institution or in a foster home;

Supervises children placed in foster homes or institutions;

Plans with parents and relatives for the care of children and for the re-establishment of the home;

Prepares and maintains case records and fulfills Uniform Case Recording requirements;

Writes letters and prepares reports as required;

Reviews cases periodically to determine changes in client’s situations affecting eligibility and need for service.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Working knowledge of federal, state and local laws and programs relating to public welfare and the care of children; ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with others; ability to prepare and maintain records and reports; ability to express ideas clearly, both orally and in writing; ability to understand and follow oral and written directions; good powers of observation and analysis; initiative; tact; good judgment; emotional maturity; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

PROMOTION:  One (1) year of permanent or contingent permanent competitive class status as a Caseworker Trainee.

OPEN COMPETITIVE:  Either:

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Master’s Degree in the behavioral sciences including Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Criminal Justice or related field; or
• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in any field; and two (2) years of full-time paid experience in a social agency adhering to casework principles and practices.

NOTE:  In compliance with Section 424a of the Social Service Law, those candidates who successfully pass the exam and who are being considered for employment will be required to sign a Child Abuse/Neglect Central Register.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATIONS:  Eligibility for a New York State driver’s license issued by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.  Possession of the license at time of appointment and license must be maintained throughout the term of employment.