Social Services Aide III

Posting number: 03929

Department: Children, Youth, and Families

Division: Children, Youth, and Families

Job classification: County Social Services Aide III

Posting type: Open

Categories: Human Services

Summary

The County Social Services Aide will assist caseworkers in providing direct services to clients. Work includes client transport, supervise visitation, adhering to caseworker recommendations/ service plans and the ability to document activities for inclusion in the case record.

A person in this position is expected to demonstrate the System of Care Practice Model which maximizes all resources around an individual or family.  This system of care includes child and adult serving agencies and community partners that join with an individual or family to meet their goals.

Examples of duties

• Transport clients to medical or mental health appointments and/or placement recourses.
• Supervise visitation of children in placement settings outside of their own homes and their birth families, and create documentation on the interactions.
• Assist in the provision of support services.
• Provide brief parenting education, money management skills, and nutritional education to assist families in providing a safe and appropriate setting for their children.
• Assist and conduct interviews to obtain and verify information necessary to determine the need for a variety of social services.
• Verify information from clients concerning their cooperation with services provided and referrals to other community resources.
• Provide information to clients regarding services and resources appropriate to their needs.
• Complete case notes regarding all client and collateral contacts.
• Participate in unit meetings conducted on a bi-monthly basis and all case-related meetings.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:
The County Social Services Aide III position comes under the provision of the Child Protective Services Law.  State Police, Childline and FBI clearances are required.

• High school diploma 
• One year of experience in public contact work in a human services agency 
• Must have a valid driver’s license and use of a private vehicle.

Clarification of Requirements: You may substitute related education for the required experience or appropriate experience for the required education.   Unrelated experience or education will not be accepted.
Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Services or a related field.
• Two years of experience in public or private social work providing direct client services
• One year of experience interviewing for the purpose of information gathering
• One year of experience as a Social Services Aide.
• Basic medical and psychiatric knowledge.
• Familiar with the geographical area.
• Strong parenting skills.
• Strong time management skills.
• Working knowledge of SS/DPW system.
• Experience with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Experience and knowledge in child development.
• Knowledge of adoption laws and child welfare laws.
• General knowledge of CYF policies and procedures.
• General knowledge of county, state and federal policies and procedures.

Supplemental information

This job requires the following documents to be obtained, reviewed as acceptable by the supervisor and re-obtained every five years:  PA Child Abuse, PA Criminal History and FBI Criminal History.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic Word skills
• Basic OutLook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Basic Internet Explorer skills

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to climb stairs, drive a vehicle during working hours, and talk or hear.   Occasionally, the employee will need to stand, walk, sit, and lift or carry items.  On rare occasions, the employee will need to bend, twist or rotate at the waist; reach or work with arms above shoulders; and kneel, stoop, crouch or squat. 
There are no special vision requirements listed for this position.
Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
• Approximately 50% of the time will be spent inside in an office environment
• Approximately 50% of the time will be spent driving while transporting client