Casework Supervisor - CPS Intake

Must apply on external site: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/northamptoncounty

Application deadline is April 23, 2024 at 5:00 PM EST. Applicants will not be contacted until after this date. Internal applicants will be considered before external applicants.

GENERAL PURPOSE
The County Casework Supervisor – CPS Intake position is an advanced social services position of a supervisory nature in child welfare, supervising caseworkers for Child Protective Services (CPS), using social work knowledge and experience to oversee referrals being assessed by the unit.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
This position reports directly to the Program Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position is responsible for supervision up to five (5) caseworkers in the CPS Investigation and Assessment Unit. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION
Employs independent professional judgment to keep abreast of the shifting needs of children and families and recommends development or expansion of community supports and resources.

Directs, plans, evaluates, and coordinates the work of up to five (5) caseworkers in CPS Investigation and Assessment Unit via individual supervisory conferences, unit meetings and review of case records to ensure consistent decision making, provision of services and compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, bulletins, agency policies and procedures, and court orders.

Conducts supervisory review of all case investigations and assessments assigned in the unit as needed, but not less than every ten (10) calendar days to assure proper family engagement, case planning and service provision. Reviews all cases accepted for service as needed, but not less than every thirty (30) calendar days. Reviews and monitors caseworker’s safety in performance of their duties, particularly field work.

Reviews and approves case documentation, Safety and Risk Assessments, Family Service Plans, court summaries, case notes and all other written materials related to cases assigned to the unit. Reviews and determines those referrals requiring closing after investigation, assessment, or acceptance for service and preparation for transfer. Facilitates the smooth transfer of case responsibility to ongoing units.

Collaborates with agency solicitors, law enforcement and District Attorneys to assure child-centered, coordinated, and timely completion of all investigations and assessments.

Is knowledgeable of laws and regulations governing the provision of CPS and GPS Investigation and Assessment services, and interprets these to all agency staff.

Participates in agency and interagency staffing, Multi-Disciplinary and Permanency Team, and other agency reviews to assure that prompt and coordinated efforts are made to provide comprehensive services for families.

Informs management about CPS/GPS Investigation and Assessments needs, staffing needs, and situations of potential high public profile. Resolves complaints from clients, community and staff regarding the proper provision of services. Assumes responsibility for establishing and maintaining professional working relationships with other units and divisions to facilitate the delivery of agency services.

Orients and trains new agency staff. Completes probationary, annual, and interim performance evaluations for all supervisees in the unit. Recommends/administers appropriate counseling and disciplinary action as warranted.

Serves as alternate case assigner for CPS/GPS case assignment rotation in absence of primary and back-up case assigners.

Approves overtime and grants vacation, personal and compensatory leave, while assuring adequate unit coverage.

Serves as agency representative/liaison with schools, community groups, law enforcement and service providers to promote agency mission and goals and maintain sound public relations with other agencies and the community. Educates and informs the public regarding agency mandates, policy and procedure.

Prepares reports and correspondence as needed or requested and maintains necessary records as required. Ability to use computers to access database information (Caretracker, CAPS, & CWIS) to communicate and document case information.

Maintains professional growth and development via trainings, seminars, conferences and through review of current professional literature. Attends Charting the Course trainings and maintains required State Supervisory Certification.

Performs related duties as required.

*An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – Two (2) years of professional experience in public or private social work AND graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree with major course work in Sociology, Social Welfare, Psychology, Gerontology, Criminal Justice, or other related social sciences; OR

Any equivalent combination of experience and education, which includes 12 college credits in sociology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences.

Employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license. Must have an acceptable driving record. Personal vehicle required for County business, employee is eligible for mileage reimbursement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 
Knowledge of the basic principles of supervision.

Knowledge of current case management and social work principles, practices, and methodology.

Knowledge of individual and group behavior and methods used in working effectively with children, youth and families, people who are mentally disabled, people who are physically challenged, and others.

Knowledge of the basic principles and methods of program interpretation and community organization.

Knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures that relate to the provision of social services.

Knowledge of the laws and regulations governing the provision of CPS and GPS Investigation and Assessment services and interprets these to all agency staff.

Knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems and available resources.

Ability to plan, organize, and supervise the work of a professional and non-professional social service staff.

Ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate case records and recommend sound courses of action.

Ability to orient and train subordinates on rules, regulations, policies and procedures and provide technical assistance.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, families, agency staff, community service agencies and facilities, and the general public.

Ability to clearly express ideas verbally, and in writing.

Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English to perform the duties of this position.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Telephone, personal computer (including word processing and spreadsheet software), calculator, writing implements, fax machine, copy machine, and paper shredder.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk or hear. 

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The noise level in the office is moderately quiet. Employee may also work in other environments such as schools, private homes, etc. These work environments may range from quiet to loud.

SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required. 

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

FLSA STATUS:      FLSA EXEMPT (NOT ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)
DESIGNATION:     HUMAN SERVICES
PAY GRADE:         HS-38B
UNION STATUS:   NON-UNION

Updated April 2024