The Children & Youth Services department, Supervised Independent Living Division, is currently accepting applications for an *SIL Caseworker I *position.

Why work for Bedford County?

Bedford County offers a stable career with opportunities for advancement. We have a competitive benefits package including medical, vision, and dental, as well as paid time off and a retirement plan. Student loan reimbursement available, if you meet the eligibility requirements.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

This is an entry level professional social service work in a Children and Youth Agency.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF POSITION:

Employees in this class participate in formal and informal training programs which provide knowledge of the methods, procedures, rules and regulations necessary to perform Independent Living Instructional Services to youth, age 14 to 23 who have been in placement, to assist them in attaining a more satisfactory social, economic, emotional, or physical adjustment, in order to prepare them to live on their own. The work assigned is limited in scope and difficulty, and is performed under supervision. Work is performed under supervision of a professional social service or administrative supervisor and is reviewed through individual and group conferences, assignment of professional reading, attendance at training programs, and the reading of records and reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (illustrative only)

· Participates in formal and informal training programs which provide basic knowledge relative to agency purpose, services provided, client population characteristics, and applicable laws, methods, procedures, rules, and regulations governing the operation of the agency;

· Learns about the network of available community resources by reviewing resource files, site visits, and working;

· Receives instruction regarding the reason for and proper completion of applicable forms and paperwork;

· Performs a variety of entry level social services and case management duties designed to provide supportive services to youth age 14 to 23;

· Assists youth age 14 to 23, in developing and using their own potential for more adequately resolving their social, health, emotional, and economic problems;

· Tests youth for entry level independent living skills knowledge;

· Prepares a case plan including necessary instruction to assist youth in achieving a competent level of independent living skills;

· Prepares case reviews and on going services as needed;

· Guides youth in home and budget management, housing,·child care and parenting skills, employment, recreation and living arrangements;

· Schedules and conducts interviews and follow-up visits to provide supportive counseling. Makes referrals to other public and private social services and community agencies and resources to meet client needs; assists youth in understanding and utilizing these resources;

· Attends and participates in case reviews and supervisory conferences and is exposed to a variety of learning experiences, including formal and on-the-job training programs, designed to develop professional and technical skills;

· Documents activities and services using designed agency methods and procedures, including independent living summaries, correspondences, and reports;

· Develops the Independent Living portion of the Needs Based Budget, then keeps expenditures within those guidelines, while looking to improve service delivery and competence of the youth; and

· Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the basic principles of economics, sociology, psychology, and other social sciences. Knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems and their impact on the growth and development of people. Knowledge of: community resources, normal and dysfunctional behaviors, federal, state and county rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Ability to esta lish and maintain positive working relationships with clients, families, Agency staff, and other community agencies. To work as a "Team" member. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from group of managers, clients, customers, and general public. Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ration and percent, and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Must possess an associate's degree, with at least two years' experience working with families and children; or a bachelor's degree. Must enjoy assisting adolescents in procuring knowledge and skills necessary for transition from dependent to independent living. Valid driver's license, and Certification of Direct Service Worker. Must obtain the required clearances through the FBI, PA State Police, and Childline.

*The physical demands and work environment 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.

Bedford County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.