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Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

• This is entry level professional social service work in our County Behavioral Health/Developmental Services Agency.
• Employees who successfully complete a six-month probation in this classification are promoted to the Caseworker classification.
• The caseworker trainee position is assigned to a Support Coordination Unit and the employee is commonly referred to as a support coordinator. 
• Employees in this position participate in formal and informal BHDS agency training programs which provide knowledge of the methods, procedures, rules and regulations necessary to perform social service and case management supportive services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families to assist them in attaining a more inclusive social, economic, emotional, and physical life while maintaining health and safety.
• The work assigned is limited in scope and difficulty, and is performed under close supervision, but as knowledge and skills are acquired, more latitude in judgment and decision making is permitted.  Work also involves the training and application of problem solving techniques.
• Work is performed in accordance with established regulations, policies, and procedures, but employees are expected to exercise initiative and judgment in discharging their duties.   

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• Work is reviewed by a support coordinator supervisor through regularly scheduled individual and group conferences, and the review of records and reports.     

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• The support coordinator trainee participates in a formal and informal training program which provides the basic knowledge of the agency purpose, rules and regulations governing the operation of the agency, client population characteristics, and services provided.  The training is provided within the framework of the 3 functions of support coordination: locating, coordinating and monitoring.
• Learns about the network of community resources and agency-funded services by reviewing resources, site visits and working with and observing higher level casework staff.
• Receives instruction regarding agency and State policies and procedures and completion of all applicable forms. Receives instruction in proper documentation techniques and use of the required databases.  
• Attends and participates in a variety of client meetings and is exposed to a variety of learning experiences, including forms and on-the-job training programs designed to develop professional and technical skills. 
• Performs a variety of entry level social services and support coordination duties designed to provide services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities and autism.  Assists clients and families to develop their own potential for more adequately resolving their social, health, emotional and economic problems. Makes referrals to community agencies and resources to meet client needs.
• Begins to manage a caseload of up to 35 clients which includes maintaining required levels of contact and monitoring.
• Support Coordinators must also complete and participate in mandatory and elective trainings to meet ODP training requirements.
• Occasional compensatory or flex time may be requested to meet the needs of individual clients, family members or service providers.     

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

• The employee will work in collaboration with the Supervisor of the Unit and the Directors of Support Coordination and Administrative Entity (AE) staff to promote a cooperative work effort within the other Support Coordination Units.  
• They will promote a cooperative work effort within MH/ID’s various components, e.g. administrative, mental health, as well as with contracted service providers and with the community at large.
• Support coordinators will complete other duties as specified by the Supervisor, Directors and AE staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• A bachelor's degree which includes or is supplemented by successful completion of 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences: or

• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of human development and behavior including individuals, families and groups.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of psychology, sociology or other social sciences.
• Ability to understand and accept the needs and rights of others and work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 
• Ability to learn, interpret and apply relevant laws, regulations and policies governing agency services.
• Ability to learn how to conduct individual and team meetings and use them to identify strengths, goals and abilities to support individuals to have an Everyday Life.
• Ability to plan an organize work, prepare adequate records and reports, set priorities and learn to maintain a caseload in an effective and timely manner.
• Ability to adequately express ideas orally and in writing.      

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

• Must pass pre-employment drug screen test
• Must have acceptable background check that includes FBI Clearances, PA State Police Criminal History, ChildLine Clearances
• All clearances are required prior to the start of employment and may not be more than one year old at the time of employment.
• A Valid Driver’s license and acceptable driving history in accordance with County policy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must be able to work in a busy and open environment.
• Must be able to routinely provide own transportation to and from consumer's homes, meetings, outreach visits and other job-related appointments in a timely manner and be able to access those locations with reasonable accommodations.
• This position has been identified as having the potential for exposure to Hepatitis B.  Access to training and a voluntary vaccination against Hepatitis B are provided. consumer's homes, meetings, outreach visits and other job-related appointments in a timely manner and be able to access those locations with reasonable accommodations.
• This position has been identified as having the potential for exposure to Hepatitis B. Access to training and voluntary vaccination against Hepatitis B is provided.
•  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 the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees.  Read more about our benefits here.

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.