Caseworker

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS/HELP PROGRAM). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. CASEWORKER (HELP Program) DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: A caseworker provides social work services for individuals and families, including children, to assist them with their economic, emotional, social and environmental difficulties. The work is performed under supervision, with in-service training provided through the agency's staff-development program. The caseworker, in consultation with the supervising worker, formulates and carries out plans to meet the individual needs of the cases assigned. Shift work and on-call duties may be required. Does related work, as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: Formulates and carries out plans to meet the needs of the individual or family; Provides counseling to motivate the individual or family to increase their own capacity and confidence in their ability to handle problems; Studies the background and need for care of children referred, securing information from the child himself, the family, relatives, schools, churches, family courts, and other agencies; When foster care is necessary, determines whether the child's needs can best be met in an institution or a foster family home; Plans with parents and relatives for the care of children and reestablishment of the home; Establishes a relationship with individuals and families, to persuade them to avail themselves of recommended social services; Identifies the need for services, through in-depth discussions with clients; Maintains liaison with various agencies to which individuals and families can be referred for services; Works closely with other staff personnel, such as homemakers, in carrying out the plan for services; Reviews existing case records for available information, for use in formulating a plan of treatment; Periodically reviews cases, to determine changes in the individual's or family's situations affecting need for service; May be required to facilitate certain programs within the agency. The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work 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. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Working knowledge of Federal, State and local public welfare laws and programs; working knowledge of available services for clientele; ability to establish and maintain successful relationships with people; resourcefulness; sensitivity to the reactions of others; good powers of observation and analysis; initiative; tact; emotional maturity; good judgment. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education, AND: Possession of a Bachelor's degree or higher. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR APPOINTMENT AND CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT: Possession of a valid NYS Operators License.