5A05
SOCIAL WORKER TRAINEE

This is training level work developing the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform social work. An employee in this class functions in a training capacity receiving instruction in the principles, practices, procedures and application of case work methods and techniques. Work includes exposure to the variety of counseling, referral, placement and/or adoptive functions required to provide services to children and youth, services to adults and aging, services to mentally ill and/or retarded, services for family medical care and/or for correctional rehabilitation. As the training period progresses, the employee performs increasingly difficult and responsible work. Contact with individuals, their families, representatives of various private and public welfare agencies, representatives of professional and community groups, and the general public is a significant aspect of the work. Work is performed under the close supervision of a technical or managerial superior. Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with instructions and established practices. Employees are trained in providing advisory and interpretive services to defined client populations, agency officials and superiors.

BILINGUAL SPECIALTY

Performs the duties described below with members of the English language speaking and designated non-English language speaking populations.

GENERAL SPECIALTY

Attends training sessions, seminars and lectures to learn the concepts, principles, practices, and application of social work; reads and studies textbooks, manuals, instruction sheets and applicable rules and regulations; receives instruction in the interpretation and application of appropriate laws, rules, regulations and procedures.

Receives on-the-job training on the accepted social work methods and techniques for performing a variety of counseling, referral, placement and/or adoptive functions; consults with immediate supervisor on departmental policies, programs, and procedures; observes higher level employees in performing various phases of case work within respective service areas; receives orientation on the respective programs within assigned functional area.

Receives instruction and performs a variety of field and office activities in the assigned phases of activity to enable an employee to learn to perform the following:

Interviews defined client and/or family members to elicit socio-economic, family, medical, employment and educational, and criminal justice background and history; reviews case record to identify special needs and/or problems; observes behavior of appropriate case members; discusses case with concerned members of professional and community groups; defines and identifies individuals and family members needs and problems.

Performs related work a required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
• English usage, spelling and grammar.
• social factors and causes of social maladjustment which necessitate the placement or institutionalization of children and adults.

ABILITY TO:

• learn the principles, practices and techniques of social work as applied to correctionally institutionalized youths and adults.
• learn the principles, practices and techniques of social work as applied to children and youth.
• learn the principles, practices and techniques of social work as applied to adults and the aging.
• learn the principles, practices and techniques of social work as applied to the mentally ill and retarded.
• learn the functions and resources of public and private welfare and related agencies for meeting social, financial, and medical problems.
• learn the theories, principles and techniques of working with individuals with severe emotional, mental, and social problems.
• learn the principles, practices and techniques of individual and family counseling.
• learn casework principles, practices and techniques.
• learn the principles, practices and methods of group dynamics.
• apply social work techniques to specific problems.
• prepare a variety of written reports.
• present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
• speak and understand the designated non-English language for the Bilingual specialty.

EDUCATION

Completion of a bachelor's degree program with major course work in social work, social services or a related field at an accredited college or university.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE BILINGUAL SPECIALTY

Sufficient training and/or experience to be able to converse effectively in English and the designated non-English language.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Social Worker Trainee, if required by work assignment.

Certificate that verifies successful completion, within six (6) months after appointment, of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) approved course and examination entitled HIV Prevention Counseling and Proficiency Examination, if required by work assignment.

NOTE:
Pennsylvania Act 33 of 1985 requires State Criminal Record and Central Register reports prior to appointment to positions in this class having responsibility for direct child care.

PAY RANGE: EP10
Class Established: 8/57

Latest Spec. Revision:
CSC: 8/99, Ad Board: 10/99

This is not a licensed social worker position.

CN/sb