Performs a variety of counseling, referral, placement and/or adoptive services for assigned cases within respective program; interviews defined client and/or family members to elicit information and reviews case record for client's and family's profiles, socio-economic history, previous treatment and service experiences, and/or special problems and needs; observes interactions of client, family members and peers; contacts concerned members of professional and community groups to discuss case, problems, prognosis, behavior patterns, recommendations and service needs.

Evaluates individual's needs, interest, motivation and pattern of responsibility; develops service plan to provide a variety of social services and referrals to meet social, financial, behavioral, medical and/or psychological needs; recommends most appropriate vocational, educational, counseling and/or treatment programs; provides continuous counseling to achieve objectives, enhance communications and understanding, and resolve problems; counsels individuals in such areas as personal and family management, housing, schooling, employment, and skill development; monitors progress, attitudes, and behavior of individual and family members; discusses case, special problems, client's needs and proposed service plan with supervisor.

Plans for the appropriate placement of individual in a temporary or permanent care program, facility or institution; arranges for any medical or psychiatric treatment prior to placement; interviews and orients prospective applicants, clients and providers in the program's goals and objectives, roles and responsibilities of various parties, and legal ramifications; places individual in most appropriate program; visits placement facility to evaluate progress and/or problems of client, and services to client; reviews reports on status, progress and/or problems of client; prepares written evaluations of agency; finds alternative placement for client when condition, circumstances or problems warrant; may recommend services provided to client by agency be terminated.

Initiates court action when appropriate; prepares necessary court petitions and documents; discusses case with attorneys, witnesses, and other departmental officials; testifies in court.

Prepares a variety of reports, forms, and correspondence such as case summaries, progress reports, and authorization forms; attends staff and personal conferences.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the principles, practices and techniques of social work as it pertains to children and youth, adults and the aging, and those correctionally institutionalized.
• the laws, regulations and rules governing the provision of social services to children and youth, adults and the aging, and those correctionally institutionalized.
• philosophy and objectives underlying social services for children and youth.
• current social, economic and health programs affecting the aged.
• functions and resources of public and private welfare and related agencies for meeting social, financial, and medical problems.
• theories, principles and techniques of working with individuals with severe emotional, mental, and social problems.
• the causes of social maladjustment and other social factors which necessitate the placement or institutionalization of children and adults.
• the principles, practices, methods and techniques in the field of social service planning.
• social, environmental, economic and psychological factors underlying the breakdown of the family structure.
• concepts and methods utilized in the prevention of self-destructive behaviors.

• observe, recognize, analyze and report an individual's behavioral, attitudinal, emotional and social problems and develop a plan for their resolution.
• evaluate program service quality and effectiveness as it relates to an individual's needs.
• employ tact, diplomacy and judgment in dealing with sensitive or personal problems and hostile attitudes.
• establish rapport and cooperative relationships with individuals possessing social and emotional problems.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private social service officials, representatives of community organizations, associates and the general public.
• 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 at an accredited college or university. Two years of social work experience performing a variety of social services related to children and youth, adults and the aging, and/or correctional rehabilitation.

A Master's Degree in Social Work may be substituted for the two years of the general social work experience.

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.

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

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 1, if required by work assignment.

PAY RANGE: EP12
Class Established: 1/1953

Latest Spec. Revision: 12/1989
  CSC - 7/1994 ; Ad Board - 8/1994

This is not a licensed social worker position.