Job Description

Position: Intake Specialist Trainee

Definition of Class

• The Intake Specialist positions are distinct from that of a Caseworker in the terms of job classification and report directly to an Intake Supervisor. Intake Specialists provide State mandated services as outlined by the Child Protective Services Law, which requires 24-hour-per-day, seven-day-per-week availability to receive and investigate reports of child maltreatment and to provide information and referral services.

Nature of Work

• Direct Services:
• Receives and documents all reports of child abuse and neglect reported to the Agency regarding children living within Erie County. Provides callers with information and referral services, as needed.
• Begins investigation of child abuse referrals and any referrals where immediate safety can not be determined within twenty-four (24) hours. Establishes contact with all other families within assigned response times. Completes family-centered, culturally sensitive assessments within sixty (60) days of referral date.
• Investigative duties include face-to-face interviews with all family members, eye-witnesses, and involved professionals to determine the validity of the allegations, the ongoing safety of the children in the home, and the need for ongoing services by family members.
• For cases referred to the Agency by a mandated reporter, a face-to-face interview will be held with the mandated reporter during the course of the intake investigation; unless such a meeting is declined by the mandated reporter.
• Makes appropriate referrals to other professionals, as needed, to insure client families are able to access needed services.
• Completes safety assessments and creates safety plans to insure children are safe in their own homes. When safety in the home is not possible, responsible for establishing a safe living environment for the child that takes into consideration ties to school, family and culture.
• If placement with family is not an option, with the assistance of the foster family coordinator, selects appropriate foster placement locations, if necessary.
• Petitions the Court for Detention and/or Adjudication of the child. Petitions the Court for Aggravated Circumstances when necessary. Responsible for preparing for and testifying at detention and adjudication hearings held before the Master and Juvenile Court Judges.
• Report cases of child abuse to law enforcement, as required by the Child Protective Services Law and work cooperatively with law enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office to complete joint investigations.
• During the hours the Agency is closed, Intake Specialists will perform all the above duties and also provide emergency coverage to all current client families as needed.
• Completes interviews and investigations for other CPS agencies within Pennsylvania and other jurisdictions within and outside of the United States, involving residents of Erie County. Provides assistance to other jurisdictions when a runaway from outside Erie County is located within Erie County.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Service Accountability:
• Thoroughly document all contacts with clients in a manner prescribed by law, State regulation, and Agency policy. Complete risk assessments, document future risk and current safety. Prepare reports for various multidisciplinary teams, as needed.
• Provide clear written explanations to all clients regarding their due process rights under the Child Protective Services Law and Juvenile Act. Completes reports for the Court, when necessary.
• Completes inter-office reports (mileage, expense reports, etc.) as required by Agency policy.
• Keeps Agency informed of out-of-office appointments through accurate use of sign-out procedures.
• Supervision and Training:
• Attends regular supervisory sessions with the Intake Supervisor. Keeps supervisor informed of significant events with clients; collaborate on investigative planning and techniques to use in contacts with families and to deal with any problems the Intake worker may have in working with a family.
• Participates in peer supervision group meetings at a minimum of once per month for the purposes of case presentation, consultation, and policy review and group supervision. Meet on an “as needed” basis with the Agency’s Consultants for assistance in the assessment and treatment of families for clinical skill development.
• Experienced staff will provide mentoring services to new staff to enhance services to families and to assist in the facilitation of the learning experience for new staff.
• Attend inter-agency meetings and mental health case staffing meetings for the purposes of investigation completion and coordination of services. Participate in training at workshops and conferences in specific areas of individual needs. Read memoranda to keep informed of Agency procedural changes and statewide regulation changes.
• Read journal articles and books related to child welfare issues and concerns, particularly as they relate to child maltreatment, family-centered practice, domestic violence, substance abuse, reunification, and out-of-home placement. Attend staff meetings of the entire Agency personnel, as scheduled.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of current social case management principles, techniques and methods.
• Knowledge of current social, economic and health problems and resources and individual group development and behavior and ways of working effectively with adults/children who have social, economic and health problems.
• Knowledge of basic principles and methods of program interpretation and community organization.
• Knowledge of social welfare policy and law as how they relate to agency function and purpose.
• Ability to work effectively with people and to aid in their growth of potential in adjusting to their specific problems.
• Ability to plan and organize work, prepare adequate records and reports, set priorities, and maintain a caseload in an effective and timely manner.
• Ability to plan, organize and direct the work of others.
• Ability to interpret and apply relevant laws, regulations and policies governing agency services.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of 6 months Experience as a County Caseworker I or Completion of the County Social Casework Intern Program or a Bachelor's Degree in a Social Welfare Major or a Bachelor's Degree with 12 Credits Sociology, Psychology, Social Welfare or other related Social Sciences and 1 year Social Casework Experience or Equivalent Training and Experience including 12 Credits in Sociology, Psychology, Social Welfare or other related Social Sciences of Professional Social Casework Experience or the Equivalent Combination of Experience and Training which includes 12 Credits in Sociology, Psychology, Social Welfare or other related Social Services

Supervision Received

• Supervision provided by an Intake Casework Supervisor during regular weekly meetings, peer group meetings, and as needed.

Conditions Of Employment

• Required to provide and are subject to Pennsylvania criminal and child abuse clearances as well as an FBI fingerprint clearance.