THE POSITION

Do you want to help make a difference with children and families in day to day life events? Luzerne County Children & Youth Services is looking for people like you! Luzerne County has an immediate need for County Caseworker 1 positions in its Children, Youth and Families agency. Located in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Luzerne County Government offers many exciting and challenging opportunities to learn and grow in a career while making a difference in their lives of Luzerne County families.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The County Caseworker 1 will participate in training programs to provide basic knowledge relative to agency purpose, services provided, client population characteristics, and applicable laws, methods, and procedures, rules and regulations governing the operation of the agency. Knowledge will be learned about the network of available community resources by reviewing resource files, site visits, and working with the observing higher level caseworker staff. The employee will perform a variety of entry level social services and case management duties designed to provide supportive services to all children, youth, and families, people who are mentally disabled, people who are physically challenged, and others. The employee will provide or assist in the provision of social services, such as placement of children and adults in foster care or adoptive homes, daycare centers, domiciliary care facilities, or institutions. The employee will guide clients in home and budget management, housing, childcare and parenting skills, employment, recreation and living arrangements to assist the child and family.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• 
  Full-time employment.
• Work hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Vacancies may be filled in the Wilkes-Barre or Hazelton offices.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to work in-office. Telework hours vary based upon daily tasks and agency needs.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• 
  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
• Two years of experience as a County Social Services Aide 3 and two years of college level course work which includes 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 and one year of experience as a County Social Services Aide 3 or in a similar position performing paraprofessional case management functions.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within two months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.

Benefit packages are determined by the county and may vary. Please contact the applicable county human resource office directly to inquire about a specific benefit package.