What are the responsibilities and job description for the Caseworker III - Protective Services Worker position at Montgomery County Pennsylvania?
- SUMMARY
It is the responsibility of the Protective Services Worker (PSW) to investigate Reports of Need for protective services in a thorough and timely manner as described and mandated in the Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA).
The PSW is charged with assessing a consumer's imminent risk for stated allegations of abuse, neglect, abandonment or exploitation within the Report of Need and as defined within the law. In the course of the investigation, should other concerns regarding the consumer be identified, those concerns must be fully investigated.
Investigation is conducted with a face-to-face interview of the consumer, and with interviews of collateral contacts. Proper notifications and thorough documentation are critical to the investigation.
When Protective Services intervention is needed to protect a consumer from imminent risk, assessment of needs and coordination of services are conducted. Legal intervention is sought as necessary. The PSW works in concert with the Supervisor 1 throughout this process.
At the conclusion of the case, the PSW will determine the allegations on the Report of Need either substantiated or unsubstantiated.
The PSW will be responsible to provide telephone coverage, by handling incoming calls to the protective services hotline, and complete Reports of Need, as warranted.
- ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Receives protective services Reports of Need. Meets with consumers, interviews collateral contacts, and makes proper notifications in order to conduct a thorough protective services investigation in a timely fashion and in accordance with regulatory guidelines;
- Coordinates a multidisciplinary assessment, of consumer's needs to determine the ongoing plan of care utilizing the least restrictive resources to secure consumer's reduced risk;
- Completes precise and thorough documentation within required time frames as dictated by State and local guidelines;
- Provides coverage for the protective services hotline and completes Reports of Need;
- Attends trainings and maintains a working knowledge of programs and services for which consumers are eligible;
- Performs other duties, as required, to maintain office functioning. These may include all other direct service roles. When other direct service roles are performed standards and guidelines for these positions are met.
- QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and Skills
1 year of experience in public or private social work and a bachelor's degree which includes or is supplemented by 12 college-level credit hours in sociology, social work/social welfare, psychology, gerontology or other related social sciences; OR a bachelor's degree with a social work/social welfare major; OR an equivalent combination of experience and training including successful completion of 12 college-level credit hours in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology or other related social sciences.
Physical Requirements
They must be able to drive to various appointments throughout Montgomery County on a regular basis.They must be able to carry a laptop to meet with consumers in order to assess their needs.
They must be able to sit for extended periods of time in order to complete extensive case record documentation. Case documentation is done via a computer.