Employment Opportunities at Union-Snyder Agency on Aging, Inc.
Protective Services Worker (Social Worker)
JOB SUMMARY: The primary purpose is to investigate reports of elder abuse, neglect, exploitation and abandonment; to take appropriate action and/or to provide protective services; and to maintain a caseload of vulnerable consumers. Must have a valid PA driver’s license and current auto insurance.
QUALIFICATIONS: Two years of experience in public or private social work including one year direct aging program experience and a bachelor’s degree with a social welfare major with coursework in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, or other related social sciences. Must clear pre-employment background checks.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are normal for this position and are not to be considered as exclusive or all-inclusive.
- Receives and writes reports of suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation and
- Conducts thorough investigation of the circumstances of consumers who need protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment.
- Develops care plans, which coordinate necessary services for vulnerable consumers to reduce, eliminate and prevent further abuse.
- Provides care management services to consumers and members of their families to aid them in achieving a more satisfactory adjustment to their specific problems or situations.
- Obtains information from consumers, members of consumer’s families, neighbors and other persons necessary for the identification of social, economic, emotional, health or physical problems in accordance with PDA & AAA policy on protective services investigation.
- Conducts and/or coordinates assessments of the elderly who are at risk of being institutionalized or having multi-faceted service needs. The tasks consist of the needs assessment, the writing of the care plan, arranging for services and follow-up. These tasks will be completed in accordance with PDA & AAA guidelines and policy.
- Performs reassessments of consumers as designated in the consumer contact plan. Arranges for changes in service as an outcome of the reassessment. Conducts follow-up. Responsible for the ongoing care management of the case.
- Documents all actions and pays close attention to detail.
- Recommends cases for court intervention, including involuntary interventions, guardianships or mental health commitments.
- Testifies in court concerning various aspects of assigned cases.
- Conducts phone contacts with consumers, families, physicians, or others in regard to consumer needs and services.
- Establishes an effective working relationship with consumers, family members, pastors, neighbors, other social service workers or attorneys in order to provide a better living situation for the consumer.
- Maintains a caseload of vulnerable consumers who are in need of protective services.
- Attends protective services meetings and reports on consumers’ statuses.
- Serves in an advisory capacity to staff and the public in specialized areas such as legal, medical, privacy laws, rules and regulations as they relate to protective service consumers.
- Required to provide after- hour emergency intervention as a part of the agency’s on-call system, on a rotating basis as assigned by the Protective Services Supervisor.
- Operates computer and other office equipment as necessary to carry out essential job duties.
- Travels as required to perform essential job duties, i.e. to homes, hospitals, and agencies.
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:
- Attends meetings and/or training as required.
- Performs other duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
- Ability to clearly express ideas orally and in writing, and to perform basic arithmetical operations
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, consumers, community leaders, and the public
- Ability to understand and accept the needs and rights of older adults
- Skilled in problem-solving
- Ability to interpret policies, laws, and regulations
- Skilled at operating office equipment
- Knowledge of basic computer operation and of specific computer applications pertaining to job
- Ability and willingness to travel as needed
- Ability to maintain composure and remain calm should consumers become aggressive
- Ability to maintain a caseload of consumers in an effective manner
- Ability to practice use of good judgment in assessing needs and services of consumers during normal and emergency situations
- Ability to prepare records and reports
- Ability to use SAMS effectively and efficiently as job requires
- Ability to react quickly and effectively in the event of a crisis
- Skilled in the development of care plans that address the needs of vulnerable older adults
- Knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations governing the protective services program
- Knowledge of protective service policy and program requirements within the Agency, Department of Human Services
- Ability to manage stress
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Must be able to sit for long periods throughout the workday, with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting, reaching, and traveling as necessary to carry out essential job duties
- Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands, feet/legs, and/or torso as necessary to carry out duties of job
- Occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of twenty pounds
WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Works indoors in a common workspace with adequate lighting, temperature and ventilation, as well as normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt, noise, stress, and disruptions. Travels to other work sites as needed. At times may be exposed to dangerous situations when visiting consumers’ homes.
RATE & BENEFITS: Rate is $18.97/hour based on a 37.5 work week. Agency offers health insurance, employee-paid supplemental vision & dental coverage, vision & dental reimbursement, retirement plan, and paid time off & holidays.
Please send all cover letters and resumes by February 27, 2019.
EOE/M/F/SO