Case Worker

Job Description

Position Title: Caseworker

Reports to: Program Director

Department:

Administration Adoption Behavior Health HBDS IPS PEP

Face Forward Foster Care Residential TPII

Program:

FLSA Status: Exempt

Non-exempt

Location:

100 W. Coulter Street

POSITION SUMMARY

The IHD Caseworker provides casework and supervision to clients and families in the In-Home Detention component of the Home-Based Delinquent Services Program. Cases from other HBDS components (In-Home Detention) may be allocated on an as needed basis. The In-Home Detention Case Worker reports directly to the Supervising Social Worker or Director of the IHD program. The position is Fee for Service and cases are allocated on an as needed basis. Cases are not guaranteed, and the position is a contracted position, therefore, hours, assignments and cases fluctuate week to week. The actual daily hours and workdays are determined between the individual IHD case worker and the supervising social worker, in order to ensure daily coverage (7 days a week).POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

IHD casework and monitoring.

The IHD Caseworker provides monitoring and supervision of 5 contacts per youth per week in the IHD program up to 6 cases. All contacts must be documented and submitted for review on a weekly basis. Contacts consist of visits made by the IHD Caseworker to meet with the youth face to face for a brief contact or transporting a youth on an activity with other youth where IHD Caseworkers conduct educational, life-skills counseling, recreational, cultural and social activities that may benefit the client.

The IHD Caseworker meets the objectives of providing sufficient supervision to ensure the youth's appearance in court, the client’s remaining arrest-free, the observation of curfews, and school and/ or work attendance.

When a client referral is received from the JJC, the first face-to-face contact must be made within 24 hours.

At the initial meeting with the youth and the family in their home, the IHD Caseworker describes the program requirements (curfews, school attendance, and making court dates). Required forms are completed and a schedule worked out for the coming week.

The IHD Caseworker makes clear to youth and family that he/she is required to report immediately to the JJC IHD Caseworker the following.

His/her arrest

An absence without permission

Curfew violation

Unexcused absence from school

Relocation without permission

Serious family breakdown

Missed court date

Any serious incident that involves police, fire, or medical attention

The IHD Caseworker must ensure court dates are kept and that hearing results are communicated to the program director.

The IHD Caseworker ensures the youth's court appearance by picking up the client and family at their home and taking them to the scheduled hearings.

The IHD Caseworker provides written court reports for court.

Upon arrival at court (usually by 9:00 a.m.) the IHD Caseworker checks the youth in with the court clerk. He/she/they are also responsible for making contact with the client’s attorney, usually a Public Defender, explaining that the client is committed to the IHD program.

The IHD Caseworker is required to turn in proper court reports, progress reports and any other reports to the court and attorneys concerning the client’s adjustment and or progress.

The IHD Caseworker accompanies the youth and family into the court room and must be prepared to make an oral report and to answer any questions the Judge may have.

If the case is continued, the IHD Caseworker must specifically ask the Judge or clerk if the youth is still committed to the In-Home Detention program.

The IHD Caseworker is responsible for explaining the court outcome to youth and family.

The IHD Caseworker is responsible for maintaining the youth’s record in accord with JJC policies and procedures. Paperwork is kept brief as possible/allowable so that IHD Caseworker may concentrate on client contact but must contain necessary information to support IHD Caseworker actions and recommendations.

The IHD Caseworker has a weekly conference with the supervising social worker or director, and there is a monthly staff meeting that must be attended.

The IHD Caseworker agrees to conditions outlined in this job description and understands that hours and cases are not guaranteed regardless of how long a client is committed to the program. FFS IHD Caseworker are used on an as needed basis.

The IHD case worker may also be given cases from other components of JJC if there is a need for coverage due to staffing shortage.

EDUCATION/CREDENTIALS/EXPERIENCE

High School diploma. Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred

Six months of experience and knowledge in the principles, practices, procedures, and applications of juvenile detention and counseling methods and techniques.

ESSENTIALS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Self-Motivated individual that wants to work and help youth who need, but may be resistant to, receiving assistance.

Good writing skills and the ability to document and act on necessary information.

An awareness of the City of Philadelphia in reference to driving directions and resources.

The use of a car each day, including the possession of current auto insurance and a valid driver’s license.

The ability and willingness to adjust hours in accord with job responsibilities. Evening and weekend hours are inevitable.

A working cell phone.

Administrative activities

Ensures compliance with all JJC’s policies and procedures, including confidentiality and reporting suspected abuse in accordance with CPSL, 23 Pa.C.S. § § 6301—6385, and JJC policies and procedures.

Full-time