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GPS/CPS Investigator

County of Venango
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POSITION:                GPS/CPS Investigator

Full-Time; 80 hours per pay

DEPARTMENT:      Children, Youth, and Family Services

                                    Troy A. Wood Human Services Complex; Franklin, PA

PAY GRADE:           HUMAN SERVICES NON-EXEMPT PAY GRADE 4

                                    $18.88/hr

                                    Troy A. Wood Human Services Complex; Franklin, PA                              

HS STEP PLAN:     Purple Steps

Successful completion of training requirements provides pay increases at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months - in addition to any other approved increases!

OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB

This position is responsible for investigating suspected child abuse and neglect reports, completing diagnostic assessments, case management, planning, coordinating, evaluating and authorizing services for consumers who are involved in Children and Youth Services. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB

  1. A mandated reporter at all times. 
  2. Investigate suspected child abuse/neglect reports and ensure child and/or children’s safety within mandated time frames. 
  3. Interview and obtain information from child, parent(s), and others involved in the suspected child abuse/neglect report, or general protective services referral. 
  4. Complete Pennsylvania model for risk assessment and summary and safety assessment. 
  5. Track and monitor abuse investigations and general protective services reports. 
  6. Provide protective services and supportive services to abused and/or neglected children and their families. 
  7. Document case activity through records, case histories, correspondence, and reports applicable to agency policies and procedures. 
  8. Perform home visits as required.
  9. Select appropriate referrals for children and families to providers for assessments, services, and/or placements. 
  10. Perform home studies. (Inter/Intrastate Compact). 
  11. Prepare documents and provide testimony in court. 
  12. Prepare and submit forms and maintain records in accordance with the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) and other regulations. 
  13. Meet all state laws, regulatory and local policy mandated time frames on all necessary paperwork. 
  14. Model appropriate parenting skills when meeting with children and families. 
  15. Will assess a referral for up to a 60-day assessment period.  Collaterals will be done timely in order to open or successfully close cases within that 60-day time period as outlined by regulations. 
  16. Adherence to HIPPA and confidentiality requirements.
  17. Work collaboratively with social service agencies, hospitals, courts, and other community resources. 
  18. Demonstrate a sensitive awareness of cultural/ethnic diversity and age-related issues. 
  19. Maintain a confidential and professional demeanor when dealing with social service agencies, community resources, families, and general public. 
  20. Complete 20 hours training annually
  21. Participate in staff meetings and mandated supervisions at least every 10 days. 
  22. Transport clients and/or coordinate transportation needs.
  23. Utilizes computer and other office equipment as needed.
  24. Prepares required reports as mandated by federal, state, or County policies and procedures. 
  25. Performs related work as required.

OTHER DUTIES OF THE JOB

  1. Attends staffings, training and other meetings as required.
  2. Attends certification trainings as required under Act 151 of the Child Protective Services Law, Title 23 PA., C.S. and Chapter 6.
  3. Performs other job-related work as required.
  4. On occasion, may need to respond to CYS calls through the PIC unit, to include afterhours. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives regular instruction and supervision from Supervisor regarding daily work duties and essential job functions.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  1. Works indoors in adequate workspace, lighting and temperatures, but with fluctuations in ventilation.
  2. Works with average indoor exposure to noise, but subject to frequent disruptions and stress. 
  3. Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.
  4. Works frequently outside the office and is exposed to above average dust/dirt/odors and smoke.
  5. Periodically works beyond normal work hours or on weekends.
  6. Works in conditions of potential outbursts or disruptive behavior of clients.
  7. Travels frequently during all seasons and is exposed to outdoor elements, including snow and icy roadways.
  8. Frequently visits in individuals’ homes where conditions are unanticipated.  Above normal exposure, in some cases, to odors, fleas, unsanitary conditions, poorly maintained steps, unknown diseases, pets, or occasional volatile family situations.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONDITIONS

  1. Must possess the ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions.
  2. Must be able to sit for long periods throughout the workday, with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting, reaching and driving as necessary to carry out essential duties of job. 
  3. Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands; feet/legs; torso necessary to carry out duties of job. 
  4. Sedentary work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of ten pounds and occasionally requires lifting child or objects weighing about 30 to 40 lbs. 
  5. Must demonstrate emotional stability.   
  6. Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position. 
  7. Must be able to physically and mentally react quickly in the event of a disturbance or physical outbreak. 
  8. Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work. 
    1. Must be able to speak and understand the English language in an understandable manner in order to carry out essential job duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

  1. Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills.
  2. Must possess initiative and problem-solving skills.
  3. Must possess ability to function independently, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with clients, co-workers and others. 
  4. Must possess ability to maintain confidentiality in regard to client information and records.
  5. Must possess ability to operate personal computer and related software, to type and utilize other office equipment and to prepare required reports. 
  6. Must possess ability to make accurate observations and documentation of same in regard to clients' needs and make determinations of risk assessment.
  7. Must possess the academic knowledge and some skill in promoting therapies and social service work and skills with children and youth. 
  8. Must possess knowledge of child development and the ability to conduct risk assessment and investigations.
  9. Must possess ability to provide structured and unstructured life skills instructions and guidance to clients as needed.
  10. Must possess the ability to express empathy and understanding to all clients.
  11. Must be able to interact effectively with children and youth, department staff, counselors, attorneys and the courts and other agencies.
  12. Must have knowledge of the judicial and court system as it relates to child 

            services. 

QUALIFICATIONS

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

Four years of experience as a County Case Aide 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

Clearances:

  • Must obtain Act 151 PA Child Abuse History Clearance and Act 34 PA State Police Criminal Clearance within thirty days of employment.  These clearances must be updated every two years.
  • Must obtain FBI Clearance only once.
  • Copies of all clearances will be forwarded within thirty days to the Human Resources Department to be filed in personnel folder.

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HOW TO APPLY

All interested, qualified individuals should contact Human Resources at 814-432-9758. A Venango County internal application is required. Qualified applicants must pass an interview.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2024 by 4:00 PM

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

**DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE**

APPLICANTS WHO REQUIRE SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS DUE TO A DISABILITY SHOULD CONTACT 814-432-9758 FOR ASSISTANCE.