GPS Specialist

The Department of Children, Youth and Families is seeking compassionate individuals with assessment, engagement and writing skills for GPS Specialist positions in the Intake/ Investigatory Unit. Learn how to respond to referrals and allegations and conduct assessments and investigations to assess risk and insure the safety and well being of children. Responsibilities include; home visits, providing client transport, interviewing to gather information and completing timely and accurate documentation and reports. Maintain current records, provide resources and referrals to community resources and agency services and testify in court. Learn to address child welfare concerns, work with law enforcement, judical systems, medical systems, collateral professionals and community based agencies. Ideal candidate will be able to manage multiple priorities when responding to urgent situations and will learn to be proficient in documenting interactions and maintaining focus in a very busy environment. Eligible for promotion after 6 months to Casework Specialist if successful in the position. Will require working outside of the core business hours . This position includes the potential for a flexible work arrangement that may include remote work. Valid driver's license and use of a private vehicle required. Minimum requirements: A Bachelors Degree in the Social Sciences; or a Bachelors Degree with 12 credits in the Social Sciences and one year employment experience in the Human Services field. Degree must be from and accredited College or University. Child Abuse, State Police and FBI clearance required. Writing skills assessment conducted at the interview. An online pre-interview assessment is required. Bi-lingual (English/ Spanish) are encouraged to apply. These positions are subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining unit. Human Services Employee Addendum can be found here

• Assess situation to determine if child is at risk of harm in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
• Learn how to complete child abuse investigations including "more difficult cases" / serious physical harm and sexual abuse under the direct supervision of a casework specialist supervisor or manager..
• Learn how to complete child abuse investigations of more complicated cases under the direct supervision of a casework specialist supervisor or manager.
• Learn and understand the application of the Child Protective Services Law and Juvenile Act.
• Learn and understand the application of court process and procedure.
• Assess client needs to develop individual treatment plans in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
• Skilled writer; timely written assessments, reports and summations.
• Ensure coordination and implementation of plan.
• Monitor client participation/ progress in programs as per established case management standards.
• Make necessary referrals and coordinate services.
• Produce and maintain reports/ records/ client tracking system in accordance with regulations and agency policies to reflect services needs, social services provided and case outcomes.
• Attend conferences/ meeting with collateral agencies as they relate to client services.
• Attend training throughout the year.
• Maintain a professional public image per county and agency policy.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects as required.
• The GPS Specialist position comes under the provision of the Child Protective Services Law. Pennsylvania State Police, Childline and FBI clearances are required.If your background is unacceptable, you will be disqualified for employment in this position.
• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the Social Sciences: Anthropology, Counseling, Criminology, Gerontology, Human Behavior/Development, Psychology, Social Work/Welfare, Sociology, Special Education, Human Services, Women's and Gender Studies, Administration of Justice, Criminal Justice, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science OR
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with 12 credits in the Social Sciences with one year of employment experience in the human services field;
• Must have a valid driver's license and use of a private vehicle.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience: Two years of experience in the human services field.

• A Bachelor's degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university
• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in the Social Sciences

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy. Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic Word skills
• Basic OutLook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Basic Internet skills (for research purposes)

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, talk or hear, taste or smell, and travel to and from different locations. Occasionally, the employee will need to reach above shoulder height, and climb stairs. On rare occasions, the employee will need to work with arms above shoulder height, bend at the waist or work bent at the waist, lift or carry items, and work with an uncommon level of noise. The specific vision requirement for this position is:

• Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
• Inclement weather can contribute to hazardous travel conditions.
• Attending initial intakes alone and in all types of neighborhoods can potentially place you in an unsafe environment.
• Field work, as assigned.
• Court appearances, as necessary.

Other:

• · This position requires extensive reading.
• · Ability to work extended hours as needed

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