Caseworker 3 (CYF) - GPS Intake

Caseworker 3 (CYF) - GPS Intake

Salary

$55,560.00 Annually

Location

Human Services Building, 2801 Emerick Boulevard, Bethlehem, PA

Job Type

Full time

Job Number

2026-00321E

Department

Human Services

Division

Children, Youth and Families

Opening Date

10/02/2026

Closing Date

10/15/2026 5:00 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Application Requirements

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must successfully submit a completed application prior to the posting deadline. Applications submitted with incomplete or missing education and/or work experience sections will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. These applicants will be disqualified from consideration. The attachment of a resume to the application does not fulfill this requirement and will not prevent incomplete applications from being rejected. Education and work experience fields must be completed, regardless of the presence of an attached resume.

Once the posting closes, all applications will be reviewed. The information provided on the application will be utilized to determine whether or not each applicant meets the Minimum Requirements for this position as noted in the Job Description. We encourage all applicants to provide a comprehensive, concise history of their education, certification, licensing, and employment history. Please read the Minimum Requirements thoroughly and then demonstrate that you meet these requirements on your application.

For questions regarding this posting, please contact Kimberly Lorenzoni, Human Resources Position Specialist, klorenzoni@norcopa.gov or 610-829-6372.

Equal Employment Opportunities - It is the policy of Northampton County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or any other status protected by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any other state, federal, or local law.

Job Description

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Caseworker 3 - Children, Youth & Families - General Protective Services - Intake position is an advanced professional casework position responsible for the provision of a full range of social services to families in need of general protective services (GPS) assessment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

This position reports directly to the Casework Supervisor for General Protective Services - Intake.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position may involve functioning as a lead worker for professional social services staff and/or supervising or directing paraprofessionals and/or clerical staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION

Provides casework services to families per GPS intake caseworker job responsibilities. Conducts assessments to determine and identify family problems which contribute to or result in neglect. Develops a plan to address these issues. Case assignments are generally more difficult and complex which require the expertise of an experienced caseworker (i.e., Caseworker 3).

Assesses safety of children and arranges service provision utilizing appropriate family, school, and community resources to meet the needs of the family.

Makes appropriate referrals, concerning the need and problems of clients, with follow up to other community agencies and resources.

Provides phone counseling and on-site counseling for situations involving children and youth issues.

Prepares case summaries correspondence, Court petitions and summaries, 60 day assessment reports, referral summaries, and other records required by regulation and agency policy.

Gives testimony in Juvenile Court, Magistrate Hearings, Court of Common Pleas, Criminal Court, and any other hearings as necessary.

Refers clients to appropriate community resources. Documents client use of services and keeps case records according to agency requirements.

Prepares case histories, letters, Court Summaries, reports, referrals, summaries for psychological and psychiatric evaluations, referrals for placements, agency staffings and conferences. Keeps other records as required by casework plan and agency policy.

Arranges and, if necessary, supervises visits for parents with children placed outside their family home.

Participates in ten (10) day review of all assigned cases with supervisor. Advises supervisor of emergent situations and, when appropriate, schedules and presents cases for agency staffing.

Maintains professional growth and development by attending seminars, conferences, trainings, etc.

Orients new workers to GPS Intake in accordance with Children, Youth & Families policies and procedures.

Oversees and mentors new workers in the office, field, Court, and community.

Accompanies staff in challenging case situations, both in the field and in the office, especially when safety concerns, volatile situations, and/or GPS allegations may occur.

Serves as back-up and provides coverage for other Caseworker 3 positions within all program areas.

• An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE - Possession of a Bachelors degree in Sociology, Social Welfare, Psychology, Gerontology, Criminal Justice, or other related social sciences; AND

At least three (3) years of professional social casework experience in a public or private social services agency. (Public or private social work is defined as professional work identifying and evaluating consumer problems and formulating, implementing, or directing an appropriate service plan. This requires in-depth interviewing to obtain comprehensive information about consumer needs, counseling, providing information about available programs, determining eligibility for program services, and negotiating on behalf of consumers with referral agencies to successfully implement appropriate services.); OR

At least two (2) years of experience as a Caseworker 2; OR

Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 12 college credits in Sociology, Social Welfare, Psychology, Gerontology, Criminal Justice, or other related social sciences.

Employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator's license. Must have an acceptable driving record. Personal vehicle required for County business; employee is eligible for mileage reimbursement.

May require the employee to work beyond the scheduled workday and need to maintain a flexible schedule in order to handle emergency situations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing the administration of County Child Welfare programs.

Knowledge of current social case management principles, techniques, and methods.

Knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems and the available resources.

Knowledge of human development, individual and group behavior, and ways of working effectively with adults and children who have social, economic, emotional, or health problems.

Knowledge of the principles and methods applied in collecting, reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting case management summaries, statistical data, and reports.

Knowledge of the organization and structure of the Court, judicial, and legal systems as they relate to County Child Welfare.

Knowledge of court-related requirements for the preparation and presentation of legal documents and testimony for the Courts.

Knowledge of the development of resources, educational programs, and materials.

Knowledge of basic principles and practices of supervision and administration.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and their families, the Courts, judges, attorneys, police, representatives from other community agencies, and agency staff.

Ability to analyze and evaluate program plans, operations, goals, and objectives and to make recommendations toward policy determination.

Ability to provide advice, technical assistance, and training to agency staff regarding the requirements, structures, and operations of the Court and legal systems.

Ability to function independently and decisively.

Ability to develop resources and educational materials and to speak before a variety of groups and organizations.

Ability to maintain confidentiality in high-pressure situations.

Ability to plan and organize work, prepare adequate records and reports, and set priorities. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of others.

Ability to interpret and apply relevant laws, regulations, and policies governing agency services. Ability to express ideas verbally and in writing.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English to perform the duties of this position.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Telephone, personal computer (including word processing and spreadsheet software), calculator, writing implements, fax machine, copy machine, and paper shredder.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, and hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The noise level in the office is moderately quiet. Employee may also work in other environments such as schools, private homes, etc. These work environments may range from quiet to loud.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

FLSA STATUS: FLSA NON-EXEMPT (ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)

DESIGNATION: CAREER SERVICE

PAY GRADE: PS/GR37A

UNION STATUS: PSSU

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2026

Full-time employees of the County of Northampton are afforded a package of benefits which includes the following:

Medical Insurance

Vision and Prescription

Dental

Life Insurance

Retirement

I. Medical Insurance

Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Cost to the employee to participate in the plans varies by the coverage selection and number of dependents; and may be subject to collective bargaining, if a union member. The employee may also elect to opt out of the Countys medical insurance if proof of coverage through the spouses employer is provided. Under this arrangement, the employee is provided with an annual $1,500.00 opt out payment.

II. Vision and Prescription

Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Copayments may vary, subject to collective bargaining, if a union member. Coverage under the vision plan varies and depends upon the employees choice of doctor and frame selection.

III. Dental Coverage

Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Copayments may vary, subject to collective bargaining, if a union member.

IV. Life Insurance

A life insurance policy is afforded to full-time employees beginning on the first day of employment, unless specified differently in a collective bargaining agreement. It remains in effect as long as the employee is actively employed and terminates upon resignation or retirement. $20,000 is afforded to all eligible employees.

V. Retirement

All full-time employees and part-time employees working more than 1000 hours per year qualify for County of Northampton retirement benefits, in which employees must contribute 5% of their earnings, and employees may choose to add additional voluntary contributions, not to exceed an additional 10%. Additionally, employees may participate in an optional deferred compensation plan [457(b)] which may provide present tax advantages and future retirement savings. Such arrangements are made directly with the providers and the County will administer payroll deductions only.

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the applicant screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• Yes
• No

02

Current Northampton County employees MUST detail ALL County work experience on their application. Failure to include correct work history and employment dates will result in the rejection of your application. If you need assistance with this information, please reach out to the Human Resources department BEFORE submitting your application. Please select "yes" to confirm your understanding of this requirement. If you are not a current County employee, please select "no".

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a bachelors degree with major coursework in Sociology, Social Welfare, Psychology, Gerontology, Criminal Justice, or other related social sciences? NOTE - Be sure to list your degree major in your education section and please attach your transcripts to your application for review. Failure to attach your transcripts could result in your application being rejected.

• Yes
• No

04

At least three (3) years of professional social casework experience in a public or private social services agency. (Public or private social work is defined as professional work identifying and evaluating consumer problems and formulating, implementing, or directing an appropriate service plan. This requires in-depth interviewing to obtain comprehensive information about consumer needs, counseling, providing information about available programs, determining eligibility for program services, and negotiating on behalf of consumers with referral agencies to successfully implement appropriate services.)

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have two (2) years of experience as a County Caseworker 2? Note: Be sure your work history reflects this experience.

• Yes
• No

06

Have you successfully completed twelve (12) college credit hours of courses in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences? Note: Unofficial transcripts must be attached to confirm otherwise your application will be rejected. *If you do not have these 12 credits, you do not qualify for our Caseworker 2 position. You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

• Yes
• No

07

Caseworker 3 position is part of the PSSU Union, and starting salary is dictated by the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The starting salary for this position is $26.71 per hour ($55,560.00 annually) and is non-negotiable. Please choose "yes" to indicate your understanding of the starting wage, and that this is non-negotiable.

• Yes
• No

08

Do you possess a valid and current drivers license with an acceptable driving record?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Northampton County

Address Human Resources Department

669 Washington Street

Easton, Pennsylvania, 18042

Phone 610-829-6382

Website http://www.norcopa.gov