The Putnam County Department of Social Services and Mental Health is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Caseworker (Spanish-Speaking).

This title has been approved by the New York Civil Service Commission for inclusion in the Hiring Emergency Limited Placement (HELP) Program. This position shall be non-competitive for a period of twelve months. At the end of this period, this position shall be deemed competitive, and any incumbents hired during the twelve-month period, shall be considered competitive without further examination.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: This is professional work involving formulation and implementation of plans to address individu­al problems of cases assigned. Duties may also include planning and implementing group sessions and recreational therapies. This position requires fluency in speaking, writing and reading both Spanish and English. In the course of performing duties, the caseworker consults on a regular basis with the Senior Caseworker, Di­rector of Social Services, or other supervisor as assigned. Work is performed under the close supervision of higher level social services staff. Training and development is gained through individual and group conferences. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Conducts intake interviews as assigned and makes investigations by visiting applicants and/or clients to assess needs and refer appropriately to available services and/or care;
• Reviews and researches existing case records for available information to use in formulating a plan of treatment;
• Makes necessary collateral contacts with employers, relatives, friends, physicians, hospitals and other agencies;
• Investigates referrals, reports and complaints relative to alleged child abuse or neglect as well as alleged abuse or neglect of adults;
• Investigates applications for foster children or adoptions;
• Makes referrals to Social Protective and Legal Protective Services where necessary;
• Provides protection to victims of domestic violence and refers to available services and resources;
• Interviews and makes appropriate referrals relative to children and/or adults needing care, supervision or services;
• Develops and maintains detailed social histories and treatment plans which, with supervisory approval, are the basis for delivery of services;
• Studies the background and need for care of children and/or adults referred, securing information from the individual himself, the family, relatives, schools, hospitals, family courts and other agencies;
• Makes referrals to other agencies when indicated; assists clients in obtaining other aid; places clients in care facilities;
• Visits clients and/or clients’ children in their homes or foster parents’ home to assure proper care and counsel on problems;
• Studies and evaluates family homes desiring to care for children at board, at wages or on a free or adoptive basis and recommends boarding homes for certification;
• Assists with locating alternative housing situations appropriate to adult clients’ individual needs;
• Arranges for medical care of children in foster homes, takes children to doctors, dentists and clinics if foster parents are unable to do so;
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either

1. Bachelor’s degree; or
2. Associate’s degree and two (2) years full time paid experience in social work with a public or private social agency adhering to acceptable standards; or
3. One (1) year of paid professional experience as a licensed Registered Nurse; or
4. An equivalent combination of training and experience as indicated above.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid, unrestricted, appropriate level driver’s license, and acceptable driving record are required at time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Candidates must be fluent in speaking, reading, writing and translating Spanish.
• Candidates must be fingerprinted and pass a drug screening prior to employment.

SCHEDULE: Full-time, Monday – Friday

STARTING ANNUAL SALARY: $63,135 (2025) to $64,871 (2026)

BENEFITS:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, personal, comp)
• NYS Retirement System Membership
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer
• Tuition Reimbursement
• CSEA Membership

PUTNAM COUNTY – AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER