Children, Youth & Family caseworkers needed in York County: Do you have what it takes?

There's no reason to sugarcoat it. Being a caseworker for Children, Youth and Families -- the county's child welfare agency - is a high-stress job.

And, the local CY&F office needs 25 York County caseworkers. The county is hiring for those vacant positions and is offering a recruitment and informational session for prospective employees.

"It takes a mentally-strong person" to succeed at the job, Stephanie Diehl, of the county's Human Services department, said Tuesday.

More:Pa. Auditor General issues repair manual for 'broken' child-welfare system

The recruitment session is 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at the York County Human Services Center, 100 W. Market St.

CY&F agencies across the commonwealth are historically understaffed. That has been no different in York County.

More:Overworked staff illustrate plight of child abuse 'first responders' in York County

More:Here's how York preps new hires for stress, fighting and yelling that goes with this job

The new caseworkers will be responsible for intake interviews - that is, home visits to children and families who come to the attention of authorities through ChildLine, the statewide child abuse and welfare referral line.

The type of person - male or female - who can succeed at the job is confident, open-minded and passionate about helping others, especially children, Diehl said. 

The minimum qualifications for caseworker recruits are being 18 or older and holding 12 college credits in social sciences, which can include criminal justice.

Diehl said the agency also is looking recruits who can speak Spanish.

Interested people should bring their resumes to the recruitment session. Those who cannot attend on Thursday can email their resumes toychr@yorkcountypa.gov.

If you go

What: Recruitment session for prospective caseworkers

When: 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 25  

Where: York County Human Services Center, 100 West Market Street, York