CYF Casework Careers

Exploring a Career in Casework Begins Here

This page is designed to aid in your decision to work in support of children and families. The information below should give you a broad perspective on what a career in child welfare casework could look like in Allegheny County. You will also learn how to complete the PA State Civil Service Commission (SCSC) testing/application process.

This short video provides a candid assessment of what it's like to be a DHS CYF caseworker.

Child Welfare Job Descriptions

Caseworker 1

In this position with Allegheny County's Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Children, Youth and Families (CYF), trainees work under the general supervision of a casework supervisor for a six-month probation period. During that time, trainees complete a ten-week curriculum consisting of both classroom and field work. Trainees are responsible for working with a family from the point the family is referred to DHS/CYF until they are no longer involved with the agency. Other core responsibilities include:

  • Participating in Conferencing and Teaming to help families with their plan goals including safety and self-sufficiency
  • Providing crisis intervention where appropriate
  • Presenting case facts and testimony in Children's Court

Caseworker 2

In this position with Allegheny County’s Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Children, Youth and Families (CYF), caseworkers exercise more autonomy and receive an increased case load after having successfully completed the six-month probation period.

These duties are accompanied by an increase in salary. Other core responsibilities include those outlined for a caseworker 1.

Caseworker 3

In this position with Allegheny County’s Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Children, Youth and Families (CYF), caseworkers shoulder the core responsibilities outlined in caseworker 2 above, work on more involved cases and assume a leadership role within their assigned unit. This involves functioning as a peer mentor to the casework trainees and the caseworker 2 positions. These duties are accompanied by a salary increase.

County Social Service Aide 2

In this position with Allegheny County’s Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Children, Youth and Families (CYF), social service case aides work to assist children and families in the CYF system. Core responsibilities include:

  • Transporting children to medical and mental health appointments, drug and alcohol programming, court hearings and supervised visitations with parents or birth families
  • Supervising court ordered visitations between children and parents or birth families
  • Documenting via summaries the supervised visits

Child Welfare Salaries

There is an established career ladder if you choose to make child welfare your vocation.

Table indicating child welfare salaries by job level

Note: Caseworker 1 becomes Caseworker 2 after successful probation of six months.

Career Mobility

Successful performance in CYF positions can also prepare you for other positions at DHS including

Additional Benefits

PA State Civil Service Commission Application Process

All DHS CYF caseworker positions are processed through the PA State Civil Service Commission (SCSC). There are several steps to complete before you can be interviewed for a position.

SCSC Application Process

Additional Resources

On the Frontline: Improving Child Protective Services Investigations
The Annie E. Casey Foundation, June 11, 2014