The Erie Department of Social Services has announced civil service tests have been called for three entry-level positions: Social Welfare Examiner; Caseworker; and Child Protective Worker. There are approximately 140 Social Welfare Examiner positions in the Department of Social Services, 68 Caseworker positions, and 82 Child Protective Workers.

An application fee of $20 is due when the application is submitted, although waivers of application fees are available to qualified individuals. Applications are available at http://www2.erie.gov/employment.

After the test is given and the civil service list is established, candidates are hired off the list. The Department must hire among the top three candidates remaining on the list, based on test score. The list remains active for several years and the Department is unable to hire individuals for these positions who are not on the list.

A Social Welfare Examiner reviews, investigates, evaluates, documents, and determines eligibility of applications for public assistance and programs such as Emergency Assistance, Medicaid and SNAP/Food Stamps. Minimum requirements to fill the Social Welfare Examiner position are completion of 60 credit hours at a regionally accredited or New York State registered two or four year college or university; or graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two years of experience in reviewing, examining, investigating or evaluating claims for assistance, veteran's or unemployment benefits, insurance or a similar program operating under established criteria for eligibility. Applications for this position must be postmarked by May 17, 2017 and the examination will be on June 24, 2017.

A Caseworker performs social case work in connection with such social services as child and family welfare and protective services for adults. The minimum requirement to fill the Caseworker position is graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a bachelor’s degree. Applications for this position must be postmarked by May 31, 2017 and the examination will be on July 15, 2017.

A Child Protective Worker investigates allegations of abuse and neglect of children, and formulates service plans to make the home safe where problems with abuse and neglect are substantiated. The minimum requirement to fill the Child Protective Worker position is graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a bachelor’s degree. Applications for this position must be postmarked by May 31, 2017, and the examination will be on July 15, 2017.

“These three entry-level positions are how many of our staff start their career with the Department of Social Services,” said Social Services Commissioner Al Dirschberger. “I strongly encourage all interested and qualified candidates to take these civil service tests so they can have the opportunity of working in our organization.”

Please direct questions to Hannah Holden, ECDSS at (716) 858-8679 or via email at hannah.holden@erie.gov .