Child Welfare Social Worker/Investigator

Dependency Legal Services is a non-profit organization which represents children and parents in child protective services proceedings.

This Social Worker will be responsible for supporting attorneys handling a caseload of children and parent clients at all stages of juvenile dependency proceedings, as brought pursuant to Welfare & Institutions Code § 300. These cases involve allegations of parental abuse or neglect, and often involve, domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health. The role of the social worker will be to assist parents in addressing these issues so they can safely reunify with their children.

Duties: Work includes client interviews, maintaining frequent client contact, responding to calls, texts, and electronic mails in a timely manner, conducting ongoing investigations and continual assessment of the cases, and preparing case for all hearings. The social worker works collaboratively and meets regularly with a multi-disciplinary team which includes attorneys, service providers and agency social workers. Social Workers meet with and interview clients at various places including the child's placement, attorney office, court, or a place most convenient for the client.

Social workers assist clients in identifying and accessing local services, and counsel clients in order to help them gain insight into the issues impacting their families. Social Workers are expected to explain the legal proceedings in a developmentally appropriate and trauma informed way. Social Workers empower clients, help remove barriers to reunification or permanency and assist them in arriving at the appropriate course of action. Social Workers may assist clients by looking into ancillary issues such as criminal cases, housing, and qualification for government assistance as necessary to protect client’s interests. Social Workers will engage in lay witness and expert witness contact. Social Workers correspond and communicate with interested parties such as relatives, opposing counsel, service providers, court appointed special advocates, and social services personnel regarding placements, the case status and rights of clients; and address all issues needed. Social Workers may on occasion testify in court.

Minimum Qualifications: · Master’s degree in social work or a related field · Strong written and verbal skills. · Demonstrated interest and ability in working with children and parents and with low-income diverse ethnic communities. · Ability to work independently and be self-motivated. · Ability to drive with valid driver's license, auto insurance, and access to use of an automobile. Spanish skills a plus but not required.

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: $26.00 - $45.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $26 - $45