What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Caseworker - Children, Youth and Family Services (After Hours) position at El Paso County (CO)?
Are you passionate about working with children and families in the community? Do you have a strong sense and ability to assess the safety of children while engaging parents and offering services? Do you like to work with community partners, law enforcement, medical professionals, and other community resources to help change lives and help families work toward their successes? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! As a Social Caseworker for Children, Youth and Family Services, you will play an essential role in working to help address child safety and provide services for families in El Paso County. In this position, you will assess child abuse and neglect referrals with families within a second-shift intake unit. You will be a part of a dynamic, supportive team with the opportunity to work closely with the community and families to resolve concerns reported through the state child abuse and neglect hotline. In this role, you will have to opportunity to help families by assessing their needs while addressing allegations of child abuse or neglect and offering resources, guidance, and support to help them thrive.
Hiring Range: $57,000.00 - $62,000.00 annually
This is a child protection position; child protection includes engaging families. It is reasonable to anticipate the need for flexibility in work hours periodically to accommodate client schedules. The average workday hours are Monday-Friday 3:00pm -12:00am. Schedule is subject to change. Hybrid schedule available upon successful completion of probationary period; subject to change.
Please be advised that this position may close without advanced notice, should we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications.
This position works to preserve and/or rehabilitate families while protecting children's physical, emotional, and mental well-being through child protection, adolescent services, placements, and/or permanency plans. Based on position assignment, coordinates the practice and is responsible for primary decision-making of child protection practices or coordinates the services and secondary-service decisions as related to safety, permanency, well-being and preserving families. This position is part of the Social Caseworker - Children, Youth, & Family Services (CYFS) career progression series, which includes Associate Social Caseworker - Children, Youth, & Family Services and Social Caseworker - Children, Youth, & Family Services.
- Interviews clients and develops appropriate treatment plans; initiates and/or participates in home studies, and provides intensive casework services to families and children; investigates allegations of child abuse and assesses imminent danger for children; makes referrals to community resources and collateral contacts.
- Monitors and reports clients' progress and provides service recommendations/referrals. Ensures that needed services are being provided, that treatment plans are being followed through in a timely manner and determines the appropriateness of the placement and services provided.
- Addresses child safety issues in the home to mitigate safety concerns; ensures that children in the department's custody or supervision receive necessary interventions.
- Provides crisis management and coordinates support services for clients to resolve problems and conflicts.
- Acts as a liaison for the DHS and consults with other caseworkers and community professionals on case situations, treatment/case plans, issues, and problems.
- Provides casework and assessment services for teams within the Practice Unit.
- Attends and testifies in court hearings and mediations as needed; completes appropriate paperwork, documentation, reports, reviews, etc. for court hearings monitors clients' compliance with court orders; serves temporary custody notices and petitions the court for verbal orders.
- Prepares for and participates in meetings and staffings.
- Documents all contacts and ensures that all paperwork and documentation are accurately completed and filed; completes necessary case information reports, inputs updates into database.
- Arranges and provides transportation for clients to appointments, therapy, school, court hearings, pre-placement visits, etc.
- Ensures compliance with Federal, State and County laws, outcome measures, rules, and regulations; reviews cases to ensure case plans are developed and implemented.
- Provides support to Practice and Support and Services teams within the CYFS Division as needed.
- Collects and reports statistics and data on unit and outcomes and performances.
- Facilitates meetings as needed.
- Performs other duties as required.
Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area.
Supervision Received: Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of casework practices, procedures, and guidelines.
- Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, clients, other agencies, community professionals, the courts, and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
- Ability to efficiently plan, schedule, and organize.
- Ability to assess situations and make prudent and appropriate decisions; ability to apply conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to accurately and efficiently complete paperwork, reports, and documentation.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Ability to use standard office equipment to include computer, fax machine, copier, and telephone.
- Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher from a higher education institution with course work related to the job responsibilities of child welfare social caseworker as stated in Volume 7. Course work examples can include and are not limited to, the development of human behavior, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures, or therapeutic techniques.
- One year of professional, internship, or volunteer work experience in a human service-related agency.
- Successful completion of a Bachelor’s Degree of Social Work (BSW) or Master's Degree of Social Work (MSW) internship in a human services-related agency may substitute for the required experience.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and proof of automobile insurance as stated within El Paso County’s Personnel Policies Manual.
- Must obtain and maintain necessary certifications as applicable to position.
- Colorado State Child Welfare Caseworker Certification or the ability to successfully complete and pass initial examination within ninety days of employment.
- Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, including fingerprinting, motor vehicle record check, drug screen, and physical examination. College transcripts required prior to the date of hire.
The classification specification above is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.
Salary : $53,810 - $80,730
