Social Caseworker - TANF

Are you passionate about serving families in El Paso County? Do you love to help and support others? Do you have an eye for detail, and the ability to work independently and with dynamic teams? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! As a member of the TANF Support and Engagement Team, you will join a team of Caseworkers and Administrative team members that support various areas of the agency and families within our community. In this position, you will obtain caseworker certification and SOAR certification to assist families gain the tools necessary to provide for their family long term. You would be able to support our families by attending home visits, court hearings, assisting survivors of domestic violence with protection orders and resources, providing support through the Social Security process by assisting families to complete applications.  We strive to provide families with the resources and support needed to navigate through some of the most difficult times in their lives. This role provides a much-welcomed support for the families we serve. We are looking forward to having you join us!

 

Hiring Range: $57,000.00 - $62,000.00 annually  

Please be advised this position may close on or after 01/19/2025 without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications.

Works to preserve, assist, and support Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) eligible clients while protecting children's physical, emotional, and mental well-being through prevention and preservation, family self-sufficiency, caregiver support, and in-home services.

• Interviews clients and develops appropriate self-sufficiency plans that may include conducting home assessments and screenings to determine families' needs. Provides intensive in-home family preservation services to families and children; assesses safety and risk factors, self-sufficiency needs, and family stabilization concerns. Monitors client progress and ensures that needed services are provided and treatment plans are followed through in a timely manner.
• Provides general crisis management and referral for TANF clients and the general Department of Human Services (DHS) population (with TANF involvement) and makes referrals to community resources and collateral contacts.
• Assesses and assists teen parents who reside in alternative living arrangements; provides contacts to Kinship Care providers and clients in need of assistance and support with the children in their homes.
• Assists families in obtaining and completing paperwork for guardianships; guides parents through the probate court system, attending court hearings, and monitoring cases and families as requested by the courts.
• Assists Kinship Care families with formulating and implementing a childcare plan that meets their needs; develops family service plans.
• Documents and maintains all service files; opens and closes cases according to unit guidelines; inputs and updates information in department database.
• Participates in unit meetings, community and treatment staffings, Child Placement Team meetings, and in program development for Kinship Care providers and teenage parents as appropriate.
• Arranges and provides transportation for clients to appointments, therapy, school, court hearings, pre-placement visits, etc.
• Serves as a liaison for DHS, including consulting with other caseworkers and community professionals on case situations, treatment/case plans, issues, and problems.
• Attends training and workshops.
• 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

• Working knowledge of casework practices, procedures, and guidelines.
• Working knowledge of child welfare laws, regulations, and standards.
• Knowledge of community resources and services.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, other DHS personnel, clients, other agencies, the courts, and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to assess situations and make prudent and appropriate decisions; ability to apply conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to efficiently plan, schedule, and organize.
• Ability to interview clients and manage cases.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to use standard office equipment including computer, fax machine, copier, and telephone.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a major in a human behavior science field required as stated in Volume 7 Section 7.603.1 (D) 2 to include a degree with at least 30 semester or 45 quarter hours of coursework in development of human behavior, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures, or therapeutic techniques such as social work, psychology, sociology, guidance and counseling, and/or child development. 
• One year of professional caseworker, case management, or human services experience in a public or private social services agency. 
  • Bachelor’s degree of social work and successful completion of an approved field placement in a county department of human services, a Master’s degree of social work, or a Master’s degree in a human behavioral science field with at least 10 semester or 18 quarter hours in courses relevant to child welfare may substitute for the one year of required experience.

Licenses/Certificates

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• 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.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• 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.

Duties are primarily performed in an office environment, client's homes, schools, jails, and court; must be able to climb stairs in or outside of these environments and able to walk up and down driveways and sidewalks. May be exposed to hostile family situations/individuals and unsanitary and hazardous conditions. Occasional lifting of files, supplies, children: exerting 20 lbs – 50 lbs occasionally; 10 lbs – 25 lbs frequently, or up to 10 lbs constantly.

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