Child Protection Worker - Case Management & Assessment/Investigations

Performs highly responsible and professional social work involving protecting children within the permanency in their families. 

Primary responsibilities within the assessment function include: respond to allegations of child maltreatment, provide both family assessment and family investigation response; including facility investigations. Makes decisions regarding a finding of maltreatment and services needed. Assesses and evaluates the safety needs of children within their families including the need for out-of-home placement and court-involvement as well as safety planning. 

Some evening and weekend hours may be required.

Gain a realistic job preview here.Performs ongoing assessment activities to ensure children are safe: evaluates safety needs of children using a questioning approach consistent with the agencies Signs of Safety philosophy; assesses reports of child maltreatment and determines if it has occurred; and assesses family functioning by defining strengths and needs.
 
Initiates court proceedings when necessary: provides recommendations to the court regarding family reunification and concurrent permanency planning; testifies and represents the department/County position in court; negotiates with legal/court professionals on recommendations, planning, goals and services, and makes decisions regarding permanency needs for children (i.e. reunification, transfer of legal custody, TPR/adoption).
 
Finds and develops appropriate homes for children requiring out-of-home placement for safety; conducts searches to ensure family placement if possible.
 
Coordinates the development of support and safety networks for families: explains the benefits of established safety networks and family group decision making meetings; and refers, participates and facilitates family meetings at any stage of families' involvement with the Social Service agency.  

Provides case management services to families through development of case plans to assure safety for children.  
 
Coordinates services and resources to families, which includes support and decision making by extended family members and friends.

Provides children with a permanent safe environment through provision of social work services to families, including crisis intervention.
 
Provides ongoing service and monitoring to families where there is a finding of abuse or neglect to protect children from further harm. Develops safety plans for children; coaches families on how to meet their identified needs, provides support to parents and children and assures permanency for children in a safe, supportive family.

Facilitates family conferences to address safety and permanency needs for children.
 
Participates in local collaborative and interagency planning meetings.
 
Performs a variety of administrative duties in keeping records and case plans:  including utilizing SSIS (Social Service Information Systems), Sharepoint, and Traverse (Electronic Data Management System).
 
Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available during regular business hours to communicate with subordinates, supervisor, customers, vendors and another person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employee goals.
 
Performs back-up intake and screening functions for reports of maltreatment and other social services requests to determine if further action is warranted.
 
Performs other duties as required.Requires equivalency of a bachelor's degree in a human services related field and three years of experience providing professional social work case management. Case management experience with children and families is highly desired. Expertise in serving underrepresented communities; specifically American Indian, Hispanic, and Somali populations, and candidates who are bilingual, are preferred. Must possess a valid driver's license and provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

Salary : $42 - $50