Child Protection Intake Caseworker

$32.70 - $41.41 The Weld County Department of Human Services Child Welfare Division is searching for a Child Protection Intake Caseworker to apply learned and trained knowledge and abilities in professional casework under the direct supervision and oversight of identified Child Welfare staff. Assesses complaints regarding families in which children may be neglected, abused or exploited. Learns to assess family for safety and risk and determines the need for and level of intervention required by the Department of Human Services. Provides child protective services and case management to family until case is transferred or closed under direct oversight of assigned supervisor. This position is in-person and may be eligible for occasional telework options upon successful completion of initial training and demonstration of high work performance.

Mission Statement: Engaging and partnering with the community to improve safety, health and well-being of individuals and families through the delivery of responsive and collaborative services.

Vision Statement: The people of Weld County are connected to the resources needed to thrive in the community and feel safe and empowered.

Weld County Department of Human Services’ greatest asset is our staff.

The Ideal Candidate for the Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Division will be someone who possesses the following traits:
1. Highly motivated
2. Passion for families & community
3. Critical thinker
4. Team player
5. Innovative
6. Adaptable
7. Collaborative

Entry Level:
$32.70 - $41.41 hourly

Journey Level:
$71,448.00 - $90,500.80 annually

Applies learned and trained knowledge and abilities in professional casework under the direct supervision and oversight of identified Child Welfare staff. Assesses complaints regarding families in which children may be neglected, abused, or exploited. Learns to assess family for safety and risk and determines the need for and level of intervention required by the Department of Human Services. Provides child protective services and case management to family until case is transferred or closed under direct oversight of assigned supervisor.

• Uses critical thinking skills and completes thorough assessments with families to determine possible abuse or neglect as outlined in Children’s Code and Volume 7.
• Initiates and completes in-depth assessment within state mandated time frames, assesses child/youth safety, and plans appropriate service intervention as follows.
• Makes home visit(s) to referred family; interviews identified youth and siblings and caregivers living in the home.
• Makes determination of need for protective service intervention with supervisory approval and files in court, as needed.
• Provides immediate crisis management and child welfare services to youth/children remaining in home including emergency referrals to community resources.
• Provides resources and referrals to families to other community agencies and services.
• Serves as liaison with other community agencies to facilitate services.
• Utilizes critical thinking skills with the support of a supervisor to determine next steps to assure safety for children.
• Completes Institutional Assessments regarding day care homes and facilities, certified foster homes, certified kinship homes, group homes, and Residential Treatment Facilities when the institution is in Weld County when the victims are under the age of 10.
• Institutional assessments of kinship homes will only occur when a County Department of Human Services has custody of the child, and the kinship home is in Weld County.
• Prepares for and participates in case-specific court hearings, consulting with County legal staff as needed.
• Prepares court updates and letters in a timely and professional manner.
• Without legal representation, provides information on youth, case progress and advocacy in courtroom setting using strong communication skills.
• Completes all case documentation accurately and timely. This includes records of contact, safety and risk assessments, assessments closure, and other assessments/case related documentation.
• When necessary, places youth/children into the least restrictive out-of-home placements such as foster or kinship care when in need of emergency substitute care.

• Attends RED teams, family engagement meetings, group supervisions, staff meetings, staff training, regular supervisory meetings, and other agency or community meetings as requested.
• Has clear and necessary communication with the care providers to ensure that they have the information needed to care for the children properly.
• Maintains contact with the care provider throughout the duration of the placement while you are the open caseworker.

• Maintains and increases knowledge and skills through attendance to meetings, conferences, training seminars and in-service training sessions.
• Applies skills and knowledge gained from successful completion of the State training for new caseworkers.
• Learns from assigned Child Welfare Intake Supervisor, Child Welfare Trainers, and Child Welfare Intake mentors on how to perform required duties within the Child Welfare system in Weld County and understands Department guidelines and policies.
• Demonstrates an emerging level of competence through regular practice, trainer observation, and verification by the County Department as outlined in the request for certification.

• Follow policies and procedures, the Weld County Code of Conduct and adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines and appropriate release of information outlined in both.
• Other duties may be assigned. Any one position may not include all duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all duties which may be found in positions of this class.
• Understand and implement rules and regulations for Child Welfare organizations in Colorado outlined in the State of Colorado Department of Human Services Volume 7 guidelines.

• A bachelor’s degree from a higher education institution with course work related to the job responsibilities of child welfare social caseworker. 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.

• A bachelor’s degree from a higher education institution with course work related to the job responsibilities of child welfare social caseworker. 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.
• Six (6) months professional or volunteer work experience in a human service-related agency OR one (1) semester of internship in a child welfare setting.

• Candidate must possess ability to keyboard at 40 words per minute.
• Candidate must possess a valid Colorado Driver's License and Liability Insurance.
• Candidate must provide own transportation and be willing to travel throughout Weld County.
• Candidate must pass Human Services Background Checks. Background checks include CBI/FBI fingerprinting and will continue to be monitored throughout employment.
• Candidate must possess a high level of flexibility and a strong understanding of Child Protection practices while adhering to guidelines.
• Candidate must demonstrable skills in critical thinking and independent judgment.
• Candidate must obtain and maintain Colorado Child Welfare Caseworker Certification during employment.
• Candidate must possess the ability to enter data into several different computer programs.
• Candidate must possess the ability to learn and apply new computer skills on a regular basis.
• Candidate must possess the knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Windows and Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Candidate must possess the ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence and department policies and procedures.
• Candidate must possess the ability to write correspondence.
• Candidate must possess the ability to effectively communicate in one-on-one and small group situations with parents, foster parents, relative care providers, and community partners.
• Candidate must possess the ability to clearly articulate concepts, directives and goals to employees, professionals and state and community representatives.
• Candidate must possess the ability to apply math concepts and calculations in the work environment.
• Candidate must possess the ability to apply common sense to problem solve in a work environment.
• Candidate must possess the ability to adapt to fast paced, high volume and ever-changing work environment and be able to handle high stress and conflict filled situations while remaining calm and professional.
• Candidate must be well versed in effective conflict resolution and possess ability to deescalate hostile situations.

• A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution with a major in a human behavior science field.

• A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution with a major in a human behavior science field
• One (1) year of experience working in a public or private social services agency.
• One (1) year of experience working in Child Welfare.
• One (1) year of experience working with Community Partners and knowledge of community resources.

• Ability to read, write, and speak Spanish in a proficient manner.
• Ability to interpret and translate between English and Spanish using professional language.

• The employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee may be required to sit for extended periods of time and is frequently required to stand and walk.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and must occasionally lift children up to 50 pounds.
• The employee frequently is required to use their hands and reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus such as that used when using a computer or reading.

• Work office will be established, but employee may perform work on the Greeley Campus or at one of the other satellite offices when required.
• Reliable, predictable, attendance Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Attendance outside of standard business hours may be required depending on business needs.
• This position is in-person and may be eligible for occasional telework options upon successful completion of initial training and demonstration of high work performance.
• Work may involve time away from a standard office environment, which may consist of driving to and from home visits and in transporting children.
• Work may occur in situations in client's homes, which could be considered a hostile or unsanitary environment.
• After hours or on call work situations may occur on occasion to provide support to families that need services outside of normal business hours.