Associate Caseworker

Jefferson County

2d•$24 - $28•Remote

About The Position

An Associate Caseworker is responsible for receiving calls of child abuse and neglect and gathering the information necessary to generate an abuse or neglect referral. As the first point of contact with the community in regard to Child Protection, professionalism and telephone etiquette is paramount. To be successful, quick and accurate typing skills are necessary to document the calls and data entry in the system. This role must communicate with law enforcement, schools, hospitals, therapists, caseworkers, and others. As well as utilize databases such as State automated case management system, the hotline application, Colorado Benefit Management System (CBMS), State Courts, sexual offender registry, Client Assistance System (CAS), Genesys Desktop, etc. In emergency situations, transporting children to foster care is required. To be successful the Associate Caseworker is adaptable, has the ability to build trust, and collaborates with the community, professional partners and coworkers. As well as demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication and customer services skills. The ideal candidate will be able to problem solve and make objective decisions based off of the information provided and must be safety focused. The candidate should be inclusive of others and have the ability to maintain effective performance under pressure.

Requirements

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
An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
A valid Colorado driver’s license is required for positions that drive on County Business in either a county or personal vehicle within 30-days of hire or beginning to serve as an intern or volunteer.
Successful completion of criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and/or references for all positions.

Nice To Haves

Spanish speaking strongly preferred
Strong sense of initiative
Strong communication skills
Strong typing and basic computer skills
Ability to perform autonomous work
Works effectively in a team environment
Being trauma and poverty informed

Responsibilities

Takes reports of adult and/or child abuse/neglect and/or exploitation.
Records and documents all calls.
Distinguishes between reports of abuse/neglect and those of information and resources.
Assesses incoming reports, referrals or request for services as a screener.
Uses enhanced screening techniques to gather and document information on reporting party, victim, parent/caretakers, and other pertinent information that will aid in determining course of action and appropriate level of response.
Conducts face to face interviews with reporting parties that come to Human Services building.
Assesses and incorporates police reports to determine if further follow-up is needed.
Completes an initial risk assessment to determine the safety of the child/adult and/or community, the scope of the alleged abuse, the environment where the alleged abuse/neglect occurred, and the history, if any, of previous reports of abuse/neglect or family violence.
Completes additional follow up tasks such as coordinating with reporting parties, police jurisdictions, schools, parents, etc. to obtain and/or provide needed information regarding referrals.
Assists Caseworkers who are in the field with emergency resources and information.
Research various computer-based applications and document in reports of abuse/neglect any prior history the involved parties may have with child protection in the state Trails system, CAS, CBMS, Colorado Courts, Colorado Inmates Lookup, USPS, phone directories, etc.
Conduct diligent search for parents and kin.
Completes genograms.
Data entry in the state computerized system for adult protection or child abuse tracking, copying, stapling, filing, mailing, and faxing.
Notifies law enforcement of reports of abuse/neglect and coordinates investigations between caseworkers and law enforcement.
Interface with the courts, Juvenile Assessment Center and County Attorneys to ensure that all placement evaluations are accurately documented in the state data system.
Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.