Best Interest Determination Coordinator-Hybrid Work Model

Arapahoe County•Littleton, CO

1d•$60,009 - $90,014•Hybrid

About The Position

The Arapahoe County government serves its communities in ways both obvious and obscure. As the beating heart of local and regional government, we’re here for our neighbors on their best days—and their worst. We share our residents’ goals of preserving our quality of life and strive to be the place we’re proud to call home. Our Mission: Arapahoe County Department of Human Services (ACDHS) builds strong communities by promoting the safety, independence, and stability of individuals and families.Our Vision: To end the cycle of poverty and prevent abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adults (using an integrated Two-Generation approach)ACDHS uses an integrated Two-Generation (2Gen) approach to address all of the basic human services needs of the entire family unit. The 2Gen approach begins with a mindset focused on family-centered program design, continues with the alignment of services and resources within the department as well as across multiple organizations, resulting in coordinated services to children and adults together (family) in order to create long term stability and sustainability.The 2Gen approach builds well-being for families by focusing equally and intentionally on high-quality services in five areas of focus: early childhood education, adult education and employment pathways, economic security, health and well-being and social capital. This approach will help us achieve our core mission of breaking the generational cycle of poverty, preventing neglect and abuse and building strong communities. This position is at the Arapahoe Plaza Office in Littleton. The Best Interest Determination (BID) Coordinator is responsible for ensuring educational stability for children in the custody of Human Services by collaborating with school districts, families, youth, Guardians ad Litem, and caseworkers. This is considered an expert-level position within the caseworker career progression structure and requires a high degree of competency and skills. This position provides specialized, advanced services to the agency and its clients. Anticipated Hiring Range – Min: $67,423.46-$77,388.74 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF JOB:The Best Interest Determination (BID) Coordinator is responsible for ensuring educational stability for children in custody of Human Services by collaborating with school districts, families, youth, guardian ad litems and caseworkers. This is considered an expert level position within caseworker career progression structure and requires a high degree of competency and skills. This position provides specialized and advanced services to the agency and clients.

Requirements

Ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including interpreting laws, policies, and procedures.
Ability to manage complex and sometimes conflicting situations.
Working knowledge of special education and educational support plans/IEP.
Clinical social work skills to assess the needs of children and youth.
Ability to negotiate services with school districts and transportation vendors.
Ability to make independent judgments and decisions, multi-task, use critical thinking skills and have the ability to apply technical skills effectively.
Ability to write detailed reports, prepare business letters, expositions, and summaries with proper grammar.
Proficiency with computer software.
Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality in working with sensitive situations.
Strong organizational skills in order to meet strict deadlines and timeframes.
Accountability
Accessibility
Inclusivity
Integrity
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a major in a human behavior science field and two (2) years of professional child welfare casework experience. OR A Master of Social Work or a human behavioral science field and one (1) year of professional child welfare experience. In order to meet the minimum educational requirements of a human behavioral science degree, the applicant must have a degree with major course work (equivalent to 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours) in either development of human behavior, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures or therapeutic techniques such as social work, psychology, sociology, guidance and counseling, and child development.
Must have already successfully completed the Colorado Pre-Service Training Academy program or, if hired, must successfully complete and pass all required State of Colorado training on order to be considered for future employment.
Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR) and background check.
Possession of a valid Class “R” Colorado Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within two weeks of appointment.
Will require fingerprinting and a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) background check.
Position is deemed essential and incumbents must be available for winter storm and other emergency events.
Work locations and facilities are subject to change based on business need.
Reliable transportation is required as you will be utilizing your own personal vehicle for visiting family homes, transporting children, attending court and other various meetings/trainings. You will be reimbursed for mileage incurred.

Responsibilities

Provides case coordination, project and data management for Arapahoe County’s Best Interest Determination program. This position works in collaboration with school districts, Colorado Department of Education, Colorado Department of Human Services and various internal and external collaterals.
Acts as a liaison for school districts concerning matters related to child welfare involvement for students. Provides education to the community and stakeholders on mission and philosophy of child welfare work.
Acts as liaison between school representatives and caseworkers/supervisors assigned to a specific family to assist in any educational transition needs for youth and their caregivers upon placement.
Schedules and facilitates Best Interest Determination Meetings with applicable parties to ensure educational stability for children in the custody of the Department. Represents the Department in the determination decision made for each student. Independently analyzes complex situations, formulates plans and makes quick decisions as needed. Mediates difficult interactions between parties and follows the dispute resolution process when necessary.
Obtains school records, case information, and relevant data from caseworkers, family, and school district in preparation for BID meetings.
Processes and reviews BID referrals for accuracy and completion. Documents meeting notes in various databases and provide a BID Determination to appropriate parties.
Schedules and monitors school transportation through an approved transportation vendor. Acts as liaison for and maintains communication with school district transportation services and DHS transportation vendor. Provides caseworker and family with logistical information for transportation details and maintains accurate contact information for each student profile. Oversees the coordination of schedules as it relates to individual school schedules, sports, weather, emergencies, and various other situations that may occur.
Maintains accurate records of school transportation and reviews monthly invoices for associated costs. Collaborates with finance department to ensure timely payment of invoice and cost share between school districts and CDHS.
Oversees the Inter Governmental Agreements (IGA) for each school district, ensure compliance, and provide feedback about any recommended changes/modifications.
Actively participates in both internal and external BID/education related committees, meetings, seminars and trainings to gain knowledge of best and most effective practices.
Provides consultation and training for new workers and offer meaningful feedback to assist in their professional development and understanding of the BID process and legislation.