Caseworker I/Social Service Worker-DCFS Southwest Region (Cedar City)

State of Utah • Cedar City, UT

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Utah Division of Child & Family Services (DCFS) is hiring a Caseworker I or Social Service Worker in its Southwest Region, based in Cedar City. The position will be classified according to the applicant’s qualifications and supports children and families by assessing needs, connecting them with resources, and providing in-home services. DCFS seeks to keep children safely with their families, reunify families when possible, and establish lasting safety and permanency when reunification is not possible. Workers receive regular professional supervision and complete DCFS Practice Model Training.

The role is in-office/on-site at the DCFS Cedar City Office. It involves travel, including visits to client homes, and may require 24-hour on-call service as directed by a supervisor. Employees may need to use a personal vehicle for work travel; approved mileage is reimbursable. Offers are contingent on passing a background screening. The position requires a valid Utah driver’s license and is subject to the state’s driver eligibility standards. The state requires employees to work physically within Utah.

Requirements

• Relevant experience or a combination of experience and education totaling four years. Relevant experience may include work with DHHS; residential youth or adult programs related to domestic violence, abuse, or homelessness; domestic violence or homeless shelters; mental or behavioral health services; schools in education- or social-work-related roles; foster or kinship care; contracted DHHS services; or closely related child-welfare fields. Part-time work is prorated against full-time work.
• Caseworker I: Four years of full-time education or professional work experience related to working with children, parents, and/or families, or a combination of education and professional work experience.
• Caseworker I: Current, valid Utah driver’s license.
• Social Service Worker: SSW or higher licensure in good standing, as required by UCA 58-60-103.
• Social Service Worker: Four years of professional work experience related to working with children, parents, and/or families, or a combination of education and experience totaling four years.
• Social Service Worker: Current, valid Utah driver’s license.
• Understand human development across the lifespan and community resources, and provide culturally responsive support and interventions.
• Interact professionally with all levels of management while managing a diversified workload and challenging situations.
• Deal with people with sensitivity, tact, and professionalism.
• Communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely, verbally and in writing.
• Pass the required background screening.
• Meet the state’s Driver Eligibility standards.

Responsibilities

• Investigate reports of abuse, exploitation, and/or neglect.
• Assess safety, risk, strengths, and barriers, and determine appropriate actions for families.
• Work with families to create child-safety plans and plans for ongoing services.
• Coordinate and refer services through community resources, placement providers, collateral agencies, courts, and community partners.
• Supervise visits between parents and children to ensure safety.
• Conduct in-home visits to assess safety and track progress.
• Facilitate Child and Family Team Meetings with families and their formal and informal supports.
• Testify in court hearings regarding actions, findings, procedures, and protocols.
• Prepare detailed case documentation, including intake records, investigation summaries, safety and risk assessments, family-functioning assessments, service plans, court reports, case histories, and activity logs.
• Provide 24-hour on-call services when needed and as directed by a supervisor; assignments may depend on location or agency demand.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full benefits package eligibility.
• Job stability within a well-established organization.
• Career growth and opportunities for leadership.
• Meaningful work contributing to community services.
• Supportive work environment emphasizing cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.
• Approved mileage for work travel using a personal vehicle is reimbursable through State Finance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed