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

State of Utah Office of the Governor•Manti, UT

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) is hiring for a Caseworker I or Social Service Worker, with the classification determined by the applicant’s qualifications. The position works to keep children safely with their families, connect families with resources, provide in-home services, reunify children with their families when possible, or help establish enduring safety and permanency through alternative options. Workers collaborate with subject matter experts, receive regular professional supervision, and complete DCFS Practice Model Training. The position is based at the DCFS Manti Office in Manti, Utah, and is in-office/on-site. Travel is required, and employees may need to use a personal vehicle for work; approved mileage is reimbursable. The position may also require 24-hour on-call service as directed by a supervisor, depending on location and agency demand. The role involves working directly with children and families in challenging situations and outside a typical office environment. Conditions may include frequent travel, entering client homes, possible physical confrontation, and potential exposure to contagious conditions, parasites, or illegal chemical substances. Some physical exertion is required, including standing, walking over rough surfaces, bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, and lifting up to 50 pounds, potentially including lifting a small child repeatedly or for long periods.

Requirements

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, for the Caseworker I classification.
For the Social Service Worker classification, 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.
Relevant experience may include employment with DHHS; work with residential youth or adults in programs related to domestic violence, abuse, or homelessness; work in a domestic violence or homeless shelter; work with an agency providing mental or behavioral health services; work in an educational or social-work-related role at a public or private school; serving as a foster or kinship provider; work as a contracted DHHS service provider; or other closely related child welfare work.
A current, valid Utah driver’s license.
For the Social Service Worker classification, an SSW or higher license in good standing, as required by statute UCA 58-60-103.
Understanding of human development across the lifespan and community resources, with the ability to provide support and interventions in a culturally responsive way.
Ability to interact professionally with all levels of management while managing a diversified workload and challenging situations.
Ability to work with people with sensitivity, tact, and professionalism.
Effective, clear, and concise verbal and written communication skills.
Pass the required Background Screening Application (BSA).

Responsibilities

Investigate reports of abuse, exploitation, and/or neglect; assess safety, risk, strengths, and barriers; and determine appropriate actions for a family’s situation.
Work with families to create plans for children’s safety and ongoing services.
Coordinate and refer services for children and families 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.
Perform 24-hour on-call services as needed under a supervisor’s direction.
Perform other duties as assigned.