Child Protection Intake Caseworker

Weld County Government

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a training level position with intensive supervision and/or coaching by the County Department in which assignments are limited to fifty percent (50%) of the county’s average caseload or ten (10) assessments/cases at any given time, whichever is less. Assignments are planned and devised to develop and teach professional social casework techniques, basic foundations, and concepts appropriate to the assigned areas. The Journey Level position is a novice level position with intensive supervision and/or coaching by the County Department. Caseload will gradually increase throughout a 12-month period and will be capped to seventy-five percent (75%) of the county’s average caseload or fourteen (14) assessments/cases at any given time, whichever is less. Training plans are devised to develop and teach professional social casework techniques, basic foundations, and concepts appropriate to the assigned areas. The position involves assessing complaints regarding families in which children may be neglected, abused, or exploited, learning to assess family for safety and risk, and determining the need for and level of intervention required by the Department of Human Services. The role provides child protective services and case management to families until the case is transferred or closed under direct oversight of assigned supervisor. The Entry Level position is not exempt from the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The Journey Level position is exempt from the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Requirements

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.
One (1) semester of internship in a child welfare setting.
Ability to keyboard at 40 words per minute.
High level of flexibility and a strong understanding of Child Protection practices while adhering to guidelines.
Demonstrable skills in critical thinking and independent judgment.
Ability to enter data into several different computer programs.
Ability to learn and apply new computer skills on a regular basis.
Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Windows and Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence and department policies and procedures.
Ability to write correspondence.
Ability to effectively communicate in one-on-one and small group situations with parents, foster parents, relative care providers, and community partners.
Ability to clearly articulate concepts, directives and goals to employees, professionals and state and community representatives.
Ability to apply math concepts and calculations in the work environment.
Ability to apply common sense to problem solve in a work environment.
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.
Well versed in effective conflict resolution and possess ability to deescalate hostile situations.
Must pass criminal background check prior to employment start date.
Must pass Department of Human Services background checks prior to employment start date.
Must pass a CBI/FBI fingerprint check prior to employment start date and will continue to be subject to CBI/FBI monitoring throughout employment.
Must submit college transcripts prior to the first day of employment.
Must obtain and maintain Colorado Child Welfare Caseworker Certification during employment.
Driving is essential in this position.
Must have a valid Driver’s License and Liability Insurance.
Must pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) evaluation and if hired, will be subject to continuous monthly MVR monitoring and random drug screens throughout employment.
Must provide own transportation and be willing to travel and transport clients as needed to meet the essential functions of the position.
Pre-employment substance screening is required for this position. This position is subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing the screening in accordance with Weld County policy.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree or higher from an accredited institution with a major in a human behavior science field.
1 year of experience working in a public or private social services agency.
1 year of experience working in Child Welfare.
1 year of experience working with Community Partners and knowledge of community resources.

Responsibilities

Use critical thinking skills and complete thorough assessments with families to determine possible abuse or neglect as outlined in Children’s Code and Volume 7.
Initiate and complete in-depth assessment within state mandated time frames, assess child/youth safety, and plan appropriate service intervention.
Make home visit(s) to referred family; interview identified youth and siblings and caregivers living in the home.
Make determination of need for protective service intervention with supervisory approval and files in court, as needed.
Provide immediate crisis management and child welfare services to youth/children remaining in home including emergency referrals to community resources.
Provide resources and referrals to families to other community agencies and services.
Serve as liaison with other community agencies to facilitate services.
Utilize critical thinking skills with the support of a supervisor to determine next steps to assure safety for children.
Complete 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.
Prepare for and participate in case-specific court hearings, consulting with County legal staff as needed.
Prepare court updates and letters in a timely and professional manner.
May be required to transport clients on occasion.
Without legal representation, provide information on youth, case progress and advocacy in courtroom setting using strong communication skills.
Complete 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, place youth/children into the least restrictive out-of-home placements such as foster or kinship care when in need of emergency substitute care.
Attend 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.
Maintain contact with the care provider throughout the duration of the placement while you are the open caseworker.
Maintain and increase knowledge and skills through attendance to meetings, conferences, training seminars and in-service training sessions.
Apply skills and knowledge gained from successful completion of the State training for new caseworkers.
Learn 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 understand Department guidelines and policies.
Demonstrate an emerging level of competence through regular practice, trainer observation, and verification by the County Department as outlined in the request for certification.
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.