Child Protection Intake Caseworker

Weld County Government•Greeley, CO

3d•$69,222 - $93,454•Onsite

About The Position

This position applies learned and trained knowledge and abilities in professional casework under the direct supervision and oversight of identified Child Welfare staff. The caseworker assesses complaints involving families in which children may be neglected, abused, or exploited; learns to assess family safety and risk; and determines the need for and level of Department of Human Services intervention. The role provides child protective services and case management until a case is transferred or closed, under direct oversight of an assigned supervisor. The position has entry and journey levels. Entry-level work is a training role with intensive supervision or coaching and a caseload limited to no more than 50% of the county average or 10 assessments/cases, whichever is less. Journey-level work is a novice role with intensive supervision or coaching; its caseload increases gradually over 12 months and is capped at no more than 75% of the county average or 14 assessments/cases, whichever is less. Training plans develop professional social casework techniques, foundations, and concepts relevant to the assigned work. The employee's office will be established, with work performed at the Greeley campus or another satellite office as required. This is an in-person position that may allow occasional telework after initial training is completed successfully and high work performance is demonstrated. Work may involve driving to and from home visits, transporting children, and working in client homes that may be hostile or unsanitary. Occasional after-hours or on-call work may be needed to support families outside normal business hours. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with reliable and predictable attendance required. Attendance outside standard business hours may be required depending on business needs. Entry-level employment is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and eligible for overtime pay. The posting lists entry-level compensation of $32.99–$42.88 per hour and journey-level compensation of $69,222.40–$93,454.40 annually.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a higher education institution, with coursework related to child welfare social casework responsibilities. Examples include human behavior development, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures, or therapeutic techniques.
For the journey level only: six months of professional or volunteer work experience in a human service-related agency, or one semester of internship in a child welfare setting.
Ability to keyboard at 40 words per minute.
Flexibility and a strong understanding of Child Protection practices while adhering to guidelines.
Demonstrable critical-thinking skills and independent judgment.
Ability to enter data into multiple computer programs, learn and apply new computer skills regularly, and use programs such as Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and department policies and procedures, and to write correspondence.
Ability to communicate effectively one-on-one and in small groups 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 and use common sense to solve workplace problems.
Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, high-volume, changing work environment and handle stressful, conflict-filled situations while remaining calm and professional.
Knowledge of effective conflict resolution and ability to de-escalate hostile situations.
Must pass criminal background and Human Services background checks, a CBI/FBI fingerprint check, and an MVR evaluation before or during employment as specified; subject to ongoing CBI/FBI monitoring, monthly MVR monitoring, and random drug screens.
Valid driver’s license and liability insurance; driving is essential. Must provide own transportation and be willing to travel and transport clients as needed.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution with a major in a human behavior science field.
One year of experience working in a public or private social services agency.
One year of experience working in Child Welfare.
One year of experience working with community partners and knowledge of community resources.
Traits identified for the ideal candidate: highly motivated, passionate about families and the community, a critical thinker, team player, innovative, proactive, adaptable, and collaborative.

Responsibilities

Assess complaints involving possible child abuse, neglect, or exploitation and complete thorough family assessments using critical thinking and applicable Children’s Code and Volume 7 guidance.
Initiate and complete in-depth assessments within state-mandated time frames, assess child and youth safety, and plan appropriate service interventions.
Visit referred families and interview identified youth, siblings, and caregivers living in the home.
Determine, with supervisory approval, whether protective service intervention is needed and file in court when appropriate.
Provide immediate crisis management and child welfare services to children remaining in the home, including emergency referrals to community resources.
Provide resources and referrals to families and serve as a liaison with community agencies to facilitate services.
Transport clients on occasion as needed.
Use critical thinking with supervisory support to determine steps needed to assure child safety.
Complete institutional assessments for specified Weld County day care homes and facilities, certified foster homes, certified kinship homes, group homes, and residential treatment facilities when victims are under age 10. Assessments of kinship homes occur only when the County Department of Human Services has custody of the child and the home is in Weld County.
Prepare for and participate in case-specific court hearings, consulting County legal staff as needed.
Prepare court updates and letters in a timely and professional manner.
When not legally represented, provide information about youth and case progress and advocate in the courtroom.
Complete accurate and timely case documentation, including contact records, safety and risk assessments, closure assessments, and other case-related documentation.
When necessary, place children or youth in the least restrictive out-of-home placement, such as foster or kinship care, when emergency substitute care is needed.
Attend RED teams, family engagement meetings, group supervisions, staff meetings and training, regular supervisory meetings, and other requested agency or community meetings.
Communicate with care providers to ensure they have necessary information to care for children and maintain contact with providers throughout placements while serving as the open caseworker.
Maintain and increase knowledge and skills through meetings, conferences, training seminars, and in-service training.
Apply skills and knowledge gained through successful completion of State training for new caseworkers.
Learn required duties, Weld County Child Welfare practices, and Department guidelines and policies from the assigned Intake Supervisor, trainers, and mentors.
Demonstrate developing competence through regular practice, trainer observation, and County Department verification as outlined in the certification request.
Perform other duties as assigned and comply with all policies and standards.