Child Protection Intake Caseworker

County of Weld•Greeley, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an entry-level training or journey-level novice position performing professional child welfare casework under direct supervision, oversight, and coaching from County Department staff. The caseworker assesses complaints involving possible child neglect, abuse, or exploitation; evaluates safety and risk; determines, with supervisory support, the need for Department intervention; and provides child protective services and case management until a case is transferred or closed. Caseloads are limited during training and increase gradually over a 12-month period at the journey level. The role is based in person, with an established work office. Work may take place at the Greeley campus or other satellite offices and may involve travel to homes, transporting children, and working in homes that may be hostile or unsanitary. Occasional telework may be available after initial training and demonstrated high performance. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; attendance outside those hours, including occasional on-call or after-hours work, may be needed based on business needs. The entry-level position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from a higher education institution with coursework related to child welfare social casework responsibilities, such as human behavior development, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures, or therapeutic techniques.
For journey-level candidates 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.
Ability to apply child protection practices and guidelines with flexibility, critical thinking, and independent judgment.
Ability to enter data in multiple computer programs, learn and apply new computer skills, and use 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 with parents, foster parents, relative care providers, community partners, employees, professionals, and state and community representatives, including articulating concepts, directives, and goals.
Ability to apply math concepts and calculations and use common sense to solve problems in the work environment.
Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, high-volume, changing environment and remain calm and professional in high-stress, conflict-filled situations.
Knowledge of effective conflict resolution and ability to de-escalate hostile situations.
Pass required criminal, Human Services, and CBI/FBI fingerprint background checks; remain subject to CBI/FBI monitoring throughout employment.
Valid driver's license and liability insurance; pass an MVR evaluation and remain subject to continuous monthly MVR monitoring and random drug screens.
Provide own transportation and be willing to travel and transport clients as needed.
Meet the position's driving-related essential functions.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution, majoring 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.

Responsibilities

Assess complaints and complete thorough, in-depth family assessments within state-mandated time frames to evaluate possible abuse or neglect and child safety.
Visit referred families and interview identified children, youth, siblings, and caregivers living in the home.
Determine the need for protective services with supervisory approval and file in court when needed.
Provide crisis management and child welfare services to children remaining in the home, including emergency referrals to community resources.
Connect families with community agencies and services and serve as a liaison to facilitate services.
Use critical thinking, with supervisor support, to determine next steps to ensure children's safety.
Complete institutional assessments of specified child-care and residential settings in Weld County when victims are under age 10, subject to the stated custody and location conditions for kinship homes.
Prepare for and participate in case-specific court hearings, consult with County legal staff as needed, prepare timely court updates and letters, and provide case information and advocacy in court when not legally represented.
Complete accurate and timely case documentation, including contact records, safety and risk assessments, closure assessments, and other case-related records.
When necessary, place children in the least restrictive appropriate out-of-home placement, such as foster or kinship care, for emergency substitute care.
Attend RED teams, family engagement meetings, group supervision, staff meetings, training, supervisory meetings, and other requested agency or community meetings.
Communicate with care providers and maintain contact with them throughout a placement while serving as the open caseworker.
Maintain and develop knowledge and skills through meetings, conferences, seminars, and in-service training; apply learning from required state training and guidance from supervisors, trainers, and mentors.
Demonstrate increasing competence through practice, trainer observation, and County Department verification for certification.
Perform other duties as assigned and comply with all policies and standards.