Child Protection Permanency Caseworker

County of Weld•Greeley, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Child Protection Permanency Caseworker provides ongoing child protective services to families with open cases, applying learned and trained professional casework knowledge under direct supervision and oversight of Child Welfare staff. The primary goals are to strengthen families’ ability to protect and care for their children, prevent continued or future involvement with the child welfare system, and ensure permanency planning. The caseworker promotes child safety, permanency, and well-being through family plans with clear objectives, action steps, and outcomes that facilitate reunification and prevent future out-of-home placement or continued child protection involvement. The position has entry and journey levels. Entry-level assignments are limited to 50% of the county’s average caseload or 10 assessments/cases, whichever is less. At the journey level, the caseload increases gradually over 12 months and is capped at 75% of the county’s average caseload or 14 assessments/cases, whichever is less. Both levels include intensive supervision or coaching and training in professional social casework. The role is non-exempt from minimum wage and overtime requirements and is eligible for overtime pay. The work office will be established, with work at the Greeley Campus or another satellite office as needed. The position is in person and may allow occasional telework after successful completion of initial training and demonstration of high work performance. Work may require driving to homes and transporting children, and may take place in clients’ homes that could be hostile or unsanitary. Occasional after-hours or on-call work may be needed to support families outside normal business hours. The regular 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. Compensation is listed as $32.99–$42.88 for entry level and $33.28–$44.93 for journey level; the posting does not specify the pay period.

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, diagnostic measures, or therapeutic techniques.
For journey level, six months of professional or volunteer 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.
Critical-thinking and independent-judgment skills.
Ability to enter data into multiple computer programs and learn and apply new computer skills regularly.
Knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and department policies and procedures; ability to write correspondence.
Ability to communicate effectively with parents, foster parents, relative care providers, and community partners, and 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 work-related problems.
Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, high-volume, changing work environment and handle high-stress and conflict-filled situations calmly and professionally.
Knowledge of effective conflict resolution and ability to de-escalate hostile situations.
Pass required Department of Human Services background checks and CBI/FBI fingerprint check before employment; remain subject to CBI/FBI monitoring during employment.
Submit college transcripts before the first day of employment.
Obtain and maintain Colorado Child Welfare Caseworker Certification during employment.
Valid driver’s license and liability insurance; pass an MVR evaluation and be subject to ongoing monthly MVR monitoring and random drug screens.
Provide own transportation and be willing to travel and transport clients as needed for essential job functions.
Pass the required pre-employment substance/drug screening.

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.
Proficient ability to read, write, and speak Spanish and to interpret and translate between English and Spanish using professional language.
Bilingual English-Spanish ability is desirable.
Keeps children’s need for timely permanency central to decisions; builds trusting relationships with parents, children/youth, kin, and foster families; writes clear, accurate court reports; is comfortable testifying and presenting recommendations in court; works collaboratively with guardians ad litem, attorneys, therapists, and community partners; is trauma-informed and culturally responsive; is resilient and emotionally grounded; and believes in families’ capacity to change while prioritizing child safety.

Responsibilities

Provide ongoing case management and work with families and professionals to develop and modify treatment plans addressing safety and risk issues identified during intake assessment.
Assess safety, permanency, and well-being through monthly face-to-face contacts and engagement with children/youth, parents, and caregivers.
Help families identify and eliminate barriers to case or treatment plan progress and timely permanency.
Promote and advocate for permanency with parents, relatives, or through adoption within 12 months of case opening.
Testify at hearings and complete court letters and case documentation thoroughly, accurately, and on time.
Maintain records of contact, safety and risk assessments, case closure, and other case-related documentation.
Provide referrals and resources to families and serve as a liaison with community agencies to facilitate services.
Place and monitor children in out-of-home placements, including foster or kinship care, when emergency substitute care is needed; communicate with and maintain contact with care providers.
Partner with the legal department and assistant county attorneys to ensure legal standards are considered and complied with and that case updates and court preparation are current.
Collaborate with other Department units and attend RED teams, family engagement meetings, group supervision, staff meetings, training, supervisory meetings, and other requested agency or community meetings.
Maintain and increase professional knowledge and skills through meetings, conferences, seminars, and in-service training.
Apply knowledge and skills gained through State training for new caseworkers and learn duties, guidelines, and policies from supervisors, trainers, and mentors.
Demonstrate developing competence through pre- and post-tests, trainer observation, and County Department verification for certification.
Understand and implement Colorado Department of Human Services Volume 7 rules and regulations for Child Welfare organizations.