Child Welfare Caseworker

Delta County Colorado • Delta, CO

2d • $22 - $27

About The Position

This position is anticipated to close on December 26, 2025, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled and removed from the Delta County jobs website. General Position Description: Provide assessment and/or ongoing social casework services to families where child abuse, neglect, or youth in conflict issues are present or suspected. Caseworkers provide 24-hour response to reports of abuse and/or neglect in accordance with guidelines set forth in Federal and State law including the Colorado Children’s Code and Colorado Code or Regulations Volume VII. Develop case plans to address issues impacting the safety and well-being of children and youth. Make referrals to other agencies, when appropriate. Receives supervision from the unit supervisor, program administrator and/or director in the assigned area. Essential Functions/Responsibilities (all levels): Provide case management services in accordance with agency, state, and federal guidelines and laws. Investigate reports of alleged abuse/neglect maintaining time frames in accordance with Volume VII Timeliness of Assessments. Interview and observe victim(s) and other children that reside in the home using regulated protocol and investigative questioning techniques gathering enough information for Safety and Risk Assessment. Interview all family members, other residents and all relevant witnesses to gain as much information as possible on family situations including dynamics, resources and barriers. Based upon physical observation and results of interviews, determine level of risk and safety and course of action using Child Protection standards. Consult with Law Enforcement and Department Attorneys for additional insight and direction when necessary. Provide 24-hour a day on-call emergency services and crisis intervention. Provide resource mobilization, information and referrals to other agencies involved in child protection. Conduct investigations of alleged physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. Includes cases involving adolescents, youth in conflict and adjudicated delinquents. Work collaboratively to establish and monitor treatment plans with families and service providers. Utilize solution focused practice to mitigate risk, enhance safety and expedite case resolution. Complete comprehensive reports and case documentation in a timely manner. Conduct home visits, attend community meetings, and participate in court hearings. Participate in the court process providing factual information regarding investigation and safety assessment and/or on-going/permanency recommendations and needs. Attends court hearings, confers with lawyers, children, parents, and significant others in reference to their respective roles. Testify in court to make recommendations regarding treatment of child and family including the need for out of home placement, emergency protective orders, progress of initial protective orders, treatment, adoption and the like as necessary. Work with, and advocate for, families in crisis situations and/or those impacted by trauma, substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, multi-generational poverty, child abuse, child neglect, sexual abuse, etc.

Requirements

• Education: A 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; and, Professional, internship, or volunteer work experience in a human services related agency. 12 CCR 2509-7.603.1 C.2 Child Welfare Qualification and Certification Requirements [Eff. 9/1/22] May be eligible for an educational waiver from the Colorado Department of Human Services if pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
• Experience : Two years of full-time professional social casework experience in a public or private social services agency desired. Combination of education and experience could waive specific requirements.
• Licenses and Certifications: Must possess and retain an unrestricted State of Colorado Driver’s License. Levels II and III require a State of Colorado Child Welfare Caseworker Certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management services in accordance with agency, state, and federal guidelines and laws.
• Investigate reports of alleged abuse/neglect maintaining time frames in accordance with Volume VII Timeliness of Assessments.
• Interview and observe victim(s) and other children that reside in the home using regulated protocol and investigative questioning techniques gathering enough information for Safety and Risk Assessment.
• Interview all family members, other residents and all relevant witnesses to gain as much information as possible on family situations including dynamics, resources and barriers.
• Based upon physical observation and results of interviews, determine level of risk and safety and course of action using Child Protection standards.
• Consult with Law Enforcement and Department Attorneys for additional insight and direction when necessary.
• Provide 24-hour a day on-call emergency services and crisis intervention.
• Provide resource mobilization, information and referrals to other agencies involved in child protection.
• Conduct investigations of alleged physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. Includes cases involving adolescents, youth in conflict and adjudicated delinquents.
• Work collaboratively to establish and monitor treatment plans with families and service providers.
• Utilize solution focused practice to mitigate risk, enhance safety and expedite case resolution.
• Complete comprehensive reports and case documentation in a timely manner.
• Conduct home visits, attend community meetings, and participate in court hearings.
• Participate in the court process providing factual information regarding investigation and safety assessment and/or on-going/permanency recommendations and needs.
• Attends court hearings, confers with lawyers, children, parents, and significant others in reference to their respective roles.
• Testify in court to make recommendations regarding treatment of child and family including the need for out of home placement, emergency protective orders, progress of initial protective orders, treatment, adoption and the like as necessary.
• Work with, and advocate for, families in crisis situations and/or those impacted by trauma, substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, multi-generational poverty, child abuse, child neglect, sexual abuse, etc.

Benefits

• Delta County offers benefits for this position which include medical, dental, vision, and additional selective optional insurances available to the employee and eligible dependents on a cost share basis between employee and the organization.
• Life insurance and employee only medical insurance is available at no cost to the employee.
• We have a pre-tax flexible spending account.
• Employees contribute 4% of their salary to a 401(a) retirement account fully matched with 4% from the County along with an optional 457 tax advantaged deferred-compensation retirement plan.
• Paid time off is accrued at 14 hours per month with an additional 11 paid holidays in a calendar year.
• We have a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that includes counseling along with some legal and financial support counseling.
• Delta County has modified work schedules for positions and employees that qualify.
• As an employee, additional employee discounts and fringe benefits are available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level