Children's Services Worker (Children's Services Caseworker) (3594-12)

Hamilton County (OH) • Cincinnati, OH

232d • $25 • Hybrid

About The Position

Be part of our Team! We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law. We are a second-chance employer and a recovery friendly workplace. Are you interested in serving our community and helping to protect our county's most vulnerable children? At Hamilton County Children's Services, this is what we do every day. We are looking for compassionate, tenacious workers who are dedicated to ensuring children are safe. You will support children and families by keeping children safe and advocating for families. We offer a comprehensive training program for all new hires, including classroom training, shadowing, virtual reality experience, coaching, and engagement with our regional training center. This is a critical role that directly impacts the outcomes of the children and families whom we serve. This role may be a good fit if you excel in interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and enjoy fast paced work environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in human services-related field or Bachelor's degree in any field and has two (2) years' work experience in a human service-related occupation.
• A bachelor's or master's in a human services-related field would be required within 5 years.
• Must possess a valid driver's license issued in the state of residency.
• Must have the use of an insured automobile.
• A criminal records check conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation and the FBI is required.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Social Work
• Licensed Social Worker

Responsibilities

• Completes assessments of child safety in response to Intake Reports of physical and sexual abuse, neglect and dependency within mandated timeframes and in accordance with federal, state and agency policy.
• Research previous Children's Services history, criminal history, court involvement and other applicable information for all individuals associated with Intake Report and/or case members.
• Conducts and engages in face-to-face interviews with all children in the household of assessment, parent(s)/caregiver(s), and alleged maltreater(s) to make continuous decisions regarding child safety.
• Assesses and ensures child safety at every contact, which frequently includes direct consultation with supervisor regarding safety decision making.
• Controls for child safety immediately when a child is determined unsafe by confirmation of Present or Impending Danger Safety Threats.
• Completes Safety Plan Analysis questions to determine least restrictive safety plan that is able to control for specific family circumstance and conditions.
• Works with specialized staff to access appropriate placements and prepare children and families for placement.
• Maintains regular contact with supportive service providers to ensure coordination and effectiveness of services.
• Completes necessary paperwork and documentation on a timely basis for case activities.
• Consults with Hamilton County Prosecutors Office, executes requests for legal actions, testifies to and demonstrates support of agency's position regarding case.
• Practices in a way which demonstrates awareness and understanding of cultural competency, socioeconomic differences, and respect for diversity in interactions and work with families.
• Participates in organizational improvement projects, strategic planning meetings, and practice advancement efforts as needed.

Benefits

• Starting hourly base pay of $25.75, with potential increases for prior paid experience.
• Highly Competitive Employee Benefits Package and Generous Paid Time Off.
• 11 Paid Holidays, Immediately Begin with 40 hours Paid Vacation if No Prior Service.
• Ohio Public Employee Retirement System which includes 14% Employer Contribution AND a defined benefit option.
• Medical, HRA, Dental, Vision, Employer-Paid Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Parental Leave.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility, Commuter Stipend or Free On-Site Parking, Wellness Incentives.
• Access to Free Medical and Rx through Marathon Health, plus expansive Behavioral and Mental Health Resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Administration of Human Resource Programs
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree