Hotline Caseworker-Hybrid Work Model

Arapahoe County•Aurora, CO

1d•$22 - $32•Hybrid

About The Position

The Hotline Caseworker in the intake screening unit receives all intake referrals to the Department for child abuse/neglect, adult abuse/neglect/exploitation, youth services and any other crisis situations involving this population. The purpose of the position is to gather complete, accurate information from reporting parties to make an initial assessment of the information to arrive at an appropriate case disposition. Arapahoe County government serves its communities in ways both obvious and obscure. As the beating heart of local and regional government, we’re here for our neighbors on their best days—and their worst. We share our residents’ goals of preserving our quality of life and strive to be the place we’re proud to call home. Our Mission: Arapahoe County Department of Human Services (ACDHS) builds strong communities by promoting the safety, independence, and stability of individuals and families. Our Vision: To end the cycle of poverty and prevent abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adults (using an integrated Two-Generation approach) ACDHS uses an integrated Two-Generation (2Gen) approach to address all of the basic human services needs of the entire family unit. The 2Gen approach begins with a mindset focused on family-centered program design, continues with the alignment of services and resources within the department as well as across multiple organizations, resulting in coordinated services to children and adults together (family) in order to create long-term stability and sustainability. The 2Gen approach builds well-being for families by focusing equally and intentionally on high-quality services in five areas of focus: early childhood education, adult education and employment pathways, economic security, health and well-being, and social capital. This approach will help us achieve our core mission of breaking the generational cycle of poverty, preventing neglect and abuse and building strong communities.

Requirements

Basic understanding of social casework principles and methods, demonstrate knowledge of dynamics of child abuse/neglect; adult abuse/neglect/exploitation; adolescent development and the dynamics of the process of aging/development. This includes an awareness of cultural issues, child development, parent/child conflict and psychiatric and medical problems.
Must have knowledge of agency and state rules, regulations, and procedures as well as knowledge of effective parenting methods and maladaptive family dynamics.
Ability to read and process information verbal and written as well as elicit information from callers in a timely and accurate manner is required. Skill in obtaining accurate and clear information that is utilized to make decisions effecting client's health, safety and well-being is also necessary. Skill in concise verbal and written information and skill in relating to clients and reporters in an emotionally supportive manner during crisis situations is required.
Knowledge of community resources that interface with Department's responsibilities to ensure appropriate disposition of referrals and that resources given, address the identified problem areas.
Ability to assess immediate crisis situations and establish a plan of action with minimal supervision to ensure the immediate safety of children and adults. Must be able to exercise independent judgment and decision-making skills in the supervisor's absence, to include following all agency policies and procedures.
Ability to remain calm, organized and in control of stressful situations to ensure that information is complete, accurate and clear and to remain calm and able to prioritize crisis caseload.
Accountability
Accessibility
Inclusivity
Integrity
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a major in a human behavior science field In order to meet the minimum educational requirements of a human behavioral science degree, the applicant must have a degree with major course work (equivalent to 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours) in either development of human behavior, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures or therapeutic techniques such as social work, psychology, sociology, guidance and counseling, and child development.
Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR) and background check.
Possession of a valid Class “R” Colorado Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within two weeks of appointment.

Nice To Haves

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Responsibilities

Receives incoming calls of a crisis nature and determine the problem and gravity of crisis being reported. Gather all the needed information utilizing the expanded screening questioning to make an initial assessment of a case, determine safety issues present, what services are required, what community referrals are needed on the case, and what additional information is needed to arrive at a case disposition. Provide support and counseling until matter can be dispositioned by a supervisor and/or RED Team.
Completes thorough record checks on all reports received. This includes extensive computer capabilities, knowledge of state and county systems including Trails, CBMS, Colorado Courts,etc.
Provides community resources and information via telephone and emails, processes police and school reports received, and prioritizes follow up on such reports, etc.
Completes follow up work and call backs requested by RED Team to obtain more information to influence disposition determination.
Attends and participates in RED Teams on a routine basis.