Lead Social Caseworker – Children, Youth, & Family Services (After-Hours)

El Paso County•El Paso, CO

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

El Paso County is seeking a passionate individual to join their Children, Youth & Family Services team as a lead caseworker. This role focuses on assessing child abuse and neglect referrals, providing services to families, and collaborating with community partners. The position involves working within a second-shift intake unit, addressing child safety concerns, and offering resources and support to help families thrive. The hiring range is $64,800.00 - $68,800.00 annually, with an anticipated hiring rate of $67,548.00 annually. This is a child protection position that requires flexibility in work hours, with average hours being Monday-Friday 3:00 pm – 12:00 am, subject to change. A hybrid schedule may be available after an initial evaluation period. Additional background checks are required due to the sensitive nature of the role. This position may close without advance notice.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher from a higher education institution with coursework related to the job responsibilities of child welfare social caseworker.
Two years of professional, internship, or volunteer work experience in a human service-related agency.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and proof of automobile insurance.
Must obtain and maintain necessary certifications as applicable to the position.
Must possess or obtain Colorado State Child Welfare Caseworker Certification within ninety days of course enrollment and maintain certification thereafter.
Must pass conditional post-offer background investigation to include fingerprinting, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.
College transcripts required prior to the date of hire.
Reliable transportation is required as you will be utilizing your own registered and insured personal vehicle to transport clients as needed.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated leadership skills preferred.
Successful completion of a Bachelor’s Degree of Social Work (BSW) or Master's Degree of Social Work (MSW) internship in a human services-related agency may substitute for one year of the required experience.

Responsibilities

Works to preserve and/or rehabilitate families while protecting children's physical, emotional, and mental well-being through child protection, adolescent services, placements, and/or permanency plans.
Based on position assignment, coordinates the practice and is responsible for primary decision-making of child protection practices or coordinates the services and secondary-service decisions as related to safety, permanency, well-being and preserving families.
Serves as a lead caseworker, advising and assisting caseworkers on case assignments.
Provides lead work for a team, including assisting with training, technical support, orienting new employees, providing guidance and mentoring, and resolving complex problems and issues to meet the needs of clients.
Provides input and support to the leadership regarding applicable performance evaluations.
Fosters a team atmosphere that is inclusive and supportive.
Provides casework and assessment services for teams as directed.
Reviews and ensures incorporation of treatment and work plans from the court, caseworkers, providers, and community partners.
Interviews clients and develops appropriate treatment plans as needed.
Initiates and/or coordinates home studies and provides intensive casework services to families and children related to assigned functional area.
As assigned, reports and/or investigates allegations of child abuse and assesses imminent danger for children; makes referrals to community resources and collateral contacts.
Monitors clients' progress and ensures that needed services are being provided, that treatment plans are being followed through in a timely manner, and determines the appropriateness of the placement and services provided.
Ensures services are being provided effectively and in a timely manner for the safety and wellbeing of the child.
Provides crisis management and coordinates support services for clients to resolve problems, barriers, and conflicts.
Acts as a liaison for the DHS and consults with other caseworkers and community professionals on case situations, treatment/case plans, issues, and problems.
Attends and testifies in court hearings and mediations; completes appropriate paperwork, documentation, petitions, reports, reviews, etc., for court hearings; monitors clients' compliance with court orders; serves temporary custody notices and petitions the court for verbal orders.
Prepares for and participates in meetings and staffings.
Mediates any disagreements during meetings and staffings; builds consensus to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the child.
Addresses child safety issues in the home to mitigate safety concerns as assigned; ensures that children in the department's custody or supervision receive necessary interventions.
Documents all contacts and ensures that all paperwork and documentation are accurately completed and filed; completes necessary case information reports, inputs updates into database.
Arranges and provides transportation for clients to appointments, therapy, school, court hearings, pre-placement visits, etc.
Ensures compliance with Federal, State, and County laws, outcome measures, rules, and regulations; reviews cases to ensure case plans are developed and implemented.
Provides support to Practice and Support and Services teams within the CYFS Division as needed.
Assists with collecting, monitoring, and reporting team statistics, data, and outcomes.
Facilitates meetings as needed.
Performs other duties as required.