Lead Social Caseworker – Children, Youth, & Family Services (Hotline Team)

El Paso County•El Paso, CO

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

El Paso County will be a trusted regional leader known for excellence in county service delivery. We provide essential public services to the Pikes Peak Region in support of our residents, businesses, and communities, enhancing the freedom for all to thrive. Are you dedicated to assisting vulnerable populations and families, eager to spearhead new projects? If you possess strong active listening skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently or collaboratively, then the Hotline Lead Caseworker role with El Paso County is for you! As a Hotline Lead, your responsibilities extend to resolving complex issues, contributing to child abuse prevention, offering resources to families, conducting mandated reporter trainings for professionals, and serving as the initial contact representative for the agency. This role demands flexibility, a positive attitude, solution-focused mindset, strong motivation, a diligent work ethic, and effective collaboration within a team setting. Joining this goal-oriented, dynamic team means actively contributing to the prevention of child abuse, serving as backup for the Hotline and supervisors, and handling community calls. Embrace this opportunity to be part of a team committed to delivering exceptional customer service. This is a child protection position; child protection includes engaging families. It is reasonable to anticipate the need for flexibility in work hours periodically to accommodate client schedules. The average workday hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am -5:00pm. Hybrid schedule may be available upon successful completion of the initial evaluation period; schedule is subject to change. Due to the sensitive nature of this role, additional background checks may be required, including a Government Program Fraud check, Child Welfare Abuse & Neglect database (TRAILS) check, and Child Welfare Caseworker Falsification check. Please be advised this position may close without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications. 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. May be assigned to the Practice or Support & Services unit. Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function.

Requirements

Working knowledge of casework practices, procedures, and protocol; working knowledge of child safety and family engagement.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, clients, other agencies, the courts, and the public.
Ability to provide excellent customer service.
Ability to efficiently plan, schedule, and organize.
Ability to assess situations and make prudent and appropriate decisions.
Ability to apply conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
Ability to lead and train others; ability to objectively assess the performance of others.
Abilities in interviewing and investigative techniques and practices.
Ability to accurately and efficiently complete paperwork, reports, and documentation timely.
Ability to utilize supervision in making casework decisions.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Ability to use standard office equipment, including computer, fax machine, copier, and telephone.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Bachelor’s degree or higher from a higher education institution with course work related to the job responsibilities of child welfare social caseworker as stated in Volume 7. 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.
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 as stated within El Paso County’s Personnel Policies Manual.
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; mileage reimbursement is available upon request.

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

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.