Permanency Social Caseworker III - 161893, 161743

Adams County•Westminster, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Adams County Children and Family Services is hiring a Permanency Social Caseworker III. Depending on agency needs, the role may combine assessment and permanency duties. The caseworker responds to child abuse and neglect concerns, assesses child safety and family needs, coordinates services, and supports children and families in achieving safety, well-being, and permanency. Work may involve cases concerning individuals from birth through age 21 and exposure to domestic violence, neglect, physical abuse, or sexual abuse. The position is hybrid, with onsite work scheduled one to four days per week according to County needs and the Department Director’s determination; employees may work onsite more often by preference. After an initial 90-day training period, flexible scheduling options are available. The role may require meetings outside normal business hours, travel to client homes and court or other public facilities, and face-to-face client contact that can include in-state or out-of-state travel. Home visits may take place in unknown and uncontrolled environments with potential hazards. The caseworker documents case activity, develops family service plans, coordinates and reviews services, engages families and youth in identifying permanent connections, supervises parenting time, and participates in court proceedings. The position requires a strength-based, trauma-informed approach, sound safety assessments, collaboration with families and professionals, and compliance with state and federal mandates and timelines.

Requirements

Professional, internship, or volunteer work experience in a human services-related agency.
Bachelor’s degree in a human behavioral science field. An educational waiver may be available to applicants currently enrolled in a bachelor’s program; the degree must be obtained within one year of hire, and education progress must be reported to the hiring manager every six months.
Colorado Child Welfare Caseworker certification, to be completed within three months of employment through the Colorado Training Academy; certification from another state may substitute for all or part of Colorado training with proof of completion.
Valid driver’s license and proof of automotive insurance.
Pass a criminal background check.
Knowledge of child welfare, healthy child development, abuse and neglect dynamics and effects, culture and family systems, and experience working with children and youth ages 0–18.
Ability to use an empathetic, strength-based, trauma-informed approach with families involved in the child welfare system.
Ability to assess child safety, make decisions using available information, and apply critical thinking to difficult or complicated cases.
Ability to build and maintain positive professional relationships and collaborate with people from varied backgrounds and disciplines.
Ability to prioritize, manage time, show initiative, and stay organized.
Ability to partner with others to solve problems, resolve conflict with upset clients, and manage crises calmly.
Ability to type and use computers, TRAILS, agency platforms, and other computer-based systems for records and referrals.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, review documents, and synthesize information into accurate, professional written documents.
Ability and willingness to accommodate client schedules, including meeting outside normal business hours at times.
Ability to demonstrate professionalism during court proceedings.
Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a personal vehicle or another mode of transportation for client visits and travel to court and other public facilities in all types of weather.
Ability to carry large case files and conduct home visits in unknown and uncontrolled settings that may include animals, feces, airborne contaminants, gang members, weapons, and other environmental hazards.
Ability to obtain, maintain, and ensure continued access to State and County systems in compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and user agreements.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual applicants are preferred and may receive a Language Pay incentive based on usage.

Responsibilities

Respond to allegations of child abuse and neglect and assess reports concerning children and youth.
Interview and observe victims, alleged offenders, witnesses, caregivers, and collateral agencies to assess child safety and the validity of allegations.
Identify risk factors and dynamics related to child abuse, neglect, and family functioning.
Provide crisis intervention and assess family needs.
Complete assessments within 60 days and determine whether long-term support and services are needed for child safety and well-being.
Prepare court reports, attend and testify at court hearings and proceedings, and consult with attorneys, judges, and guardians ad litem.
Prepare case documentation, including family service plans, court documents, TRAILS entries and ROC notes, assessments, placement paperwork, service referrals, and family-time assessments.
Review service-provider reports to assess the effectiveness of services.
Maintain face-to-face contact with clients as required by regulations and agency policy, potentially including in-state or out-of-state travel.
Engage families and youth in finding permanent connections and participate in Family Engagement Meetings and Permanency Roundtables.
Supervise parenting time for children and families on the caseload and, when necessary, facilitate goodbye sessions following termination of parental rights.
Participate in scheduled supervision, team, section, and division meetings, as well as red teams, group supervision, and staffing.
Complete required state and agency training on the required schedule and meet applicable state and federal mandates and timelines.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.