Social Caseworker – Children, Youth, & Family Services (Adoption)

El Paso County • El Paso, CO

15h • Hybrid

About The Position

El Paso County DHS is seeking a passionate Social Caseworker for the Children, Youth and Family Services Adoption Team. This role focuses on finalizing permanency through adoption, supporting approximately 100 adoptions annually. The caseworker will provide case management for children post-termination through adoption finalization, assist children and prospective adoptive families, conduct general case management, facilitate matching and placement changes, share information for adoption, and write adoption home studies. Additionally, responsibilities include completing contracts and legal documents for adoption. This position offers significant opportunities for growth and career development, with the potential to profoundly impact children's lives. The role involves child protection duties, requiring engagement with families and flexibility in work hours to accommodate client schedules. A hybrid schedule may be available after the initial evaluation period. Due to the sensitive nature of the work, additional background checks are required. This position is part of the Social Caseworker - Children, Youth, & Family Services (CYFS) career progression series.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from a higher education institution with coursework related to child welfare social casework.
• One year of professional, internship, or volunteer work experience in a human service-related agency.
• 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 the required experience.
• 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, including fingerprinting, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.
• College transcripts required prior to the date of hire.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, clients, other agencies, community professionals, 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 accurately and efficiently complete paperwork, reports, and documentation.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to use standard office equipment to include computer, fax machine, copier, and telephone.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Nice To Haves

• Specific interest in finalizing permanency through adoption.
• Eye for detail.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strength in writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Interviews clients and develops appropriate treatment plans.
• Initiates and/or participates in home studies.
• Provides intensive casework services to families and children.
• Investigates allegations of child abuse and assesses imminent danger for children.
• Makes referrals to community resources and collateral contacts.
• Monitors and reports clients' progress and provides service recommendations/referrals.
• Ensures that needed services are being provided and treatment plans are followed.
• Determines the appropriateness of placement and services provided.
• Addresses child safety issues in the home to mitigate safety concerns.
• Ensures that children in the department's custody or supervision receive necessary interventions.
• Provides crisis management and coordinates support services for clients.
• Acts as a liaison for the DHS and consults with other caseworkers and community professionals.
• Provides casework and assessment services for teams within the Practice Unit.
• Attends and testifies in court hearings and mediations.
• Completes appropriate paperwork, documentation, reports, and reviews 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.
• Documents all contacts and ensures accurate completion and filing of paperwork.
• Completes necessary case information reports and inputs updates into the 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.
• Collects and reports statistics and data on unit and outcomes and performances.
• Facilitates meetings as needed.
• May be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance.
• Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area.

Benefits

• Mileage reimbursement is available upon request.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level