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

El Paso County • El Paso, CO

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

El Paso County is seeking a passionate Social Caseworker for its Children, Youth, and Family Services Adoption Team. This role focuses on finalizing permanency for children through adoption, with the county completing approximately 100 adoptions annually. The caseworker will provide case management for children post-termination through adoption finalization, supporting both children and prospective adoptive families. Key duties include general case management, matching and placement adjustments, information sharing, writing adoption home studies, and completing necessary legal documents and contracts. El Paso County DHS offers significant opportunities for growth and career development, and this role has the potential to profoundly impact children's lives. The position involves child protection duties, which may require flexibility in work hours to accommodate client schedules. 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 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 the job responsibilities of child welfare social caseworker.
• Coursework examples can include and are not limited to, the development of human behavior, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures, or therapeutic techniques.
• One year 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 position.
• Colorado State Child Welfare Caseworker Certification or the ability to successfully complete and pass initial examination within ninety days of enrollment.
• 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.
• Reliable transportation is required as you will be utilizing your own registered and insured personal vehicle to transport clients as needed.

Nice To Haves

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

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 the 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, and reports 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

• Extensive opportunity for growth and career development.
• Mileage reimbursement is available upon request.

What This Job Offers

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