Social Caseworker – Children, Youth, & Family Services (Child Placement Team)

El Paso County•El Paso, CO

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

El Paso County is seeking a collaborative and highly organized Social Caseworker for its Child Placement Team. This role is critical in helping children and youth find safe, supportive placements and involves working closely with a dedicated child welfare team. The Social Caseworker will coordinate placement searches for youth aged 0-21, complete intake assessments, and act as a liaison between the agency and community partners. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through communication, problem-solving, and relationship building. The role is fast-paced and requires critical thinking and teamwork. The hiring range is $57,800.00 - $62,800.00 annually, with an anticipated hiring rate of $60,538.40 annually. This is a child protection position that may require flexibility in work hours to accommodate client schedules, with average workday hours from Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, though the schedule is subject to change. A hybrid schedule may be available after the initial evaluation period. Additional background checks, including a Government Program Fraud check, Child Welfare Abuse & Neglect database (TRAILS) check, and Child Welfare Caseworker Falsification check, are required due to the sensitive nature of the role. This position 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, the role coordinates primary decision-making for child protection practices or coordinates services and secondary-service decisions related to safety, permanency, well-being, and preserving families. This position is part of the Social Caseworker - Children, Youth, & Family Services (CYFS) career progression series. 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

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. A degree in progress that is conferred by the start date may be considered.
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 as stated within El Paso County’s Personnel Policies Manual.
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.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of casework practices, procedures, and guidelines.
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.

Responsibilities

Interviews clients and develops appropriate treatment plans; initiates and/or participates in home studies, and 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, that treatment plans are being followed through in a timely manner and 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 to resolve problems 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.
Provides casework and assessment services for teams within the Practice Unit.
Attends and testifies in court hearings and mediations as needed; completes appropriate paperwork, documentation, 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.
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.
Collects and reports statistics and data on unit and outcomes and performances.
Facilitates meetings as needed.
Performs other duties as required.