Social Caseworker III - Intake

Teller County Government • Woodland Park, CO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Teller County's Department of Human Services located in Woodland Park, CO is seeking an experienced caseworker to provide initial response, child protection and Youth in Conflict services; provides crisis assessments and intervention; supervises placement of children out-of-home; involvement with Courts and other community agencies and professionals. What You'll Do: (1) Intervene in youth and child protection crises and perform assessment including investigating cases of alleged physical/sexual abuse and/or neglect in conjunction with law enforcement; assess safety and determine if situation warrants placement out-of-home. (2) Locate appropriate placement; supervise placement of children out of home; monitor client needs and progress and coordinate child/family visits; determine if and when to recommend return of children to their home. (3) Provide casework, guidance and support for clients; provide services to adults and caretakers to prevent institutionalization; counsel children, youth and parents to prepare for reuniting of the family. (4) Prepare and coordinate service plans and other reports with professional resources in the community; refer clients to other resources. (5) Testify in court regarding intake and ongoing cases as necessary; make recommendations to the Court. (6) Prepare and maintain confidential client records and reports on computerized systems i.e. Trails, CBMS; document plans and recommendations; submit files and records for foster care and court review. (7) Participate in team and community meetings concerning issues of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation of children, youth and adults.

Requirements

• Bachelors’ degree in human or behavioral science
• Minimum of two (2) years of related professional caseworker experience in a public or private social services agency
• At least one year of the experience must be post-degree
• Knowledge of: family dynamics and assessing for safety within the family; child development and age appropriate milestones; non-leading interviewing techniques sufficient to elicit information; crisis intervention theory sufficient to be able to perform the duties related to the work assignment; casework practices, procedures and guidelines; principles regarding crises and means of intervention and of assessment of dynamics of conflict and safety of children and adults; Children's Code and court procedures; principles and processes for providing excellent customer service, including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Skilled in: use of basic computer software programs; understanding and applying pertinent laws, rules, regulations and policies; using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines; maintaining confidentiality; organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines and following up on assignments with minimum direction and supervision; applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; understanding, interpreting and communicating complicated policies, procedures and protocols; working in a deadline driven environment; initiating and responding to medium volume of daily calls/contact; interacting with all levels of internal and external professionals while developing strong productive relationships; designing strategies, analyzing results and making recommendations; organization and time management; recognizing and using correct English grammar, punctuation and spelling; communicating information in a succinct and organized manner; expressing information to individuals or groups, effectively considering the audience and nature of the information; making clear and convincing oral presentations; listening to others and recognizing non-verbal cues; dealing calmly and professionally with his stress situations.
• Ability to: effectively assess responsibility and actions regarding child abuse/neglect and Youth in Conflict; effectively and accurately complete paperwork, reports and documentation; establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with co-workers, other county departments, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and the public; maintain confidentiality and discretion; be a self-starter; successfully accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously while working independently or within a team environment; work with minimal supervision; deal with a variety of people, cultures, problems and circumstances; analyze and resolve problems involving several variables; understand and carry out written and oral instructions, giving close attention to detail and accuracy; contribute to maintaining the integrity of the agency; display high standards of ethical conduct; understand the impact of violating standards; show understanding, courtesy, tact, empathy and concern; deal with people who are difficult, hostile, and/or distressed; encourage and facilitate cooperation, pride, trust and group identity; foster commitment and team spirit and work with others to achieve goals.
• Successful completion of Colorado Child Welfare Training Academy within 90 days from date of hire
• Possession of and ability to maintain a valid Colorado driver’s license.
• Ability to pass background check and drug test.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred
• Any acceptable combination of education, training and experience that provides the listed knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted

Responsibilities

• Intervene in youth and child protection crises and perform assessment including investigating cases of alleged physical/sexual abuse and/or neglect in conjunction with law enforcement; assess safety and determine if situation warrants placement out-of-home.
• Locate appropriate placement; supervise placement of children out of home; monitor client needs and progress and coordinate child/family visits; determine if and when to recommend return of children to their home.
• Provide casework, guidance and support for clients; provide services to adults and caretakers to prevent institutionalization; counsel children, youth and parents to prepare for reuniting of the family.
• Prepare and coordinate service plans and other reports with professional resources in the community; refer clients to other resources.
• Testify in court regarding intake and ongoing cases as necessary; make recommendations to the Court.
• Prepare and maintain confidential client records and reports on computerized systems i.e. Trails, CBMS; document plans and recommendations; submit files and records for foster care and court review.
• Participate in team and community meetings concerning issues of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation of children, youth and adults.

Benefits

• Two Meritain Aetna health plans to choose from –the County pays 50% to 100% of the premium depending on the plan you choose
• HSA plan – the County contributes $1,250 for employee only and $2,500 for employee plus one or more dependents
• Telehealth/Teledoc options – access quality healthcare from the comfort of your home, during your lunch break or while traveling
• Dental, Vision and Prescription drug coverage
• Basic and voluntary life coverage
• 401a retirement plan – employees contribute 4% and the County matches 8%. You are fully vested in five years.
• 457b deferred comp plans – both pre- and post-tax options available
• Paid vacation, sick, 12 holidays, 1 floating holiday
• Aflac, wellness programs, EAP, education assistance, employee discounts, uniform allowance

What This Job Offers

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