Social Caseworker III

Adams County•Westminster, CO

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

This classification at Adams County values workplace flexibility, offering both hybrid-remote working arrangements and flexible scheduling options after an initial 90-day training period. Hybrid roles involve a mix of onsite and remote work, with employees typically scheduled onsite one to four days per week, based on county needs and department director determination. Hybrid classified roles can be onsite more than the set minimum based on employee preference. Adams County Children and Family Services operates under guiding principles of dignity, respect, valuing input, and striving to do no harm. The agency emphasizes collaboration, shared decision-making, and providing a safe environment, with the best interests of children, families, and the community always informing their approach. Children and youth are believed to belong in families and have a right to connections. Families are seen as having the inherent capacity to safely care for their children. Accountability is held among staff, to families, and to the community. Social caseworkers may encounter reports of domestic violence, negligence, physical abuse, and sexual abuse, and work with individuals from birth through age 21. Caseloads can vary in number and discipline based on community needs. The hiring level depends on experience, education, and qualifications. The target hiring range reflects the starting pay expected for the role based on internal equity, with a full pay range set by market data for future earning potential.

Requirements

Child welfare knowledge including healthy child development, understanding of the dynamics and effects of abuse and neglect, and the interface of culture and family systems.
Experience working with children and youth ages 0-18.
Ability to demonstrate empathy and a strength-based trauma-informed approach with families involved in the child welfare system.
Ability to assess the safety of a child/youth and make decisions based on available information.
Ability to utilize critical thinking skills to work difficult or complicated cases.
Ability to build, maintain, collaborate, and foster positive and harmonious working professional relationships with varied backgrounds and disciplines.
Ability to prioritize, manage time effectively, show initiative, and organize oneself.
Ability to effectively partner with others to solve problems and concerns, including conflict resolution with upset clients and managing crises calmly.
Ability to type, utilize computers, and computer programs required for effective entry of information into statewide client information systems (TRAILS) and to complete referrals through agency platforms and other computer-based systems.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
Ability to effectively review documents and synthesize information into accurate, professionally written documents.
Ability and willingness to accommodate clients' schedules by meeting outside of normal business hours at times.
Ability to engage in scheduled supervision, team meetings, section meetings, and division meetings.
Ability to meet all required state and agency trainings requirements annually or as required.
Participates in red teams, group supervision, and staffings.
Ability to demonstrate professionalism during court proceedings.
Ability to meet state and federal mandates and time frames.
Professional, internship, or volunteer work experience in a human services-related agency.
Bachelor's Degree in one of the human behavioral science fields.
Possession of a valid driver's License and proof of automotive insurance.
Must pass a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual applicants are preferred and may receive a Language Pay incentive based on usage.
An educational waiver is available for individuals who do not meet the education requirements but are currently enrolled in a bachelor’s program from a higher education institute, provided a bachelor’s degree is obtained within one (1) year from hire date with related coursework.
Colorado Child Welfare Caseworker certification (required within three (3) months of employment, through the Colorado Training Academy). Certification through another State may substitute.
Employees currently in a case manager/case-carrying position in Children and Family Services (CFS) may have a 120-day delayed transfer/promotion period.

Responsibilities

Responds to allegations of abuse and neglect of children/youth.
Assesses reports of abuse and neglect of children.
Interviews and observes victims, offenders, witnesses, caregivers, and collateral agencies to ensure child safety and determine allegation validity.
Recognizes and identifies risk factors and dynamics of child abuse, child neglect, and family functioning.
Provides crisis intervention while evaluating and assessing a family’s needs.
Completes assessments within 60 days and determines if long-term support and services are necessary for child/youth safety and well-being.
Prepares court reports, attends court hearings, testifies in court hearings and proceedings, and consults with attorneys and judges.
Provides case-specific documentation including development of family service plans, court documentation, TRAILS entries, assessment completion, placement paperwork, and service referrals.
Reviews reports from service providers to ensure service effectiveness.
Provides face-to-face contact with clients as required by regulatory standards and agency policy, which may include in-state and/or out-of-state travel.
Engages family/youth in finding permanent connections and participates in Family Engagement Meetings and Permanency Roundtables.
Supervises parenting time for children and families on caseload.
May facilitate goodbye sessions between parents and children when termination of parental rights is necessary.
Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.