Social Caseworker – Children, Youth, & Family Services (Court Liaison)

El Paso County•El Paso, CO

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Social Caseworker works primarily with adolescents and families involved in the juvenile delinquency court system as part of the Adolescent Anchor Team. The role connects youth and families with services, resources, and support; conducts child welfare assessments; and collaborates with attorneys, guardians ad litem, court professionals, and community partners to develop individualized solutions. The position requires balancing independent decision-making with teamwork, navigating high-conflict situations through de-escalation and negotiation, and taking a supportive, child-welfare-focused approach. The position works to preserve and rehabilitate families while protecting children’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being through child protection, adolescent services, placements, and permanency planning. Depending on assignment, the caseworker coordinates child-protection practice and primary decisions or coordinates services and secondary-service decisions concerning safety, permanency, well-being, and family preservation. The role receives general supervision and has no supervisory authority, though it may involve providing expertise, training, or limited guidance to others. The average schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility in work hours periodically to accommodate client schedules; the schedule may change. A hybrid schedule may be available after successful completion of the initial evaluation period, subject to change and department discretion. Regular in-person presence is an essential job function. Duties take place in an office, clients’ homes, schools, jails, and court settings. The role may involve hostile situations, unsanitary or hazardous conditions, occasional lifting, stairs and walking on driveways or sidewalks, use of a personal vehicle to transport clients, local and non-local travel, and a possible 24/7 on-call and after-hours rotation. The hiring range is $57,800–$62,800 annually, with an anticipated hiring rate of $60,538.40 annually. Applicants must upload unofficial transcripts with their application, and college transcripts are required before the hire date. Employment is subject to conditional post-offer background investigation, including fingerprinting, motor vehicle record check, and drug screening. Additional checks may include Government Program Fraud, TRAILS, and Child Welfare Caseworker Falsification checks.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher from a higher education institution, with coursework related to child welfare social caseworker responsibilities described in Volume 7. Relevant coursework may include human behavior development, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures, or therapeutic techniques.
A degree in progress may be considered if it will be conferred by the start date.
One year of professional, internship, or volunteer experience in a human service-related agency. A successfully completed BSW or MSW internship in a human services-related agency may substitute for this experience.
Knowledge of casework practices, procedures, and guidelines.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with coworkers, clients, other agencies, community professionals, courts, and the public.
Ability to provide excellent customer service and to plan, schedule, and organize efficiently.
Ability to assess situations, make prudent and appropriate decisions, and use conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills.
Ability to complete paperwork, reports, and documentation accurately and efficiently.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Ability to use standard office equipment, including a computer, fax machine, copier, and telephone.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance, maintained as required by the County Personnel Policies Manual.
Obtain and maintain necessary certifications applicable to the position.
Possess or obtain Colorado State Child Welfare Caseworker Certification within 90 days of course enrollment and maintain certification thereafter.
Pass a conditional post-offer background investigation, including fingerprinting, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.
Provide college transcripts before the date of hire.
Reliable transportation and use of a registered and insured personal vehicle to transport clients as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a court setting.
Experience working with court professionals.
Experience working with court-involved adolescents.

Responsibilities

Interview clients, develop treatment plans, participate in home studies, and provide intensive casework services to families and children.
Investigate allegations of child abuse, assess imminent danger, and make referrals to community resources and collateral contacts.
Monitor and report client progress and recommend or refer clients to services.
Ensure needed services are provided, treatment plans are followed in a timely manner, and placements and services are appropriate.
Address child safety issues in the home and ensure children in departmental custody or supervision receive necessary interventions.
Provide crisis management and coordinate support services to help clients resolve problems and conflicts.
Serve as a liaison for DHS and consult with caseworkers and community professionals regarding cases, treatment and case plans, issues, and problems.
Provide casework and assessment services to teams within the Practice Unit.
Attend and testify at court hearings and mediations; complete court-related paperwork, documentation, reports, and reviews; monitor compliance with court orders; serve temporary custody notices; and petition the court for verbal orders.
Prepare for and participate in meetings and staffings, and facilitate meetings as needed.
Document contacts, complete and file paperwork accurately, prepare case information reports, and update databases.
Arrange and provide client transportation to appointments, therapy, school, court hearings, and pre-placement visits.
Ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and County laws, outcome measures, rules, and regulations, and review cases to ensure case plans are developed and implemented.
Provide support to Practice and Support and Services teams within the CYFS Division as needed.
Collect and report statistics and data on unit outcomes and performance.
Perform other duties as required.