Social Caseworker – Children, Youth, & Family Services (Part-Time) – Foster Youth-in-Transition

El Paso County•El Paso, CO

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Social Caseworker supports young adults who have experienced out-of-home placement as they work toward successful, independent adulthood. Assigned to the Foster Youth-in-Transition Team, the position carries a caseload and handles program administrative tasks, works with young adults and their teams on independent-living goals, conducts monthly home visits, coordinates services, prepares court reports, attends court, and engages with young people to help them achieve their goals. More broadly, the role works to preserve or 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 position coordinates child-protection practice and primary decisions, or coordinates services and secondary-service decisions related to safety, permanency, well-being, and family preservation. The role receives general supervision and does not have supervisory authority, though it may provide limited guidance or expertise to employees.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher from a higher education institution, with coursework related to child welfare social caseworker responsibilities, such as human behavior, child development, family intervention, diagnostic measures, or therapeutic techniques. A degree in progress may be considered if conferred by the start date.
One year of professional, internship, or volunteer experience in a human service-related agency. Successful completion of a BSW or MSW internship in a human services-related agency may substitute for the experience requirement.
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; plan, schedule, and organize efficiently; assess situations and make appropriate decisions; and 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, including a computer, fax machine, copier, and telephone.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Possess and maintain a valid driver's license and proof of automobile insurance in accordance with the County Personnel Policies Manual.
Obtain and maintain certifications required for the position, including Colorado State Child Welfare Caseworker Certification within 90 days of course enrollment, and maintain that certification thereafter.
Submit unofficial transcripts with the application and college transcripts before the date of hire.
Pass a conditional post-offer background investigation, including fingerprinting, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen; additional checks may include Government Program Fraud, Child Welfare Abuse & Neglect database (TRAILS), and Child Welfare Caseworker Falsification checks.
Have reliable transportation and use a registered and insured personal vehicle to transport clients as needed.
Be able to climb stairs and walk up and down driveways and sidewalks; occasional lifting may be required.

Responsibilities

Interview clients, develop treatment plans, participate in home studies, and provide intensive casework services to families and children.
Investigate allegations of child abuse and assess imminent danger to children.
Refer clients to community resources and maintain collateral contacts.
Monitor and report client progress and make service recommendations and referrals.
Ensure services are provided, treatment plans are followed in a timely manner, and placements and services are appropriate.
Address safety concerns in the home and ensure children in departmental custody or supervision receive necessary interventions.
Provide crisis management and coordinate support services to resolve client problems and conflicts.
Serve as a liaison for the Department of Human Services and consult with caseworkers and community professionals on cases, plans, issues, and problems.
Provide casework and assessment services for teams within the Practice Unit.
Attend and testify at court hearings and mediations as needed; prepare court 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, accurately complete and file paperwork, prepare case information reports, and update the database.
Arrange and provide client transportation to appointments, therapy, school, court hearings, pre-placement visits, and other destinations.
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 unit and outcome statistics and performance data.
Perform other duties as required.