Social Caseworker – Children, Youth, & Family Services

El Paso County•El Paso, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This child protection 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. Depending on assignment, the caseworker coordinates child protection practices and makes primary decisions, or coordinates services and secondary-service decisions related to safety, permanency, well-being, and family preservation. Work may be assigned to the Adolescent, Intake, Ongoing, Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled (IDD), or 0–3 Intake teams. The position involves engaging families and periodically adjusting work hours to accommodate client schedules. Average work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the schedule is subject to change. Hybrid work may be available after successful completion of the initial evaluation period, at the department's discretion and subject to business needs. The role requires regular in-person presence and may include a 24/7 on-call and after-hours rotational schedule. Travel may be local, non-local, or out of state. The caseworker uses their own registered and insured vehicle to transport clients as needed; mileage reimbursement is available upon request. Duties are performed in an office, clients' homes, schools, jails, and courts. The role may involve hostile family situations, unsanitary or hazardous conditions, climbing stairs, walking on driveways and sidewalks, and occasional lifting of files, supplies, children, or car seats. The position receives general supervision and has no supervisory authority, though it may involve providing expertise or limited guidance to other employees. Employment is subject to the County Personnel Policies Manual and required pre-employment checks, including a background investigation, 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. 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; official college transcripts are required before the date of hire.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher from a higher education institution, with coursework related to child welfare social caseworker responsibilities; examples include human behavior development, child development, family intervention techniques, 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 work experience in a human service-related agency. Successful completion of a 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.
Ability to plan, schedule, and organize efficiently.
Ability to assess situations and make prudent, appropriate decisions; apply 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.
Possess and maintain a valid driver's license and proof of automobile insurance as required by El Paso County's 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 the conditional post-offer background investigation, including fingerprinting, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.
Provide college transcripts before the date of hire.
Reliable transportation is required; the employee uses their own registered and insured personal vehicle to transport clients as needed.

Responsibilities

Interview clients and develop appropriate treatment plans; initiate or participate in home studies and provide intensive casework services to families and children.
Investigate allegations of child abuse and assess imminent danger to children; make referrals to community resources and collateral contacts.
Monitor and report client progress and provide service recommendations and referrals.
Ensure services are provided and treatment plans are followed in a timely manner; determine the appropriateness of placements and services.
Address child safety issues in the home and ensure children in the department's custody or supervision receive necessary interventions.
Provide crisis management and coordinate support services to help clients resolve problems and conflicts.
Act as a liaison for DHS and consult with caseworkers and community professionals about cases, treatment and case 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; complete court-related paperwork and reports, monitor compliance with court orders, serve temporary custody notices, and petition the court for verbal orders.
Prepare for and participate in meetings and staffings; facilitate meetings as needed.
Document contacts, complete and file paperwork accurately, prepare case information reports, and enter updates into the database.
Arrange and provide transportation for clients to appointments, therapy, school, court hearings, pre-placement visits, and other needs.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and county laws, outcome measures, rules, and regulations; 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.