Social Caseworker – Children, Youth, & Family Services (Law Enforcement)

El Paso County•El Paso, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

El Paso County is hiring a Social Caseworker for Children, Youth & Family Services on a Co-Located Law Enforcement Intake Practice team. The position works collaboratively with local law enforcement and other community partners to preserve and rehabilitate families while protecting children's physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Depending on assignment, the caseworker coordinates child-protection practices and primary decisions, or coordinates services and secondary-service decisions related to safety, permanency, well-being, and family preservation. The caseworker manages an individual caseload and provides casework and assessment services, including investigations, family engagement, treatment planning, referrals, crisis support, and monitoring of services and progress. The role involves variable tasks and reporting locations, such as police stations, homes, schools, hospitals, jails, and courts. Work may include police lineups, ride-alongs, forensic and suspect interviews, home and school visits, court appearances, and transportation of clients. The position requires flexibility, problem-solving, critical thinking, accurate documentation, and collaboration with law enforcement and outside agencies. The average workday is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., although hours may need to flex periodically to accommodate client schedules and the schedule is subject to 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. A 24/7 on-call and after-hours rotational schedule may be required, and local, non-local, or out-of-state travel may be required. The position uses the employee's own registered and insured vehicle to transport clients as needed; mileage reimbursement is available upon request. The role receives general supervision and has no supervisory authority, though it may provide subject-matter expertise or limited guidance to employees. 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 the application; official college transcripts are required before the hire date. Employment is subject to County personnel policies and conditional post-offer screening, including fingerprinting, a motor vehicle record check, and a drug screen. Additional background checks may also be required.

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 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 required 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; plan, schedule, and organize efficiently; assess situations and make prudent decisions; and apply conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills.
Ability to complete paperwork, reports, and documentation accurately and efficiently, and to work independently and as part of a team.
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 under El Paso County's Personnel Policies Manual.
Obtain and maintain certifications required for the position; possess or obtain Colorado State Child Welfare Caseworker Certification within 90 days of course enrollment and maintain it thereafter.
Pass conditional post-offer background investigation, including fingerprinting, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen; provide college transcripts before the hire date.
Use a reliable, 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 of files, supplies, children, and car seats may be required.

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, recommend services, and ensure services and treatment plans are provided and followed in a timely manner.
Assess the appropriateness of placements and services, 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 help clients resolve problems and conflicts.
Act as a liaison for the Department of Human Services and consult with caseworkers and community professionals about cases, treatment 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 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, and pre-placement visits.
Ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and County laws, outcome measures, rules, and regulations; review cases to ensure case plans are developed and implemented.
Provide support to CYFS Practice and Support and Services teams as needed.
Collect and report unit statistics, data, outcomes, and performance information.
Perform other duties as required.