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

El Paso County•El Paso, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Social Caseworker in Children, Youth, & Family Services 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 position coordinates child-protection practices and primary decisions or coordinates services and secondary-service decisions related to safety, permanency, well-being, and family preservation. The role supports caseworkers and multidisciplinary teams through interviews, home visits, documentation, and other casework activities, with work split between office responsibilities and fieldwork. The position is part of the Social Caseworker – Children, Youth, & Family Services career progression series. It receives general supervision and follows established procedures and policies, with periodic performance reviews. The classification has no supervisory authority, though it may involve providing expertise, limited guidance, training, or direction to other employees. The anticipated schedule is up to 25 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the schedule may change. Hybrid work may be available after successful completion of the initial evaluation period, subject to change and department discretion. The position requires regular in-person presence. The hourly hiring range is $27.789–$30.193, with an anticipated hiring rate of $29.105. Applicants must upload unofficial transcripts with their application; official college transcripts are required before hire. The position is subject to a conditional post-offer background investigation, fingerprinting, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen, as well as possible additional checks. A valid driver’s license, proof of automobile insurance, reliable personal transportation, and applicable child welfare certification are required. Colorado State Child Welfare Caseworker Certification must be obtained within 90 days of course enrollment and maintained thereafter. Work takes place in offices, clients’ homes, schools, jails, and courts. The role may involve exposure to hostile family situations, unsanitary or hazardous conditions, occasional lifting, local and non-local travel (possibly out of state), and a 24/7 on-call and after-hours rotation. Mileage reimbursement is available for use of the employee’s registered and insured personal vehicle when transporting clients.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher from a higher education institution, with coursework related to child welfare social caseworker responsibilities; 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. A 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; 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; work independently and as part of a team; and 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’s Personnel Policies Manual.
Obtain and maintain 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.
Have reliable transportation and use a 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 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 department custody or under 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 regarding 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 databases.
Arrange and provide client transportation to appointments, therapy, school, court hearings, pre-placement visits, and other destinations.
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 unit and outcome statistics and performance data.
Perform other duties as required.