Social Service Worker I
About The Position
The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) is seeking a Social Service Worker I to help individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency and ensure safe, stable homes for children and vulnerable adults. The worker serves as a link between children, families, adults, and community partners, providing services with professionalism and integrity. The role requires maturity, self-discipline, high-quality work, and the ability to work overtime. The agency may authorize telecommuting, and may modify or end that arrangement at any time. Work is performed in an office, facility, or residential program setting, and includes visits to clients or families at their residences. The worker may need to provide emergency services on a 24-hour basis, accepting referrals and conducting investigations at any hour without prior warning. Enforced intervention can involve a risk of physical harm. The position requires a bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or a related field. No experience, training, or skills are specified as minimum requirements. A valid driver's license must be documented within one month of employment, and required credentials must be maintained throughout employment. The position has an initial and promotional probationary period of nine months, except as provided by KRS 18A.111. Applicants must undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services also participates in E-Verify.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from a college or university in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or a related field.
- No experience, training, or skills are required as minimum qualifications.
- Must furnish documentation of a valid driver's license within one month of employment.
- Must maintain any required licenses, certifications, or other credentials throughout employment.
- Must submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with adults, children, and families.
- Experience collaborating with team members and community partners.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Good time-management and organizational skills.
- Ability to work well under pressure.
- Willingness to work as part of a team.
- Valid driver's license.
Responsibilities
- Investigate allegations of child and adult abuse, neglect, dependency, and exploitation.
- Meet with family members to assess reports of child and adult neglect or abuse.
- Meet with interested parties, including school and medical staff, to gather information.
- Complete detailed assessments based on investigations and ongoing case management.
- Work with families and adults to develop case plans addressing and correcting identified issues.
- Refer families, adults, and children to community resources to meet identified well-being, safety, and permanency needs.
- Enter case information into the computer.
- Complete court reports and provide testimony at administrative and judicial hearings.
- Work with community partners, including law enforcement, school systems, counselors, and shelters.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
