Social Service Worker I

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet•Nicholasville, KY

1d•$58,334 - $66,111•Onsite

About The Position

The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) provides services and programs to enhance family self-sufficiency, improve safety and permanency for children and vulnerable adults, and engage families and community partners in collaborative decision-making. The Social Service Worker I supports children, families, and adults by connecting them with services and helping ensure safe, stable homes. This demanding role calls for maturity, self-discipline, professionalism, integrity, and the ability to work overtime. Flexible work schedules and shift premiums are available. The agency may authorize telecommuting and may modify or end a telecommuting arrangement at any time. The position may involve working with children, adults, families, and community partners; responding to abuse, neglect, dependency, and exploitation concerns; conducting assessments and case management; arranging placements and referrals; and completing records and reports. The worker may provide testimony at administrative and judicial hearings and deliver emergency services at any hour, without prior warning. The minimum education requirement is a bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or a related field. No experience, training, or skills are required as a minimum. A valid driver's license must be documented within one month of employment, and any required licensure, certification, or other credentials must be maintained. The position requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check. The job has an initial and promotional probationary period of nine months, except as provided by statute.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or a related field.
Provide documentation of a valid driver's license within one month of employment.
Maintain any required licensure, certification, or other credentials for the duration of employment.
Submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
Ability to work overtime.

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.

Responsibilities

Investigate allegations of child and adult abuse, neglect, dependency, and exploitation.
Recruit, train, and approve individuals and families as foster or adoptive homes.
Meet with family members to assess reports of child and adult neglect or abuse.
Meet with other interested parties, including school and medical staff, to gather information.
Complete detailed assessments based on investigative and ongoing case management work.
Locate and secure appropriate placements for children when necessary.
Work with families and adults to create case plans to address and correct issues.
Refer families, adults, and children to community resources to address identified well-being, safety, and permanency needs.
Enter case information into a computer.
Complete court reports and provide testimony during administrative and judicial hearings.
Work closely with community partners, including law enforcement, school systems, counselors, and shelters.