Social Service Worker I

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet•Mount Sterling, KY

1d•$55,542 - $66,111•Onsite

About The Position

The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) seeks a Social Service Worker I to help families advance self-sufficiency and support safe, stable homes for children. The worker serves as a link among children, families, and community partners, providing services to vulnerable citizens with professionalism and integrity. This demanding role requires maturity, self-discipline, and the ability to work overtime. The position involves investigating allegations of child abuse, neglect, or dependency; assessing family circumstances; developing case plans; and connecting families with community resources. Work is performed in an office or facility or residential program setting and includes visits to clients’ residences. The worker may be required to provide emergency services around the clock and complete investigations at any hour without prior warning. Enforced intervention may expose the worker to 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 any required licenses, certifications, or credentials must be maintained throughout employment. Applicants must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services 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 required as a minimum qualification.
If employed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or Department of Juvenile Justice, provide documentation of a valid driver’s license within one month of employment.
Maintain any required licensure, certification, or other credentials for the length of employment.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Good time management and organizational skills.
Ability to work well under pressure and as part of a team.
Maturity, self-discipline, and ability to work overtime.
Submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with families and children.

Responsibilities

Investigate allegations of child abuse, neglect, and/or dependency.
Meet with family members to determine the merits of reports of child neglect and/or abuse.
Meet with interested parties, including school and medical staff, to gather additional information.
Complete detailed assessments based on facts obtained during home visits and meetings with interested parties.
Work with families to create case plans addressing and correcting household issues.
Refer families to community resources to help overcome identified barriers, keep children safe in a permanent home, and promote their wellbeing.
Enter case information into the computer.
Complete court reports as needed.
Provide testimony during administrative and judicial hearings.
Work closely with community partners such as law enforcement, school systems, counselors, and shelters.