Social Service Worker I

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet•Owenton, KY

3d•$58,334 - $66,111

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 support collaborative decision-making with families and community partners. The Social Service Worker I serves as a link between children, families, and local community partners, helping families address concerns and promoting safe, stable homes. The role requires professionalism, integrity, maturity, self-discipline, and the ability to work overtime. The agency may authorize telecommuting, but may terminate or modify that arrangement at any time. The position involves office or facility work as well as visits to clients’ homes. Emergency services are provided on a 24-hour basis, including accepting referrals and conducting investigations at any hour without prior warning. Enforced interventions may expose the worker to risk of physical harm. Applicants must have 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. Employees must provide documentation of a valid driver’s license within one month of employment and maintain any required credentials. Because the position involves access to or use of federal tax information or qualifies as front-line staff, applicants must submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check by the Kentucky State Police and FBI.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or a related field.
Submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check by the Kentucky State Police and FBI.
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.
Ability to work overtime.
The ideal candidate has experience working with families or children.
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 abuse or neglect.
Meet with family members to assess reports of child neglect or abuse.
Meet with interested parties, including school and medical staff, to gather information.
Complete detailed assessments based on information gathered during home visits and meetings.
Work with families to create case plans addressing and correcting household issues.
Refer families to community resources to address barriers, keep children safe in permanent homes, and promote their well-being.
Enter case information into a computer.
Complete court reports as needed.
Provide testimony during administrative and judicial hearings.
Work closely with community partners, including law enforcement, school systems, counselors, and shelters.
Provide emergency services on a 24-hour basis, accepting referrals and completing investigations at any hour without prior warning.