Social Service Worker I

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet•Winchester, KY

1d•$58,334 - $66,111•Onsite

About The Position

The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) seeks a Social Service Worker I to help individuals and families and advance family self-sufficiency. The role provides a vital link between children, families, adults, and local community partners, delivering services to support safe, stable homes and the safety and well-being of vulnerable citizens. The work requires professionalism, integrity, maturity, self-discipline, and the ability to work overtime. Flexible work schedules and shift premiums are available. The position performs investigations and ongoing case management involving children and adults, coordinates with families and community partners, makes assessments and referrals, and completes documentation and court-related duties. Work takes place in an office or facility or residential program setting and includes visits to clients or families at their residences. Emergency services are provided on a 24-hour basis, including accepting referrals and conducting investigations at any hour without prior warning. Enforced interventions carry a risk of physical harm. The agency may authorize the selected candidate to telecommute and may modify or terminate that arrangement at any time. The role 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. The position is subject to a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

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 requirement.
If employed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department of Juvenile Justice, furnish documentation of a valid driver's license to the appointing authority within one month of employment.
Maintain any required licenses, certifications, or other credentials for the length 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 working collaboratively 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 determine the merits of reports of child and adult neglect or abuse.
Meet with other interested parties, such as school and medical staff, to gather additional 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 outside community resources to meet identified needs for well-being, safety, and permanency.
Enter case information into the 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.
Provide emergency services on a 24-hour basis, including accepting referrals and completing investigations at any hour without prior warning.