Social Service Worker I

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet•Paris, KY

4d•$58,334 - $66,111•Onsite

About The Position

The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) provides services and programs intended 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 works with children and families and serves as a link between them and local community partners, delivering services to vulnerable citizens with professionalism and integrity. This demanding position requires maturity, self-discipline, and the ability to work overtime. Duties are performed in an office, facility, or residential program setting and include visiting clients and families at their residences. The worker provides emergency services on a 24-hour basis, including accepting referrals and conducting investigations at any hour without prior warning. Enforced intervention may 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. Applicants must submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Employees must provide documentation of a valid driver's license within one month of employment and maintain any required licenses, certifications, or other credentials. The position has a nine-month initial and promotional probationary period, except as provided by law.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from a college or university 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 the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
If employed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department of Juvenile Justice, provide documentation of a valid driver's license within one month of employment.
Maintain any required licenses, certifications, or other credentials for the duration of employment.
Ability to work overtime.

Nice To Haves

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 determine the merits of reports of child neglect or abuse.
Meet with interested parties, including school and medical staff, to gather additional information.
Complete detailed assessments using information gathered during home visits and meetings.
Work with families to create case plans for addressing and correcting household issues.
Refer families to community resources to help overcome identified barriers, keep children safe in permanent homes, and promote their well-being.
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.