Social Service Worker I

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet•Lexington, VA

4d•$55,542 - $66,111

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 among families and community partners. The Social Service Worker I helps connect children and families with local community partners and provides services to promote safe, stable homes. The role requires professionalism, integrity, maturity, self-discipline, and the ability to work under pressure and overtime. The worker investigates reports of child abuse, neglect, or dependency; assesses family circumstances; and works with families to develop plans that address household concerns. The position includes home visits, coordination with community partners, case documentation, court reports, and testimony at administrative and judicial hearings. Work takes place in an office or facility or residential program setting, as well as at clients’ homes. Emergency services are provided around the clock, including responding to referrals and conducting investigations at any hour without prior warning. Enforced intervention may expose the worker to physical harm. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or a related field. No experience is required. A valid driver's license must be documented within one month of employment, and any required licenses, certifications, or credentials must be maintained. The role requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check. The agency may authorize telecommuting and may modify or terminate that arrangement at any time.

Requirements

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 qualification.
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.
Submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
Maturity, self-discipline, and ability to work overtime.
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.

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 information obtained during home visits and meetings.
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 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, including law enforcement, school systems, counselors, and shelters.