Social Service Worker I

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet•Louisville, KY

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) is a multi-faceted agency that provides services and programs to enhance the self-sufficiency of families; improve safety and permanency for children and vulnerable adults; and engage families and community partners in a collaborative decision-making process. DCBS seeks a Social Service Worker I who is driven to succeed in helping people and advance family self-sufficiency. With professionalism and integrity, our agency offers services to families to ensure safe, stable homes for the children of the Commonwealth. The Social Service Worker I is a skilled team member, providing a vital link between the children, families and local community partners. The employee is expected to perform at the highest quality to ensure services to the vulnerable citizens. This is a demanding position that requires maturity, self-discipline and the ability to work overtime. The agency may authorize the selected candidate to telecommute. The agency may terminate or modify the telecommuting arrangement at any time.

Requirements

Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy or a related field.
If employed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department of Juvenile Justice, an employee in this job classification must furnish to the appointing authority within one month of employment, documentation that he/she possesses a valid driver's license
Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification.
Applicants for this position in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) shall submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check by the Department of Kentucky State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with families and/or children
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Good time management and organizational skills
The ability to work well under pressure
A willingness to work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

Investigate allegations of child abuse, neglect, and/or dependency
Meet with family members to determine the merits of a report of child neglect and/or abuse
Meet with other interested parties such as school and medical staff to gather additional information
Complete detailed assessments based on the facts obtained during home visits and meetings with interested parties
Work with families to create a case plan for addressing and correcting issues within the household
Make referrals to outside community resources to assist the family in overcoming identified barriers and to 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