Social Service Worker I

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet•La Grange, KY

8d•$58,334 - $64,816•Hybrid

About The Position

The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS), within the Cabinet for Health & Family Services, seeks a Social Service Worker I to help individuals and families advance self-sufficiency and promote safe, stable homes for children. The worker serves as a key link among children, families, adults, and community partners, providing services to vulnerable citizens with professionalism and integrity. The role requires maturity, self-discipline, and the ability to work overtime. Flexible work schedules and shift premiums are available. The agency may authorize a hybrid telecommuting schedule and may terminate or modify that arrangement at any time. The role is based at 2206 Commerce Parkway, Suite C, LaGrange, Kentucky. Duties are performed in an office or facility, residential program setting, and clients’ or families’ residences. 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 physical harm. The position requires a bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or a related field. No experience, training, or skills are required as minimum qualifications. Employees must furnish 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. Applicants are subject to fingerprint-based criminal background checks. The Cabinet participates in E-Verify.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or a related field.
No experience, training, or skills required as a minimum qualification.
If employed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department of Juvenile Justice, furnish 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.

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 or adult abuse, neglect, dependency, and exploitation.
Recruit, train, and approve individuals and families as foster or adoptive homes.
Meet with family members to assess reports of child or adult neglect or abuse.
Meet with interested parties, including school and medical staff, to gather 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 develop case plans addressing and correcting issues.
Refer families, adults, and children to community resources that can address identified well-being, safety, and permanency needs.
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.