Social Service Worker I

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet

6d•$58,334 - $66,111•Onsite

About The Position

The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) provides services and programs to promote 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 is a skilled team member who works with children, families, adults, and local partners to provide services to vulnerable citizens. The role requires professionalism, integrity, maturity, self-discipline, and the ability to work overtime. Flexible work schedules and shift premiums are available. The position investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, dependency, or exploitation; assesses and supports families and adults; and coordinates services and placements where needed. Work takes place in an office or facility, a residential program setting, and clients' or families' residences. Emergency services are provided on a 24-hour basis, including accepting referrals and completing investigations at any hour without prior warning. Enforced intervention carries a risk of physical harm. Applicants must have 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 provide documentation of a valid driver's license within one month of employment and maintain any required licensure, certification, or other credentials. The position requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or a related field.
Valid driver's license; documentation must be furnished within one month of employment.
Maintain any required licensure, certification, or other credentials for the length 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 or 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, or exploitation.
Recruit, train, or approve individuals and families as foster or adoptive homes.
Meet with family members to determine the merits of reports of child or adult neglect or abuse.
Meet with other interested parties, including school and medical staff, to gather additional information.
Complete detailed assessments based on investigative or 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 community resources to meet 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.
Provide emergency services on a 24-hour basis, including accepting referrals and completing investigations at any hour without prior warning.