Social Service Worker I
About The Position
The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) provides services and programs to support family self-sufficiency, improve safety and permanency for children and vulnerable adults, and encourage collaborative decision-making with families and community partners. The Social Service Worker I serves as a link between children, families, and community partners, helping ensure safe, stable homes and services for vulnerable citizens. This demanding role calls for maturity, self-discipline, professionalism, integrity, and the ability to work overtime. The worker investigates reports of child abuse, neglect, or dependency; assesses family circumstances; develops case plans with families; and connects them with community resources. The position also involves maintaining case records, preparing court reports, and providing 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 on a 24-hour basis, and investigations may need to be completed 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 in lieu of or in addition to that education under the listed minimum requirements. A valid driver's license must be documented within one month of employment. Any required licenses, certifications, or other credentials must be maintained throughout employment. The position is subject to a fingerprint-based criminal background check. The agency may authorize telecommuting and may modify or end that arrangement at any time.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or a related field.
- A valid driver's license must be documented within one month of employment.
- Must maintain any required licensure, certification, or other credentials throughout employment.
- Must submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
- Maturity, self-discipline, professionalism, and integrity.
- Ability to work overtime.
- Ability to work at any hour without prior warning when completing emergency investigations.
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, neglect, or dependency.
- Meet with family members to assess the merits of reports of child abuse or neglect.
- Meet with interested parties, such as school and medical staff, to gather information.
- Complete detailed assessments based on information obtained during home visits and meetings.
- Work with families to create case plans to address and correct household issues.
- Refer families to community resources to address identified barriers, promote children’s well-being, and help keep children safe in permanent homes.
- 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.
- Provide emergency services, including accepting referrals and completing investigations at any hour without prior warning.
- Maintain any required licenses, certifications, or other credentials for the duration of employment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
