SOCIAL WORK INVESTIGATOR

Children's Law Center of California•Monterey Park, CA

6d•$24 - $41•Onsite

About The Position

Investigators provide vitally important information to CLC Attorneys about our clients. Investigators visit clients in their home placements, at school, in hospital settings, and other locations to gather information from and about our clients. This includes information about the conditions of the home, health and safety concerns, developmental progress, medical and educational issues, services needs and family relationships. CLC Investigators should have working knowledge of child abuse, child development, domestic violence, child sexual exploitation, substance abuse, and mental health issues. Investigators must have an ability to connect with children and gain their trust. They must be able to work with children of all ages, genders, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations and from all socioeconomic backgrounds. This is a fully in person position serving clients throughout Los Angeles County and surrounding areas. The role requires regular travel to meet clients in a variety of settings. Your Impact on the Mission – Excellence in Advocacy • Visit clients, caretakers and others to develop a trusting and professional relationship with clients. • Interview caretakers and children, to the extent possible, to observe and document the children’s current living situation, developmental progress and emotional wellbeing. • During client contact, the Investigator is expected to note and services that have not been implemented, that may need to be implemented, or any other issues for attorney review. • Evaluate and recommend the need for further or different services that may be beneficial to the child and the family. • Identify services in the community and make referrals as needed. • Assist attorneys with client interviews. • Serve as duty day Investigator in the office. • Communicate regularly with the attorneys, both verbally and in writing, regarding status of caseloads and assignments and with all relevant information regarding the client. • With general direction from the attorney, attend Individual education Plan (IEP) meetings, TDM and similar team decision making meetings, DCFS and placement staffing, hospital screenings and Regional Center conferences. • Manager and maintain caseload; Schedule appointments for client visits and collateral meetings. • Frequently exercise discretion and independent judgement at meetings, conferences and hearings attended as the sole representative of CLC. • Continuous learning: staying informed and adapting evolving social dynamics to better engage and support clients from all backgrounds.

Requirements

Capable of working under limited day-to-day supervision of the Investigator Supervisor and attorneys.
Ability to prepare and submit timely written reports or observations and recommendations to the case-carrying attorney.
Have flexibility and a willingness to be a team player.
Demonstrate sensitivity & awareness of cultural differences to effectively communicate & advocate for clients from diverse backgrounds.
An ability to effectively and respectfully communicate with children, teens, their families and caregivers.
AA degree/60 college units or 2 years’ direct experience working with children in a related field.
A valid California driver’s license, reliable automobile, and auto insurance are required while working for Children’s Law Center.

Responsibilities

Visit clients, caretakers and others to develop a trusting and professional relationship with clients.
Interview caretakers and children, to the extent possible, to observe and document the children’s current living situation, developmental progress and emotional wellbeing.
During client contact, the Investigator is expected to note and services that have not been implemented, that may need to be implemented, or any other issues for attorney review.
Evaluate and recommend the need for further or different services that may be beneficial to the child and the family.
Identify services in the community and make referrals as needed.
Assist attorneys with client interviews.
Serve as duty day Investigator in the office.
Communicate regularly with the attorneys, both verbally and in writing, regarding status of caseloads and assignments and with all relevant information regarding the client.
With general direction from the attorney, attend Individual education Plan (IEP) meetings, TDM and similar team decision making meetings, DCFS and placement staffing, hospital screenings and Regional Center conferences.
Manager and maintain caseload; Schedule appointments for client visits and collateral meetings.
Frequently exercise discretion and independent judgement at meetings, conferences and hearings attended as the sole representative of CLC.
Continuous learning: staying informed and adapting evolving social dynamics to better engage and support clients from all backgrounds.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Program
Company-Sponsored Benefits (Medical, Dental, Life Insurance)
Up to 6% employer matched retirement plan
Generous Parental Leave + Additional Leave Options
Fitness/Wellness Program
Health Care & Dependent Day Care FSA
Transit + Parking Benefits
Durfee Professional Development funds are available for all employees, in good standing, who have been with CLC for at least two years.
Flexible working environment (depending on position requirements)
Paid vacation/sick/holiday time
CLC will pay the current year’s mandatory bar dues for all attorneys actively employed on the date bar dues are owed and who have no known plans to end employment with CLC within 30 days of the due date. CLC will also pay bar dues for new admittees who are actively employed on their initial payment due date and have no known plans to end employment with CLC within 30 days of the due date.