Social Work Investigator
About The Position
Social Work Investigators provide information to Children’s Law Center attorneys about clients by visiting them in home placements, schools, hospitals, and other locations. They gather information about living conditions, health and safety, development, medical and educational issues, service needs, and family relationships. The position requires working knowledge of child abuse, child development, domestic violence, child sexual exploitation, substance abuse, and mental health, as well as the ability to build trust and work respectfully with children from diverse backgrounds. This is a fully in-person position serving clients throughout Greater Los Angeles County and surrounding areas, with regular travel to meet clients in varied settings. Investigators manage a caseload and work with attorneys, children, caregivers, service providers, and community organizations to document client circumstances and support advocacy.
Requirements
- Ability to work with limited day-to-day supervision from the Investigator Supervisor and attorneys.
- Ability to prepare and submit timely written reports, observations, and recommendations to the case-carrying attorney.
- Flexibility and willingness to be a team player.
- Sensitivity to and awareness of cultural differences in communicating with and advocating for clients from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with children, teens, families, and caregivers.
- Associate degree, 60 college units, or two years of direct experience working with children in a related field.
- 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 build trusting, professional relationships with clients.
- Interview children and caretakers, as possible, and observe and document children’s living situations, developmental progress, and emotional wellbeing.
- Identify services that have not been implemented, may need to be implemented, or other issues for attorney review.
- Evaluate and recommend further or different services that may benefit children and families.
- Identify community services and make referrals as needed.
- Assist attorneys with client interviews.
- Serve as the duty-day Investigator in the office.
- Communicate regularly with attorneys, verbally and in writing, about caseloads, assignments, and relevant client information.
- With general direction from attorneys, attend IEP meetings, TDM and similar team decision-making meetings, DCFS and placement staffing, hospital screenings, and Regional Center conferences.
- Manage and maintain a caseload, including scheduling client visits and collateral meetings.
- Exercise discretion and independent judgment at meetings, conferences, and hearings when attending as CLC’s sole representative.
- Continue learning and adapt to evolving social dynamics to better engage and support clients from all backgrounds.
Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Company-sponsored medical, dental, and life insurance benefits
- Employer-matched retirement plan, up to 6%
- Parental leave and additional leave options
- Fitness and wellness program
- Health care and dependent day care flexible spending accounts
- Transit and parking benefits
- Durfee Professional Development funds for eligible employees in good standing after at least two years with CLC
- Paid vacation, sick, and holiday time
- Flexible working environment depending on position requirements
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
Associate degree
