Social Work Investigator

Childrens Law Center of California•Sacramento, CA

23h

About The Position

The Social Work Investigator supports Children’s Law Center’s multidisciplinary teams by gathering essential information about clients. Investigators visit children in home placements, schools, hospitals, and other settings to learn about living conditions, health and safety, developmental progress, medical and educational issues, service needs, and family relationships. The role requires a working knowledge of child abuse, child development, domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health, along with the ability to build trust and work respectfully with children and families from diverse backgrounds. The investigator maintains a caseload, conducts and documents client and caregiver interviews, identifies service needs, and communicates observations and recommendations to attorneys. The position collaborates with attorneys, service providers, advocates, probation and child welfare staff, survivor organizations, and other partners. With direction from an attorney, the investigator may attend education and placement meetings, hospital screenings, and Regional Center conferences. The role may include assisting with client transportation and occasional out-of-state travel. The position pays $23.23–$33.28 per hour, based on experience and qualifications. Children’s Law Center of California advocates for children and youth in foster care through legal representation, multidisciplinary advocacy and support, and public policy.

Requirements

Associate degree or 60 college units in Social Work or a related field, and/or two years of direct experience working with children in a related field.
Experience with trauma-informed interviewing and rapport-building skills.
Ability to collaborate on a multidisciplinary team with openness, curiosity, and respect for diverse perspectives.
Collaborative and adaptable approach to teamwork.
Ability to work under limited day-to-day supervision of the Investigator Supervisor.
Proficiency in preparing timely reports of observations and recommendations for the case-carrying attorney.
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, case-carrying attorneys, and the CLC team.
Professionalism, patience, and understanding when interacting with clients and caregivers.
Valid California driver’s license, reliable automobile, and auto insurance while working at Children’s Law Center.

Responsibilities

Visit clients, caretakers, and others in settings such as STRTPs, foster homes, relatives’ homes, temporary shelters, juvenile hall, county jail, or home to build trusting, professional relationships.
Interview caretakers and, when developmentally appropriate, children—particularly children ages four and under—to observe and document living situations, developmental progress, and emotional wellbeing.
Identify services that have not been implemented and other issues for attorney review during client contact.
Evaluate and recommend additional or different services that may benefit children and families.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings for youth.
Identify community services and make referrals as needed.
Collaborate with service providers, advocates, probation staff, child welfare staff, survivor organizations, and others.
Conduct joint client interviews with attorney staff.
Regularly communicate verbally and in writing with attorneys about caseloads, assignments, and relevant client information.
With general direction from an attorney, attend IEP meetings, DCFAS and placement staffings, hospital screenings, and Regional Center conferences.
Manage and maintain a caseload, including scheduling client visits and collateral meetings.
On occasion, assist with transporting a client alongside other CLC staff.
Occasionally travel out of state to meet with clients.
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
Retirement plan with up to 6% employer match
Generous parental leave and additional leaves
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
Flexible working environment, depending on position requirements
Paid vacation, sick, and holiday time