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, developmental progress, medical and educational issues, service needs, and family relationships. The role requires working knowledge of child abuse, child development, domestic violence, child sexual exploitation, substance abuse, and mental health, as well as the ability to connect with children 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, conduct and document client and collateral contacts, assess service needs, make community referrals, and communicate findings to attorneys. They may attend education, team decision-making, placement, hospital, and Regional Center meetings, and may represent CLC independently at meetings, conferences, and hearings.
Requirements
- Ability to work under 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 to communicate and advocate effectively for clients from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with children, teens, families, and caregivers.
- An associate degree or 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 required while working for Children’s Law Center.
- Working knowledge of child abuse, child development, domestic violence, child sexual exploitation, substance abuse, and mental health issues.
- Ability to connect with children and gain their trust, and to work with children of all ages, genders, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Responsibilities
- Visit clients, caretakers, and others to develop trusting, professional relationships with clients.
- Interview caretakers and children, to the extent possible, and observe and document children’s living situations, developmental progress, and emotional well-being.
- Note services that have not been implemented, services that may need to be implemented, and other issues for attorney review during client contact.
- Evaluate and recommend further or different services that may benefit the child and family.
- 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 caseload and assignment status and relevant client information.
- With general direction from the attorney, attend Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings, TDM and similar team decision-making meetings, DCFS and placement staffing, hospital screenings, and Regional Center conferences.
- Manage and maintain a caseload and schedule client visits and collateral meetings.
- Exercise discretion and independent judgment at meetings, conferences, and hearings attended as CLC’s sole representative.
- Stay informed about evolving social dynamics and adapt approaches 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 leave options
- Fitness/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 with at least two years at CLC
- Flexible working environment, depending on position requirements
- Paid vacation, sick, and holiday time
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
