Social Worker I - DCF - Northern Region - Continuous Posting

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Lynn, MA

9h

About The Position

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking dynamic, and mission-driven individuals to fill the critical role of Social Worker. Selected candidates will provide the necessary services to help children in need including homeless, foster, abused and neglected. In many situations, Social Worker’s interact with children and family members, including siblings, parents, extended relatives, and guardians in order to assess the needs of each child and determine the best course of action for improving the child/family environment.
Please Note: Diversity equity and inclusion are core values for the Department of Children and Families. DCF strives to continue to build the most diverse equitable and inclusive workforce possible to be representative of the communities we serve. DCF strongly encourages diverse and multi-lingual candidates to apply.
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is committed to upholding the fundamental mission of protecting children from abuse and neglect to ensure they are able to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. DCF’s vision is that all children have the right to grow up in a nurturing home, free from abuse and neglect, with access to food, shelter, clothing, health care and education.
DCF works toward establishing the safety, permanency and well-being of the Commonwealth's children by: stabilizing and preserving families; providing quality temporary alternative care when necessary, safely reunifying families; and when necessary and appropriate, creating new families through kinship, guardianship or adoption. Preferred applicants will possess a demonstrated commitment to the core practice values: 1) child-driven, 2) family-centered, 3) community-focused, 4) strength-based, 5) committed to diversity/cultural competency, and, 6) committed to continuous learning.

Requirements

• Applicants must have (A) a Bachelor's degree or higher in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education or criminal justice or a relevant human services degree and (B) a current and valid Licensures as a Licensed Social Work Associate, Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Certified Social Worker or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker issued by the Massachusetts Board of Registration.
• Applicants at the Department of Children and Families must obtain the required license in Social Work within the first nine (9) months of employment.
• The classification may require possession of a current and valid Motor Vehicle Driver's License at a class level specific to assignment.

Responsibilities

• Assess, evaluate, conduct initial and ongoing case management of children/family services, and needs.
• Develop, review, update and ensure implementation of strength-based service plans for each child in care or custody including risk assessment, safety plans and goals.
• Complete all documentation in accordance with agency and regulatory requirements.
• Attend home and foster care visits; transport children to health, social services or other agency-related appointments as required.
• Maintain ongoing communication with DCF staff and other constituencies, initiate court action when necessary.
• Empower families to make stable commitments to children by providing counseling and coordinating visits with biological parents and/or guardians and other relatives; develop a helping relationship and ensure needed supports and services are provided.
• Attend weekly supervision, weekly staff meetings, in-service training, and team meetings.
• Maintain a high degree of professionalism in the community, with clients, schools, courts and with referring agencies seeking to build and sustain positive relationships.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits
• When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
• Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees