Youth Service Worker Senior

Office of Shared Administration • Kanawha, WV

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position blends advanced casework with leadership, serving as a trusted resource for staff working with youth and families facing complex challenges. It involves front-line, hands-on case management with the purpose of directly impacting youth and families. The role builds professional social work and leadership experience. The Bureau for Social Services champions the security, permanence, and welfare of children and vulnerable adults, empowering individuals and strengthening families. Formerly the Bureau for Children and Families, the Bureau for Social Services operates under the West Department of Human Services, serving children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults facing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Workers are equipped with extensive training to handle delicate situations with compassion and dignity, contributing to the advancement of a vibrant and healthy West Virginia by facilitating access to crucial healthcare, essential social services and benefits, and fostering safe, supportive, and healthy environments. Through this hard work, at risk populations can begin to thrive within the community.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Two (2) years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience performing social services/work, probation and enforcement services, or community support and welfare services for adults and children.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Accessibility to a phone.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Must be available and have access to telephone.
• Applicants must possess a valid WV driver’s license, and reliable transportation.
• Successful completion of a background check is required for employment.
• Requires attendance of necessary training to keep up with evolving case work procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Experience as a lead worker, providing guidance, mentoring, and assistance to assigned staff.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex Youth Services casework.
• Provide professional social services to youth and their families.
• Serve as a lead worker, providing guidance, mentoring, and assistance to assigned staff.
• Conduct intakes, assessments, case planning, and service referrals.
• Coordinate with child protective services, foster care, legal guardianship, and community partners.
• Support youth who may pose a risk to themselves or others due to mental, emotional, or behavioral challenges.
• Ensure youth are served in the least restrictive environment possible.
• Maintain accurate and thorough case documentation.
• Respond to on-call situations outside of normal business hours, as required.
• Travel extensively using a personal vehicle to serve youth across assigned areas.
• Train, assign, and review the work of others as a lead worker.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits, including generous leave, comprehensive health coverage, retirement options, and access to Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior