Essential functions, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Those responsibilities that are performed are delivered within the framework of intermediate level experience and qualifications recognizing appropriate supervisory review and oversight.
Completes in-depth home or office-based assessments of clients; develops comprehensive strength-based treatment plans, which includes goal statements, standards of performance, areas of service provision/responsibilities, and measures of success; reviews and revises treatment plans as needed.
Collaborates with community partners and resources to ensure appropriate referrals and use of community resources; identifies systems/community issues for future collaboration and resource sharing; prepares referral packages when referring clients to service providers; consults with service providers to monitor client progress; and participates in development, monitoring, and evaluation of new methods/programs for community agencies to assist clients.
Coordinates and facilitates family decision making meetings, for the purpose of establishing methods for families to join with relatives and friends to develop plans to ensure that the individuals are cared for and protected from future harm.
Provides crisis intervention at initial screening of applicants who are in need of services to prevent homelessness of themselves and/or out of home placement of their children; performs strengths-based assessment of their current situation; assists clients in identifying barriers, family strengths, support networks and in developing plans for self-sufficiency.
Develops case plans and treatment plans as required for each assigned case; performs ongoing case management, including review and revision of treatment plans as needed; prepares required caseload documentation; compiles periodic status reports of work performed; maintains lists of current participants.
Assesses financial and social needs of clients; consults and coordinates with other Department staff and other agencies to provide needed services and benefits for which clients are eligible.
Provides home or office-based services to clients as needed, including but not limited to, short-term problem solving, referral information, in-home services, and transportation to services.
Reviews invoices for a variety of services for accuracy; submits legitimate invoices through appropriate channels for payment.
Responds to numerous inquiries about assigned area of expertise or about general Department services.
Conducts educational meetings for the community about assigned area(s) or Department of Human Services responsibilities and resources.
Represents the agency on community boards and committees.
Provides on-the-job training as directed by management for Caseworker I level employees and other staff.
Makes appointments and provides transportation for clients as needed.
Composes, keys, and distributes meeting minutes, letters, reports and other documents.
Maintains and upgrades advanced professional knowledge, skills, and development through required continued education and by attending seminars and training programs as well as reading trade and professional journals and publications in the area of expertise.
Provides emergency services on an on-call basis.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
CORE SERVICES ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents. Those responsibilities that are performed are delivered within the framework of intermediate level experience and qualifications recognizing appropriate supervisory review and oversight.
Provides direct services to children and families in the home, office, and community. Services are directed to maintain children in their home. Services include teaching and role modeling parenting skills, safety, appropriate discipline, decision making skills, interpersonal relationships, nutrition, budgeting, and organization. Assists clients in developing a plan to practice skills between sessions.
Completes in-depth assessments of clients; develops comprehensive strength-based treatment plans, which include goal statements, standards of performance, areas of service provision/responsibilities, and measures of success; reviews and revises treatment plans as needed.
Collaborates with community partners in accessing financial assistance, transportation, housing, and basic needs for families.
Assesses and evaluates child or adult abuse or neglect issues; contacts appropriate reporting channel if abuse or neglect is suspected.
Receives referrals for Core Services programs and screens for appropriate placement into those programs.
Provides home or office-based counseling to clients on topics such as safety, appropriate discipline, decision making, de-escalation of agitated persons, and improving communication among family members; provides therapeutic ways for family to explore strengths and dysfunctions; assists clients in developing a plan to practice skills between sessions.
Conducts skill-based groups and provides counseling to individuals and families. Services include assessment, crisis intervention, treatment planning, and a broad range of therapeutic interventions.
CHILD PROTECTION INTAKE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents. Those responsibilities that are performed are delivered within the framework of intermediate level experience and qualifications recognizing appropriate supervisory review and oversight.
Assesses and evaluates child abuse or neglect issues; determines need for medical exam and whether child must be temporarily removed from the immediate circumstances; makes necessary arrangements for foster care and other types of placements needed; contacts appropriate reporting channel if abuse or neglect is suspected.
Coordinates child abuse or neglect investigations with law enforcement personnel; determines proper jurisdiction; conducts forensic interviews and shares relevant information with pertinent parties related to the reported incident; completes required documentation/reports regarding investigations; and participates in court proceedings as required.
Initiates court petitions for civil actions and child protection orders; participates in civil and criminal court proceedings as required.
Writes court reports regarding safety plan compliance/case status; prepares case files for court hearings.
CHILD PROTECTION ONGOING ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents. Those responsibilities that are performed are delivered within the framework of intermediate level experience and qualifications recognizing appropriate supervisory review and oversight.
Assesses and evaluates child abuse or neglect issues; determines need for medical exam and whether child must be temporarily removed from the immediate circumstances; makes necessary arrangements for foster care and other types of placements needed; contacts appropriate reporting channel if abuse or neglect is suspected.
Completes in-depth assessments of clients; develops comprehensive strength-based treatment plans, which include goal statements, standards of performance, areas of service provision/responsibilities, and measures of success; reviews and revises treatment plans as needed.
Provides case management services to clients with underage children who are participating in voluntary child welfare services and develops plans for ongoing safety and well-being of children.
Provides casework services to clients with underage children who are placed through order of the Court and develops plans for timely permanency for children.
Provides ongoing case management and support services to children and youth in long term foster care or independent living situations; develops and monitors plans for situations; makes arrangements for needed services; arranges for individual and/or family counseling services to preserve placements and prevent moves, if possible; and maintains appropriate documentation throughout process.
Writes court reports regarding treatment plan compliance/case status; prepares case files for court hearings; participates in court hearings.
Arranges and supervises visitations between at-risk clients and family members.
Provides case management to children traumatized through family violence, physical abuse or neglect, emotional abuse, or sexual abuse so they can be maintained in their own home, be reunited with their family after placement in foster care, or be placed in an adoptive home successfully; and explains process to affected parties and enlists their participation at appropriate stages.
Conducts home or office-based meetings with clients on regular periodic basis to assess needs, develop treatment plans, monitor progress toward goals and determine current status and safety of clients; schedules, coordinates and facilitates case management meetings between family members, other service agencies or facilities as needed; arranges for and facilitates family group decision making meetings.
Serves as representative payee from Social Security for at-risk clients who are unable to manage their finances.
FOSTER CARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents. Those responsibilities that are performed are delivered within the framework of intermediate level experience and qualifications recognizing appropriate supervisory review and oversight.
Provides home or office-based counseling to clients on topics such as safety, appropriate discipline, decision making, de-escalation of agitated persons, and improving communication among family members; assists clients in developing a plan to practice skills between sessions.
Performs family assessments, using state-mandated instruments to determine the character and suitability of the applicant(s), appropriateness of the home, and childcare practices. Reviews all home assessments with the Home Study Review Team prior to certification of a family foster home.
Completes within the mandated timeframes all steps required by La Plata County and the Colorado Department of Human Services to certify a family foster home.
Recruits family foster homes that demonstrate a genuine interest in and knowledge of children and a concern for their proper care and well-being.
Completes annual reviews of certified family foster homes, including review of the physician's plan, annual visit and inspection of the family foster home, completes individual provider contract for purchase of foster care services, evaluates the foster care homes' current and past compliance with the rules regulating foster homes, and ensures that all documentation is current and accurate.
Provides foster parents with a clear understanding of their role, the roles of the social worker, agency, legal parents, and courts. Shows respect and consideration for the foster parent as one who is making an important contribution to the agency's goals. Supports the foster parents and helps them in their efforts to provide care to a variety of children and achieve the agency's objectives.
Provides the foster parents with guidance including on-going training and development opportunities to learn and grow, encourages and teaches foster parents to use appropriate resources to meet the needs of the foster child and build support networks with other foster parents. Monitors the completion of required training hours prior to certification or recertification of a family foster home.
Determines the most appropriate placements for a foster home. Ensures that foster parents are given necessary information about a foster child's background that will help in working with the child and provide a safe environment for the foster family.
Provides on-going supervision of all licensed family foster homes, receiving homes, specialized group facilities, and adoption resources to ensure compliance with licensing regulations and recertification of license.
Maintains monthly face-to-face contact with the foster parent(s) when children are in placement in home, maintains documentation of contacts, answers questions that the foster parent(s) have about the program, discusses any county department concerns about the operation of the home, and observes child care.
Completes annual supervisory visit to the family foster home; completes and provides copies of the written report to the foster family; provides written notice of noncompliance to foster parent(s) requiring compliance within specified time frames; and ensures that all documentation is current and accurate.
Monitors foster care budget.
Assists with audits of foster care provider files.
Plans and facilitates foster parent quarterly meetings.
ADOPTIONS ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents. Those responsibilities that are performed are delivered within the framework of intermediate level experience and qualifications recognizing appropriate supervisory review and oversight.
Performs family assessments, using state-mandated instruments to determine the character and suitability of the applicant(s), appropriateness of the home, and childcare practices. Reviews all home assessments with the Home Study Review Team prior to certification of a home.
Completes within the mandated timeframes all steps required by La Plata County and the Colorado Department of Human Services to certify a family foster/adoptive home.
Recruits family foster/adoptive homes that demonstrate a genuine interest in and knowledge of children and a concern for their proper care and well-being.
Provides adoptive parents with a clear understanding of their role, the roles of the social worker, agency, legal parents, and courts. Shows respect and consideration for the adoptive parent as one who is making an important contribution to the agency's goals. Supports adoptive parents and helps them in their efforts to provide care to a variety of children and achieve the agency's objectives.
Provides the adoptive parents with guidance including on-going training and development opportunities to learn and grow, encourages and teaches adoptive parents to use appropriate resources to meet the needs of the child and build support networks with other adoptive parents.
Determines the most appropriate placements for an adoptive home. Ensures that adoptive parents are given necessary information about a child's background that will help in working with the child and provide a safe environment for the adoptive family.
Provides pre and post adoption services; assesses viability of and offers services/referrals to adoptive homes; facilitates preparation and filing of paperwork related to adoption process; makes recommendations about finalization of adoption; and provides necessary services or referrals after finalization to preserve the intact family.
Assists with audits of adoption files.
Assists with triennial adoption assistance renewals.
Assists in planning training sessions for adoptive parents.
ADULT PROTECTION ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents. Those responsibilities that are performed are delivered within the framework of intermediate level experience and qualifications recognizing appropriate supervisory review and oversight.
Assesses and evaluates adult abuse or neglect issues; determines need for medical exam and whether adult must be temporarily removed from the immediate circumstances; makes arrangements for alternative living situations if necessary; contacts appropriate reporting channel if abuse or neglect is suspected.
Coordinates adult abuse or neglect investigations with law enforcement personnel; determines proper jurisdiction; conducts forensic interviews and shares relevant information with pertinent parties related to the reported incident; completes required documentation/reports regarding investigations; and participates in court proceedings as required.
Provides home or office-based counseling to clients and/or their family members and caregivers on topics such as safety, decision making, de-escalation of agitated persons, and improving communication among family members; assists clients in developing a plan to practice skills between sessions.
Provides intensive casework services for clients facing loss of benefits through program sanctions.
Initiates court petitions for civil actions, guardianships, and conservatorships; participates in civil and criminal court proceedings as required.
Writes court reports regarding treatment plan compliance/case status; prepares case files for court hearings.
Conducts home or office-based meetings with clients on regular periodic basis to assess needs, develop treatment plans, monitor progress toward goals and determine current status and safety of clients; schedules, coordinates and facilitates case management meetings between family members, other service agencies or facilities as needed; arranges for and facilitates family group decision making meetings.
Completes in-depth assessments of clients; develops comprehensive strength-based treatment plans, which include goal statements, standards of performance, areas of service provision/responsibilities, and measures of success; reviews and revises treatment plans as needed.
Serves as representative payee from Social Security for at-risk clients who are unable to manage their finances.
INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents. Those responsibilities that are performed are delivered within the framework of intermediate level experience and qualifications recognizing appropriate supervisory review and oversight.
Prepares young adults in the foster care system to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood through a coordinated, progressive series of activities and experiences which help them to become socially, morally, emotionally, physically, and cognitively competent.
Reviews all referrals made to the Chafee program to ensure that the referrals are complete and accurate; arranges and completes staffings on referred youth to determine eligibility for the Chafee program based on levels of care, age at time of the referral, and program area; advises referral source if a waiting list exists and the approximate time when services will be available to the youth referred.
Conducts face-to-face visit with the referred youth and out-of-home care provider (if applicable) to discuss the program and determine youth's decision regarding participation in the program.
Provides ongoing case management and support services to youth in long term foster care or independent living situations; develops and monitors plans for situations; makes arrangements for needed services; and maintains appropriate documentation throughout the process.
Provides home or office-based counseling to clients on topics such as safety, decision making, budgeting, employment skills, and transportation; assists clients in developing a plan to practice skills between sessions.
Assesses financial and social needs of clients; consults and coordinates with other Department staff to provide needed services and benefits for which clients are eligible.
Monitors Chafee program budget.
Completes monthly Chafee reports for the Colorado Department of Human Services.
Maintains and prioritizes Chafee program waiting list.
Coordinates monthly groups for Chafee participants.
ON-CALL ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents. Those responsibilities that are performed are delivered within the framework of intermediate level experience and qualifications recognizing appropriate supervisory review and oversight.
Assesses and evaluates child or adult abuse or neglect situations; determines need for medical exam and whether child or adult must be temporarily removed from the immediate circumstances; makes necessary arrangements for foster care or other types of placements needed; contacts appropriate reporting channel if abuse or neglect is suspected.
Coordinates child or adult abuse or neglect investigations with law enforcement personnel; determines proper jurisdiction; conducts forensic interviews and shares relevant information with pertinent parties related to the reported incident; completes required documentation/reports regarding investigations; and participates in court proceedings as required.
MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Computer, General Office Equipment, Motor Vehicle(s), Calculator, Copier, Camera, Shredder, Audio Recorder, Video Recorder, Printer, Cell Phone, Pager
Knowledge of:
Thorough knowledge of established theories, principles and concepts of social casework practice.
Human physical, emotional, psychological and social stages of development.
Addiction, domestic/family violence, developmental disabilities and mental health issues and signs/symptoms.
Child and/or adult protection issues and investigative procedure, laws and time lines, including Native American Child Welfare laws.
Multi-cultural issues and differences.
Policies, procedures, philosophies, rules, ethics and regulations governing the services to clients.
Applicable state, federal, Native American Tribal, and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations and how they apply to child/adult protection.
Community resources available to assist clients.
Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
Court proceedings and required time lines.
Skill in:
Assessing risk in child and adult protection and assessing family functioning to insure safety of individuals.
Assessing evidence, to include determining if a client's injuries are consistent with reported abuse.
Conducting comprehensive family assessments and selecting/implementing interventions based on accurate assessments.
Using mediation and conflict resolution techniques.
Using tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines.
Using forensic interviewing techniques.
Educating families in appropriate parenting skills through teaching, role modeling, demonstrating and various coaching techniques.
Providing accurate court testimony.
Assessing environment for personal safety.
Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
Researching, compiling, and summarizing a variety of informational and statistical data and materials.
Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks, and to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols.
Using mathematics.
Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to:
Ability to respond to each client with empathy and respect.
Ability to deescalate chaotic and/or potentially violent situations and set limits when appropriate.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.
Ability to collect, process and utilize incoming information, define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to make critical decisions in high risk and high stress situations.
Ability to speak effectively before groups and respond to questions.
Ability to work/participate as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Ability to effectively manage and/or resolve conflict and make critical decisions in high risk and high stress situations.
Ability to assist families in solving numerous and often complex problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Non-Discrimination and EEO Statement
La Plata County prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with La Plata County on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or genetic information.
La Plata County is an equal opportunity employer and assures equal employment opportunities for protected classes, persons with disabilities and for covered veterans. Covered veterans include: special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Vietnam era veterans, or any other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge was authorized.
Inquiries regarding La Plata County's equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to:
Director of Human Resources
1101 E 2nd Avenue
Durango, CO 81301
Tel: (970)382-6361
Fax: (970)375-7985
