Posting No: 20260012
Job Title: Case Worker (Ongoing)
Division: Div. Youth and Family Services
Department: Human Services
Reports To: DYFS Supervisor
ANNUAL SALARY: Position is a salaried position with an annual wage range of $45,511 up to $49,941 annually after successful completion of a minimum ninety (90) day probationary period. (Salary will be $3,759.25 up to $4,078.52 per month during 90-day probationary period).
BENEFITS: The following benefits are offered as a full-time permanent employee: Health Insurance, Retirement Plan, Paid time off (PTO)/Vacation after 90 day probationary, Sick (immediate access), Personal Leave (16 hours)(provided to FTE every January).
A DYFS Caseworker (CW) provides prevention, assessment, and/or ongoing casework services for Program Areas 4, 5, and/or 6. This includes interacting with families in their home environments, interviewing children and adults, completing safety assessments and other job duties, in accordance with Colorado Code of Regulations (Volume 7) and Colorado Revised Statutes Title 19. Caseworkers complete accurate and thorough documentation of all interactions with families, collaterals and partners in the “Trails” system. Caseworkers are also responsible for maintaining physical files in compliance with Volume 7 and Title 19.
Ongoing Caseworkers assess the needs of the family and develop family services plans, make referrals for services, identify supports and monitor progress and continuing needs. It is the primary job of a caseworker to ensure that reasonable efforts are being provided to prevent out of home placement of children by working collaboratively with families, care providers, schools, service providers, community partners, legal professionals and the courts.
The department is required to have a certified caseworker available to respond to emergency situations at all times. Therefore all caseworkers are required to take “On Call” shifts as assigned. On Call workers must be available to respond to emergency situations anytime, day or night, including weekends and holidays, carry a department issued cell phone, laptop and other equipment. On Call shifts are 14 days and are assigned on a rotating basis. Each Caseworker typically completes 5 On Call shifts per calendar year.
Position requires a thorough knowledge of human behavior, the dynamics-of child abuse and neglect youth in conflict and other areas related to service delivery focused on children and youth, casework principles and practices.
Qualified candidates must possess extensive skill in case planning and the handling of high conflict families in a trauma informed manner.
Must possess skill in writing and editing reports; skill in interpreting rules, regulations, laws and procedures; an ability to deal with stress and emergencies; a knowledge of the court system and its workings with respect to child welfare; Ability to resolve conflict; evaluate staff and clients, knowledge of agency, state, and federal guidelines and laws and Colorado Children's Code.
Position provides guidance on child abuse and neglect, youth in conflict, foster care, placement alternatives, day care, and adoptions.
Follow guidelines set in Volumes VII and VIII of the CDHS manual, the Children's Code, state statutes, and if applicable, the Child Abuse Team. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting the guidelines for a particular case situation.
Assess safety of children in their current living environment in accordance with Volume 7 and Title 19.
Provides supportive counseling referrals in the areas of health, housing, home management and out of home placement.
Intervenes in crisis situations to evaluate and stabilize situations.
Applicants will be responsible for other duties as assigned based on needs of the unit.
In crisis situations, the Qualified Candidate may be required to coordinate cooperative problem solving with high conflict parents, police and other community organizations. Must be in contact with various community resources and agencies in order to provide coordination in the provision of services to children through the exchange of information and problem solving.
The position requires some overnight travel to various trainings and meetings.
The position requires that the worker be available for “On Call” shifts and that worker is able to respond to emergencies at all hours of the night, weekends and holidays.
The position requires good computer navigational skills for various state system programs, as well as for basic correspondence processes.
The great majority of work is performed in a standard office environment.
On occasion the Qualified Candidate may be required to drive in poor weather conditions or handle potentially hazardous crisis situations in a client's home.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of word processing software, spreadsheet software, payroll systems, human resource systems, database software, state defined case management systems.
Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) from four-year college or university; with an equivalent of thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter hours in either development of human behavior, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures or therapeutic techniques such as social work, psychology, sociology, guidance and counseling, and child development, as defined in State of Colorado Code of Regulations (12 CCR 2509-7).
Knowledge of protective services and public assistance rules, regulations, protocol, and procedures. Knowledge of community assistance resources and agencies.
Working knowledge in government systems, such as Colorado Child Protective Services Data System (TRAILS), and in all relevant program policy.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, other agencies, elected officials, vendors, and the public.
Ability to lead and train others; ability to objectively review the performance of others.
Ability to effectively plan, schedule, and organize.
Ability to assess situations and make prudent decisions; ability to effectively apply conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
Ability to develop and implement new and innovative plans and strategies as the division's needs and focus change.
Ability to effectively use standard office equipment, including computer, fax machine, copier, and telephone. Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited higher education institution with course work related to the job responsibilities of child welfare social caseworker. Course work examples can include and are not limited to, the development of human behavior, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures, or therapeutic techniques.
A valid driver’s license and current automobile insurance are required.
Applicants will be required to provide a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) or DMV report if an offer of employment is extended.
A professional and appropriate dress code is in effect for all employees of the Department.
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion and satisfactory review of all required pre-employment screenings and verifications, including but not limited to:
Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint-based criminal history background checks;
State of Colorado Case Manager Certification/Decertification verification and review;
Colorado Adult Protective Services (CAPS) check and any other required state registry checks;
Pre-employment urinalysis (UA) drug screening; and
Verification of all licenses, certifications, education, and employment history, as applicable.
The Department reserves the right to withdraw any conditional offer of employment or terminate the hiring process based on the results of any required screening, verification, or background investigation.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Position requires substantial movement with respect to repetitious standing and sitting within the office area and in the public. On occasion, may be required to lift light to moderately heavy loads.
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
Las Animas County Dept. of Human Services provides public welfare programs to the Las Animas County community. We serve a dynamic and diverse population and strive to assist individuals in developing a better life and social well-being. LACDHS is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity (EEO) in any term, condition, or privilege of employment. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on age, race, real or perceived sex, gender identity or expression, color, military status, religion, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, marital status, political affiliation, disability or any other status protected by state or local law. This prohibition includes unlawful harassment based on any of these protected classes. Unlawful harassment includes verbal or physical conduct, which has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment.
