Social Caseworker III

Department: Social Services

Reports to: Social Services Supervisor

Salary range: $2,411 - $2,894 (Semi-monthly)

FLSA Status: Exempt/Salaried

Position closes: Open until filled

Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the minimum to mid-point of the salary range for the role. Hiring at the mid-point of the range would not be typical in order to allow for future & continued salary growth.

When it comes to benefits, Teller County is committed to offering a comprehensive, affordable benefits package that meets the needs of our employees and their families.

•Two Meritain Aetna health plans to choose from -the County pays 50% to 100% of the premium depending on the plan you choose

•HSA plan - the County contributes $1,000 for employee only and $2,000 for employee plus one or more dependents

•Telehealth/Teledoc options - access quality healthcare from the comfort of your home, during your lunch break or while traveling

•Dental, Vision and Prescription drug coverage

•Basic and voluntary life coverage

•401a retirement plan - employees contribute 4% and the County matches 8%. You are fully vested in five years.

•457b deferred comp plans - both pre- and post-tax options available

•Time Off: Paid vacation, sick, 12 holidays, 1 floating holiday

•Aflac, wellness programs, EAP, education assistance, employee discounts, uniform allowance

And so many more - click here to review our full benefits package

POSITION SUMMARY : Responsible for the initial response and provides child protection and Youth in Conflict services; provides crisis assessments and intervention; supervises placement of children in out-of-home; and is significantly involved with Courts and other community agencies and professionals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The duties and responsibilities listed below are central to the job and the employee must be able to perform each function satisfactorily. This list is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities and is intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

(1) Intervene in youth, and child protection crises and make assessment of problems including, investigating cases of alleged physical/sexual abuse and/or neglect in conjunction with law enforcement; assess safety and determine if situation warrants placement out-of-home.

(2) Locate appropriate placement; supervise placement of children out of home; monitor client needs and progress and coordinate child/family visits; determine if and when to recommend return of children to their home.

(3) Provide casework, guidance and support for clients; provide services to adults and caretakers to prevent institutionalization; counsel children, youth and parents to prepare for reuniting of the family.

(4) Prepare and coordinate service plans and other reports with professional resources in the community; refer clients to other resources.

(5) Testify in court regarding intake and ongoing cases as necessary; make recommendations to the court on abuse and/or neglect cases and placement of children.

(6) Prepare and maintain confidential client records and reports on computerized systems i.e. Trails, CBMS; document plans and recommendations; submit files and records for foster care and court review.

(7) Participate in team and community meetings concerning issues of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation of children, youth and adults.

(8) Perform similar duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. The list is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all knowledge, skills or abilities that are required.

(1) Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Knowledge of: dynamics of child welfare; casework practices, procedures and guidelines; principles regarding crises and means of intervention and of assessment of dynamics of conflict and safety of children and adults; Children's Code and court procedures; child development, abuse, mental illness and family systems; investigatory techniques and practices utilized in obtaining information; principles and processes for providing excellent customer service, including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Skilled in: use of basic computer software programs; understanding and applying pertinent laws, rules, regulations and policies; using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines; maintaining confidentiality; organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines and following up on assignments with minimum direction and supervision; applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; understanding, interpreting and communicating complicated policies, procedures and protocols; working in a deadline driven environment; initiating and responding to medium volume of daily calls/contact; interacting with all levels of internal and external professionals while developing strong productive relationships; designing strategies, analyzing results and making recommendations; organization and time management.

Ability to: effectively assess responsibility and actions regarding child abuse/neglect and Youth in Conflict; effectively and accurately complete paperwork, reports and documentation; communicate effectively in writing and verbally; establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with co-workers, other county departments, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and the public; maintain confidentiality and discretion; be a self-starter; successfully accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously while working independently or within a team environment; work with minimal supervision; deal with a variety of people, cultures, problems and circumstances; analyze and resolve problems involving several variables; understand and carry out written and oral instructions, giving close attention to detail and accuracy.

(2) Experience/Education : Bachelors' degree in human behavioral science; minimum of two (2) years of related professional caseworker experience in a public or private social services agency, at least one year of the experience must be post-degree; any acceptable combination of education, training and experience that provides the listed knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted.

(3) Visual Acuity/Hearing/Speaking : Must be able to write and read; able to hear, see and speak.

(4) Physical Effort/Dexterity : This position requires daily routine computer usage; the ability to drive a vehicle; light physical exertion and the normal range of motion and dexterity; ability to sit (sometimes for extended periods of time), stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, crawl or climb; ability to lift, pull or drag up to 25 lbs. for short periods of time.

(5) Environmental Factors : Work is performed in an office setting, clients' homes, school facilities and at other agencies. Elements of weather are sometimes encountered; caution must be exercised when intervening in abuse, conflict cases.

(6) Work Schedule/Characteristics : 40 hours per week; availability outside normal business hours to include weekends may be required.

(7) License/Certification Requirements : Successful completion of Colorado Child Welfare Training Academy within 90 days from date of hire; possession of and ability to maintain a valid Colorado driver's license.

(8) Additional Requirements : Ability to pass background check and drug test.

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