Job: Case Worker
Job Description
Job Type: Full time, Salaried
Wage: $45,511-$49,941/yr.
Location: Trinidad, CO.
Job Description:
ANNUAL SALARY: Position is a salaried position with an annual wage range of $45,511 up to $49,941 annually after successful completion of 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).
Primary Responsibilities:
A DYFS Caseworker (CW) shall work under direct supervision while learning job tasks and developing skills and knowledge. They are responsible to meet with the direct supervisor frequently for direction and make significant decisions with supervisor oversight. All documentation within the state Trails system, as well as physical documents is reviewed by the direct supervisor. A CW performs the initial intake and then performs ongoing case management focused on assessing and evaluating individuals or the family’s needs. The focus is to provide crisis intervention for at-risk children, youth and families. CW provides/arranges CORE therapeutic services and recommends service referrals to community resources and/or other services to elevate families towards reunification and long-term success.
DUTIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING AND/OR OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED:
Position requires a thorough knowledge of supervisory techniques, 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.
Must attend court hearings
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.
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.
Position requires some overnight travel to various trainings and meetings.
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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
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.
Language Ability:
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.
Math Ability:
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.
Reasoning Ability:
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.
Computer Skills:
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.
Education/Experience:
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, Skills, and Other Abilities:
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 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.
Background Check:
Must pass a criminal background check (Colorado Bureau of Investigation and Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting) and drug screen.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
Master’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university or a Master’s degree in one of the behavioral sciences.
Five (5) years of direct experience in child welfare: social work, case management, and community outreach supervision.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
A valid driver’s license and current automobile insurance is required.
Applicants will be required to provide a DMV report if the position is offered.
Applicants will be required to submit to a criminal/background history and pre-employment drug screen.
Applicants will be required to complete certification for administering drug screens.
A professional and appropriate dress code is in effect for all employees of the office
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
About LAS ANIMAS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
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.
**Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee, time to time; the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands. Click “View Application” below for more detail on this specific job.