Associate Caseworker

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY: An Associate Caseworker is responsible for receiving calls of child abuse and neglect and gathering the information necessary to generate an abuse or neglect referral. As the first point of contact with the community in regard to Child Protection, professionalism and telephone etiquette is paramount. To be successful, quick and accurate typing skills are necessary to document the calls and data entry in the system. This role must communicate with law enforcement, schools, hospitals, therapists, caseworkers, and others. As well as utilize databases such as State automated case management system, the hotline application, Colorado Benefit Management System (CBMS), State Courts, sexual offender registry, Client Assistance System (CAS), Genesys Desktop, etc. In emergency situations, transporting children to foster care is required.

Responsibilities

• Takes reports of adult and/or child abuse/neglect and/or exploitation.
• Records and documents all calls.
• Distinguishes between reports of abuse/neglect and those of information and resources.
• Assesses incoming reports, referrals or request for services as a screener.
• Uses enhanced screening techniques to gather and document information on reporting party, victim, parent/caretakers, and other pertinent information that will aid in determining course of action and appropriate level of response.
• Conducts face to face interviews with reporting parties that come to Human Services building.
• Assesses and incorporates police reports to determine if further follow-up is needed.
• Completes an initial risk assessment to determine the safety of the child/adult and/or community, the scope of the alleged abuse, the environment where the alleged abuse/neglect occurred, and the history, if any, of previous reports of abuse/neglect or family violence.
• Completes additional follow up tasks such as coordinating with reporting parties, police jurisdictions, schools, parents, etc. to obtain and/or provide needed information regarding referrals.
• Assists Caseworkers who are in the field with emergency resources and information.
• Research various computer-based applications and document in reports of abuse/neglect any prior history the involved parties may have with child protection in the state Trails system, CAS, CBMS, Colorado Courts, Colorado Inmates Lookup, USPS, phone directories, etc.
• Conduct diligent search for parents and kin.
• Completes genograms.
• Data entry in the state computerized system for adult protection or child abuse tracking, copying, stapling, filing, mailing, and faxing.
• Notifies law enforcement of reports of abuse/neglect and coordinates investigations between caseworkers and law enforcement.
• Interface with the courts, Juvenile Assessment Center and County Attorneys to ensure that all placement evaluations are accurately documented in the state data system.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Education: A bachelor’s degree from a 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.
• Note: An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
• A valid Colorado driver’s license is required for positions that drive on County Business in either a county or personal vehicle within 30-days of hire or beginning to serve as an intern or volunteer.
• Offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and/or references for all positions.

Qualifications

Research shows that women and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to apply only when they check every box in the posting. If you are reading this and hesitating to click “apply” for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! A true passion and excitement for making an impact is just as important as work experience.

• Spanish speaking strongly preferred
• Strong sense of initiative
• Strong communication skills
• Strong typing and basic computer skills
• Ability to perform autonomous work
• Works effectively in a team environment
• Being trauma and poverty informed

Benefits

Jefferson County offers a generous benefits package that supports your personal and professional life. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays, including a starting bank of 40 hours of PTO for new hires
• Retirement matching
• Wellness programs
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible schedules
• Remote work options

Pay

Hiring Range: 24.23-$28 USD Hourly. Compensation will be determined based on education, experience and skills.

Bilingual proficiency is an incredible asset to this team and will be offered a pay differential upon completion of communication skill test.

Schedule

This position works Monday – Friday, 8:00am-5:30pm, conducting business primarily remotely.