Caseworker, Child Protection

Alamosa County Department of Human Services (DHS) – Caseworker position reporting to the Program Manager of Child Welfare. Non-exempt, full-time role.

Pay

• Annual salary: $48,960
• $500 bonus upon completion of the Child Welfare Academy

About the role

This position provides Intake and/or Ongoing social casework services to families where child abuse or neglect is present or suspected, as well as youth in conflict. Responsibilities include extensive assessment and situational evaluation, crisis intervention, resource mobilization, and information and referral around all areas of child protection.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake assessments of alleged physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect; determine if out-of-home placement is warranted; supervise placements and coordinate parent/child visits; recommend reunification when appropriate.
• Evaluate need for services; develop and modify care plans tailored to children and families; monitor client progress.
• Conduct monthly face-to-face visits with children and parents.
• Facilitate Family Engagement meetings to discuss cases and develop family service plans.
• Make collateral contacts with community resources (law enforcement, behavioral health, medical personnel) to gather information, coordinate services, or secure assistance.
• Participate in an on-call rotation for after-hours coverage approximately one week per month.
• Gather and consolidate background information for court documentation, reports, and judicial reviews.
• Attend court hearings; confer with lawyers, children, parents, witnesses, and others regarding their roles.
• Participate in staffings with schools, mental health providers, and other professionals involved with the family.
• Serve as an information and referral source to the public.
• Perform ancillary tasks such as computer data entry, maintaining client records, and completing required forms and reports.
• Develop skills in casework techniques and methodology; decisions on difficult cases are made with supervisor involvement and concurrence.
• Work schedule set by supervisor; may work independently or as part of a team.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or another human behavioral science field.
• One year of full-time professional social casework experience preferred but not required.
• Valid Colorado State Driver’s License.
• Completion of Child Welfare Caseworker Academy Training and certification within six months of hire; must maintain certification by obtaining 40 hours of training annually.
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred but not required.

Skills & Knowledge

• Working knowledge of social casework theories, principles, and concepts related to child protection.
• Understanding of child development, life stage development, attachment and bonding theories, and appropriate parenting practices.
• Knowledge of human physical, emotional, psychological, and social stages of development.
• Familiarity with legal documents, legal processes, and applicable privacy laws and statutes.
• Knowledge of child protection issues, investigative procedures, laws, timelines, and Indian Child Welfare laws.
• Understanding of the mediation process and family engagement process.
• Experience accessing community resources to assist clients.
• Cultural competency related to multi-cultural issues and differences.
• Empathy and ability to recognize domestic/family violence, developmental disabilities, and signs/symptoms of mental health issues.
• Intermediate computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and DHS-specific software.
• Negotiation skills to facilitate agreements.

Abilities

• Effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Respond to clients with empathy and respect.
• Maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Gather and interpret data to draw valid conclusions.
• Apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
• De-escalate chaotic or potentially violent situations and set appropriate limits.
• Deal with abstract and concrete variables.
• Apply common-sense understanding to follow written and oral instructions, policies, and procedures set by CDHS, the County, and DHS.
• Prepare, read, analyze, and interpret legal documents for court hearings.
• Write clear, concise correspondence and routine reports.
• Respond to inquiries or complaints from clients, regulatory agencies, or community members.
• Speak effectively before groups, including customers, employees, attorneys, and courts.
• Be flexible and adaptable as situations evolve and change.
• Work in a stressful environment.

Physical Requirements & Work Conditions

• Minimal physical effort generally required under typical office conditions.
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard efficiently, involving repetitive hand movements and fine coordination.
• Frequent use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to stand, sit for long periods, talk, and hear.
• Hearing and vision correctable to normal ranges; close-up vision and ability to adjust focus across an audience.
• Occasional stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, carrying, twisting, pushing, or pulling light to moderate amounts of weight (up to 25 pounds).
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
• Noise levels may range from very quiet to noisy depending on the situation.
• Required to travel out of the county and drive in various weather conditions locally and throughout the state.