Caseworker I or II

About the Role

The Caseworker performs casework for a variety of identified areas, providing Child Welfare services using safety-oriented practice techniques to engage families. Conducts home and community visits to assess allegations of child/adult abuse and neglect. Assesses situations for safety and risk, makes referrals to community and system-based services, creates treatment plans, monitors progress of specific cases, documents case information, and collaborates with multi-disciplinary teams and other resources for services and supports.

Depending on the assigned program, responsibilities may include investigating allegations of child/adult abuse and neglect, determining child placement when necessary to ensure safety, working with extended family to create safety and support plans, attending court hearings, preparing court reports, and testifying when necessary.

Responsibilities

Caseworker I

• Collects information regarding child or adult protection referrals and provides initial assessment, including assessing safety and risk, identifying appropriate resources, and determining appropriate response modes.
• Conducts investigations based on child or adult protection referrals as outlined by Volume VII rules and regulations and initiates appropriate actions, which could include removal of clients from unsafe environments and/or petition for court involvement.
• Participates in family engagement meetings, ensuring options are explored in relation to the safety and placement decisions that are being made.
• Develops and updates plans of service, monitors and documents clients' activities and progress in case plan objectives, and maintains and updates clients' records and files.
• Provides testimony and recommendations to the Court; communicates with attorneys and other professionals.
• Provides crisis interventions, which require quickly addressing the critical and emergency needs of clients.
• Engages with children, youth, and families to prevent out-of-home placement or, if placement is necessary, to complete diligent searches as per Volume II rules and place children in the least restrictive placements.
• Engages with children, youth, and families implementing goals for safety, permanency, and well-being.
• Makes monthly contact with children, parents/guardians, and providers.
• Documents all contacts, case planning, services, and interventions into TRAILS or CAPS. All documentation must comply with Volume VII rules and best practice guidelines.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Caseworker II

• Collects information regarding child or adult protection referrals and provides initial assessment, including assessing safety and risk, identifying appropriate resources, and determining appropriate response modes.
• Completes assessments based on child or adult protection referrals as outlined by Volume VII rules and regulations and initiates appropriate actions, which could include removal of clients from unsafe environments and/or petition for court involvement.
• Facilitates and/or participates in family engagement meetings, ensuring options are explored in relation to the safety and placement decisions that are made.
• Develops and implements plans of service, monitors and documents clients' activities and progress, and maintains and updates clients' records and files.
• Provides testimony and recommendations to the Court; collaborates with attorneys, other professionals, and service providers as needed.
• Engages with children, youth, and families to prevent out-of-home placement or, if placement is necessary, to complete diligent searches as per Volume II rules and place children in the least restrictive placements.
• Engages with children, youth, and families implementing goals for safety, permanency, and well-being.
• Makes monthly contact with children, parents/guardians, and providers.
• Documents all contacts, case planning, services, and interventions into TRAILS or CAPS. All documentation must comply with Volume VII rules and best practice guidelines.
• Provides crisis interventions, which require quickly addressing the critical and emergency needs of clients.
• Attends department and community-based meetings or local and state committees as assigned.
• Assists with after-hours, on-call rotation coverage to include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Job assignments will involve travel throughout Grand and Jackson Counties and, intermittently, may involve travel to other Colorado communities.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.