Caseworker I/Social Service Worker, DCFS Eastern Region (Blanding)

Full-time, hybrid position located at 522 N 100 E, Blanding, UT 84511. Application deadline: 11/1/2026 (may close earlier if sufficient applicant pool). Eligible for full benefits package.

About the role

These positions will be filled as a Caseworker I or Social Service Worker depending upon the qualifications of the applicant. DCFS Caseworkers and Social Service Workers strive to keep children with their own families whenever safely possible by assessing their and their families' needs, getting them connected to available resources, and conducting in-home services of appropriate intensity and duration. They work to reunify children who have been removed from their homes whenever possible or find enduring safety and permanency for them through alternative options. Caseworkers work closely with subject matter experts, receive regular professional supervision, and complete DCFS Practice Model training.

Responsibilities

• Investigating reports of abuse, exploitation, and/or neglect; assessing safety, risk, strengths, and barriers and determining appropriate actions governing a family's situation.
• Working with families to create plans for children’s safety and for ongoing services.
• Coordinating and referring services to children and families offered by community resources, placement providers, collateral agencies, the courts, and community partners.
• Supervising visits between parents and children to ensure safety.
• Conducting in-home visits to assess safety and track progress.
• Facilitating Child and Family Team Meetings with the family, their formal and informal supports.
• Testifying in court hearings regarding actions, findings, procedures, and protocols.
• Preparing detailed case documentation including: intake records, investigation summaries, assessments of safety, risk and family functioning; service plans, court reports, case history and activity logs.
• May include performing 24-hour-on-call services as needed under supervisor's direction (assignments based on geographic employment location and/or agency demand).
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Caseworker I (Pay: $23.60/hour):

• Understands human development across the lifespan, community resources, and ability to provide support and interventions in a culturally responsive way.
• Adept at interacting professionally with all levels of management while managing a diversified workload and challenging situations.
• Deals with people with sensitivity, tact, and professionalism.
• Communicates effectively, clearly, and concisely verbally and in writing.
• Has four years of full-time education OR professional work experience related to working with children, parents, and/or families, OR a combination of education and professional work experience.
• Possesses a current valid Utah driver's license.

Social Service Worker (Pay: $26.21/hour):

• Holds an SSW or higher licensure in good standing (required by statute UCA58-60-103).
• Understands human development across the lifespan, community resources, and ability to provide support and interventions in a culturally responsive way.
• Adept at interacting professionally with all levels of management while managing a diversified workload and challenging situations.
• Deals with people with sensitivity, tact, and professionalism.
• Communicates effectively, clearly, and concisely verbally and in writing.
• Has four years of professional work experience related to working with children, parents, and/or families or a combination of education and experience to equal four years.
• Possesses a current valid Utah driver's license.

Qualifying experience includes: previous or current employment with DHHS; working with residential youth or adults in programs related to domestic violence, abuse, or homelessness; working in a domestic violence or homeless shelter, or with agencies providing mental/behavioral health services; any public or private school in an educational or social work-related role; foster or kinship provider, contracted DHHS service provider, or other fields closely related to child welfare. Part-time experience is prorated (e.g., two years half-time = one year full-time).

Pay

• Caseworker I: $23.60 per hour
• Social Service Worker: $26.21 per hour

Benefits

• Job stability within a well-established organization
• Career growth and leadership opportunities
• Meaningful work benefiting the community
• Supportive work environment valuing cooperation and mutual support
• Great health benefits and retirement plans
• Generous paid time off
• Balanced work schedule for quality family time

Schedule

• Schedule Code: B - Competitive Career Service
• Hybrid work eligibility established by agency management (subject to change)
• May require 24-hour on-call services (response time determined by agency)
• All employees must physically work inside the State of Utah boundaries

Physical requirements

Moderate - Some work requires physical exertion. May be required to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend; crouch; stoop; stretch; reach; lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.), e.g., lifting a small child in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.

Working conditions

High Risk - Risks found in potentially dangerous or unusual environmental stress situations, e.g., working at great heights, extreme outdoor weather conditions, possible physical attack. Special risks may require special safety precautions: entering clients' homes, potential exposure to contagious diseases (parasitic infections such as head lice, bed bugs, scabies) or chemicals (illegal substances).

Supplemental information

• Only applicants invited to interview will be notified.
• May require 24-hour on-call services/time; response time determined by agency.
• Department of Human Resource Management rules regarding promotions and transfers apply to current employees.
• Travel required; may use personal vehicle (approved mileage reimbursable through State Finance).
• All DCFS job offers contingent upon passing a Background Screening Application (BSA).
• Must have a valid Utah driver’s license.
• Background check required; drug test not required.