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

Full-time, hybrid position located at 475 W Price River Dr, Suite 152, Price, Utah, 84501.

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. To accomplish this, caseworkers work closely with subject matter experts, are provided with 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 that includes: intake records, investigation summaries, assessments of safety, risk and family functioning; service plans, court reports, case history and activity logs.
• Performing 24-hour-on-call services as needed under supervisor's direction. 24-hour on-call service assignments may be based on, and subject to, geographic employment location and/or agency demand.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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. If work experience was not full-time, the equivalent must be calculated in comparison to full-time (e.g., two years of half-time work equals one year of full-time work).
• Understands human development across the lifespan and resources in the community, with the 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 in a manner which shows sensitivity, tact, and professionalism.
• Communicates effectively, clearly, and concisely verbally and in writing.
• Possesses a current valid Utah driver's license.
• Travel required; may be required to use your personal vehicle to perform the duties of this position (approved mileage is reimbursable through State Finance).
• All DCFS job offers are contingent upon passing a Background Screening Application (BSA).
• Must physically work inside the State of Utah boundaries.

Qualifications

Caseworker I: $23.60/hour. Requires 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.

Social Service Worker: $26.21/hour. Requires an SSW or higher licensure in good standing (required by statute UCA58-60-103) and 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.

Previous or current experience in the following areas may qualify: employment with the DHHS; working with residential youth or adults in programs related to domestic violence, abuse, or homelessness; working in a domestic violence or homeless shelter; working with any agency providing mental or 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.

Working Conditions

• Physical Requirements: Moderate – Some physical exertion required, including standing, walking over rough surfaces, bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, and lifting moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.), e.g., lifting a small child in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.
• High Risk: Risks found in potentially dangerous or unusual environmental stress situations, such as working in extreme outdoor weather conditions, being subject to possible physical attack, or entering clients' homes. May involve exposure to contagious diseases (e.g., parasitic infections caused by head lice, bed bugs, scabies) or chemicals (e.g., illegal substances).
• May require 24-hour on-call services/time, with response time determined by the agency.

Benefits

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.
• Work/Life Balance: Generous paid time off and a balanced work schedule to afford quality time spent with your family.
• Great health benefits and retirement plans.