Caseworker I/ Social Service Worker-DCFS Western Region (Orem)

Full-time, hybrid position with the Utah Division of Child & Family Services (DCFS).

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.

Location: DCFS Orem Office, 97 East Center Street, Orem, Utah, 84057.

Drivers License Requirement: Employees hired for this recruitment will be subject to the Driver Eligibility standards. A valid Utah driver’s license is required. Background check required.

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 geographic employment location and/or agency demand.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications:

• Previous or current employment with the DHHS; working with residential youth or adults participating in programs related to domestic violence, abuse, or homelessness; working in a domestic violence or homeless shelter, or 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, or a combination of experience and education to equal four years.
• If work experience was not full-time, the equivalent must be calculated in comparison to full-time. For example, two years of half-time work would be equivalent to one year of full-time work.

Qualifications

Caseworker I

• Understands human development across the lifespan, and resources in the community, and has 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.
• 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.
• Pay: $23.60/hour.

Social Service Worker

• Holds an SSW or higher licensure in good standing (required by statute UCA58-60-103).
• Understands human development across the lifespan, and resources in the community, and has 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.
• 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.
• Pay: $26.21/hour.

Working Conditions

Physical Requirements: Moderate - Some of the work performed requires some physical exertion. You 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.

High Risk: You will be exposed to risks and environmental stressors outside of a typical office environment. This includes frequent travel, entering client homes, potential physical confrontation, and potential exposure to contagious conditions/parasitic infections (e.g., head lice, bed bugs, scabies) or illegal chemical substances.

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.