Intake Caseworker

Location: 239 West Main Street, Lancaster, OH 43130

Job Type: Full-Time

About the Role

The primary purpose of the Intake Caseworker (Social Services Worker 3) position is to investigate claims of abuse and neglect of children. This role prepares child cases for court, meets procedural deadlines governing the management of social services cases set by the State of Ohio, and ensures documentation is complete. The position may also serve as an on-call social service worker (e.g., on weekends, holidays, after business hours).

Responsibilities

• 45% Case Management: Provides services to families by maintaining a caseload of abuse, neglect, and dependency cases. Assesses the validity of complaints according to the Department of Children and Youth (DCY) rules and agency policy by conducting interviews, completing assessments in the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS), gathering evidence, and collaborating with community partners. Engages families to alleviate crises, reduce risks to children, and develop case plans. Attends and testifies at court hearings, participates in administrative case reviews, performs emergency removals and placements, supervises visits, and transports children/adults. Handles high-risk, unpredictable cases during and after work hours, making referrals to Protective Services or community partners as needed. Travels throughout Ohio and occasionally the U.S. to fulfill DCY mandates.
• 30% Documentation: Maintains case record documentation in SACWIS and the Electronic Data Management System (EDMS), including photos, audio/video recordings, activity logs, forms, written summaries, assessments, social history, and court documents for supervisory approval and agency retention.
• 15% Placement Services: Assesses the need for substitute care for children and secures out-of-home placements that best meet individual needs in the least restrictive and most home-like setting.
• 10% Professional Development & Support: Participates in ongoing training, supervisory/staff meetings, consultations, and other management support tasks. Covers weekend and after-hours on-call duties on a rotating basis. Assists with overflow case assignments by conducting interviews, completing assessments, and providing crisis interventions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Per Section 5153.112 of the Ohio Revised Code, applicants must meet one of the following:
  • A bachelor’s degree in human services-related studies, or
  • A bachelor’s degree in any field and at least two years of employment in a human services occupation.
• Per Section 5153.122 of the Ohio Revised Code:
  • Complete at least 90 hours of in-service training during the first year of employment, covering topics such as recognizing and preventing child abuse, risk assessment, interviewing, investigation, intervention, and service provision.
  • After the first year, complete 36 hours of annual training relevant to assigned duties.
• Valid driver’s license.

Pay

$26.63 hourly

Benefits

This is a full-time position with benefits.