Social Caseworker – Children, Youth, & Family Services (Law Enforcement)

About the Role

Join our team as a Social Caseworker for Children, Youth & Family Services in a Co-Located Law Enforcement Intake Practice team. This role involves collaborating with local law enforcement agencies to serve families in our community. You will work out of Gold Hills, Falcon, Stetson Hills, or Sand Creek police stations, participating in joint investigations, police lineups, and ride-alongs. The position demands flexibility, problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration with various outside agencies, including Safe Passage, hospitals, and schools.

This is a child protection position requiring engagement with families and periodic flexibility in work hours to accommodate client schedules. The average workday is Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with potential schedule changes. A hybrid schedule may be available after successful completion of the initial evaluation period.

Due to the sensitive nature of this role, additional background checks may be required, including a Government Program Fraud check, Child Welfare Abuse & Neglect database (TRAILS) check, and Child Welfare Caseworker Falsification check.

Responsibilities

• Interview clients and develop appropriate treatment plans; initiate and/or participate in home studies, and provide intensive casework services to families and children.
• Investigate allegations of child abuse and assess imminent danger for children; make referrals to community resources and collateral contacts.
• Monitor and report clients' progress and provide service recommendations/referrals.
• Ensure needed services are being provided, treatment plans are followed, and determine the appropriateness of placements and services.
• Address child safety issues in the home to mitigate concerns; ensure children in the department's custody receive necessary interventions.
• Provide crisis management and coordinate support services for clients to resolve problems and conflicts.
• Act as a liaison for the Department of Human Services (DHS) and consult with other caseworkers and community professionals on case situations, treatment plans, and issues.
• Provide casework and assessment services for teams within the Practice Unit.
• Attend and testify in court hearings and mediations; complete appropriate paperwork, documentation, and reports for court hearings; monitor clients' compliance with court orders.
• Prepare for and participate in meetings and staffings.
• Document all contacts and ensure accurate completion and filing of paperwork; complete necessary case information reports and update databases.
• Arrange and provide transportation for clients to appointments, therapy, school, court hearings, and pre-placement visits.
• Ensure compliance with Federal, State, and County laws, outcome measures, rules, and regulations; review cases to ensure case plans are developed and implemented.
• Provide support to Practice and Support and Services teams within the CYFS Division as needed.
• Collect and report statistics and data on unit outcomes and performance.
• Facilitate meetings as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.

Supervision

This classification does not have supervisory authority but may provide expertise or limited guidance to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and offering direction. Typically serves as a subject matter expert within the functional area.

Receives general supervision, following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from a supervisor may be expected, with performance reviewed periodically.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from a higher education institution with coursework related to child welfare social casework (e.g., human behavior development, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures, or therapeutic techniques). A degree in progress that is conferred by the start date may be considered.
• One year of professional, internship, or volunteer work experience in a human services-related agency. Successful completion of a Bachelor’s Degree of Social Work (BSW) or Master's Degree of Social Work (MSW) internship in a human services-related agency may substitute for the required experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of casework practices, procedures, and guidelines.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, clients, other agencies, community professionals, the courts, and the public.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to efficiently plan, schedule, and organize.
• Ability to assess situations and make prudent, appropriate decisions; apply conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to accurately and efficiently complete paperwork, reports, and documentation.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, fax machines, copiers, and telephones.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Licenses & Certificates

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and proof of automobile insurance.
• Must obtain and maintain necessary certifications as applicable to the position.
• Must possess or obtain Colorado State Child Welfare Caseworker Certification within ninety days of course enrollment and maintain certification thereafter.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass a conditional post-offer background investigation, including fingerprinting, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.
• College transcripts required prior to the date of hire.

Work Conditions

• Duties are performed in an office environment, client's homes, schools, jails, and court; must be able to climb stairs and walk up and down driveways and sidewalks.
• May require occasional lifting, such as files, supplies, children, and car seats.
• Hybrid remote work environment dependent upon Department discretion and business needs.
• May be exposed to hostile family situations/individuals and unsanitary or hazardous conditions.
• Reliable transportation is required; mileage reimbursement is available upon request.
• May require a 24/7 on-call and after-hours rotational schedule.
• Local and non-local travel, including possible out-of-state travel, may be required.

Pay

Hiring Range: $57,800.00 - $62,800.00

Anticipated Hiring Rate: $60,538.40