Social Caseworker III

At Adams County, our team members engage in top-notch opportunities to grow and expand their impact. This role offers both hybrid-remote working arrangements as well as flexible scheduling options after an initial training period of 90 days. Hybrid duties allow for onsite and remote work scheduled every week, with employees regularly scheduled onsite one to four days per week based on County needs and Department Director determination.

About the Role

Adams County Children and Family Services social caseworkers may encounter reports or evidence of domestic violence, negligence, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. They work with age groups ranging from infants to young adults (birth through age 21) and manage a varied caseload that may fluctuate based on community needs.

The position can involve a combination of both Assessment and Permanency duties depending on agency needs.

Responsibilities

• Assessment:
  • Respond to allegations of abuse and neglect of children/youth.
  • Assess reports of abuse and neglect by interviewing and observing victims, offenders, witnesses, caregivers, and collateral agencies to ensure child safety and determine validity.
  • Identify risk factors and dynamics of child abuse, neglect, and family functioning (includes specialized caseload).
  • Provide crisis intervention while evaluating and assessing family needs.
  • Complete assessments within 60 days to determine if long-term support and services are necessary for child/youth safety and well-being.
  • Prepare court reports, attend court hearings, testify, and consult with attorneys, judges, and guardians-ad-litem.
• Permanency:
  • Provide case-specific documentation, including family service plans, court documentation, TRAILS entries, ROC notes, assessments, placement paperwork, service referrals, and family time assessments.
  • Review reports from service providers to ensure effectiveness of services.
  • Provide face-to-face contact with clients as required by regulatory standards and agency policy (may include in-state and/or out-of-state travel).
  • Engage family/youth in finding permanent connections; participate in Family Engagement Meetings and Permanency Roundtables.
  • Prepare court reports, attend court hearings, testify, and consult with attorneys regarding legal aspects of cases.
  • Supervise parenting time for children and families on caseload; facilitate goodbye sessions between parents and children when termination of parental rights is necessary.

Requirements

• Child welfare knowledge, including healthy child development, understanding of abuse/neglect dynamics, and experience working with children/youth ages 0-18.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy and a strength-based, trauma-informed approach with families involved in the child welfare system.
• Assess child/youth safety and make decisions using critical thinking for difficult or complicated cases.
• Build, maintain, and collaborate in positive professional relationships across varied backgrounds and disciplines.
• Prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and organize workload independently.
• Partner with others to solve problems, including conflict resolution with upset clients and crisis management.
• Proficiency in typing, computer programs, and statewide client information systems (TRAILS) for effective data entry and referrals.
• Clear and concise communication, including synthesizing information into accurate, professionally written documents.
• Willingness to accommodate clients' schedules by meeting outside normal business hours when necessary.
• Participate in scheduled supervision, team meetings, section meetings, and division meetings.
• Meet all required state and agency training requirements annually (or as required).
• Engage in red teams, group supervision, and staffings.
• Demonstrate professionalism during court proceedings.
• Meet state and federal mandates and time frames.

Qualifications

• Experience: Professional, internship, or volunteer work in a human services-related agency.
• Education and Training:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in a human behavioral science field.
  • Educational waiver available for those enrolled in a bachelor’s program; degree must be obtained within one year of hire date with related coursework (see 7.603.1 for details).
  • Proof of education (degree or transcripts) and license (if applicable) required.
• License or Certificate:
  • Colorado Child Welfare Caseworker certification required within three months of employment (through Colorado Training Academy).
  • Certification from another state may substitute for all or part of Colorado’s training requirements with proof of completion.
  • Valid driver’s License and proof of automotive insurance required.
• Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check.
• Other:
  • Bilingual applicants preferred and may receive a Language Pay incentive based on usage.
  • Ability to work in a standard office environment and utilize personal vehicle for client home visits, court travel, and other public facilities in all weather conditions.
  • Ability to carry large case files and conduct home visits in uncontrolled settings (may include environmental hazards such as animals, contaminants, or unsafe individuals).
  • Ability to obtain, maintain, and ensure continued access to State and County systems in compliance with all regulations and policies.

Pay

Hiring Range: $64,277.61 - $72,930.36
Full Range: $61,805.39 - $89,617.82