Social Service Worker I

About the Role

The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) seeks a Social Service Worker I who is driven to succeed in helping people and advance family self-sufficiency. With professionalism and integrity, our agency offers services to families to ensure safe, stable homes for the children of the Commonwealth. The Social Service Worker I is a skilled team member, providing a vital link between the children, families and local community partners. The employee is expected to perform at the highest quality to ensure services to the vulnerable citizens. This is a demanding position that requires maturity, self-discipline and the ability to work overtime.

Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations of child abuse and/or neglect
• Meet with family members to determine the merits of a report of child neglect and/or abuse
• Meet with other interested parties such as school and medical staff to gather additional information
• Complete detailed assessments based on the facts obtained during home visits and meetings with interested parties
• Work with families to create a case plan for addressing and correcting issues within the household
• Make referrals to outside community resources to assist the family in overcoming identified barriers and to keep children safe in a permanent home and promote their wellbeing
• Enter case information into the computer
• Complete court reports as needed
• Provide testimony during administrative and judicial hearings
• Work closely with community partners such as law enforcement, school systems, counselors, and shelters

Qualifications

• Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or a related field
• Must furnish documentation of a valid driver's license within one month of employment
• Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment

Ideal Candidate

• Experience working with families and/or children
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Good time management and organizational skills
• The ability to work well under pressure
• A willingness to work as part of a team

Pay & Schedule

Pay Grade 14. Salary $55,541.52 - $64,816.08 annually. Full-time, 37.5 hours per week. Eligible for overtime pay. The agency may authorize the selected candidate to telecommute; the agency may terminate or modify the telecommuting arrangement at any time.

Working Conditions

Performs job duties in an office/facility or residential program setting and visits clients and/or families at their residence. Provides emergency services on a 24-hour basis, including accepting referrals and completing investigations at any hour without prior warning. As a result of enforced intervention, the worker runs the risk of physical harm.