Social Service Worker I

About the role

The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) is a multi-faceted agency that provides services and programs to enhance the self-sufficiency of families; improve safety and permanency for children and vulnerable adults; and engage families and community partners in a collaborative decision-making process. DCBS seeks a Social Service Worker I who is driven to succeed in helping people and advance family self-sufficiency.

Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations of child or adult abuse, neglect, or dependency and exploitation.
• Recruit, Train, Approve individuals or families as foster or adoptive homes.
• Meet with family members to determine the merits of a report of child or adult neglect or abuse.
• Meet with other interested parties such as school and medical staff in order to gather additional information.
• Complete detailed assessments based on investigative and ongoing case management work.
• Locate and secure appropriate placements for children when necessary.
• Work with families or adults to create case plans for addressing and correcting issues.
• Make referrals to outside community resources to assist the family, adults and children with meeting identified needs for well-being, safety, and permanency.
• Enter case information into the computer.
• Complete court reports and provides testimony during administrative and judicial hearings.
• Work closely with community partners such as law enforcement, school systems, counselors, and shelters.

Requirements

Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy or a related field.

• Experience working with adults, children, families.
• Experience working collaboratively with team members or community partners.
• 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.
• A valid driver’s license.

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 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.

Pay

Salary $43,210.08 - $64,816.08 Annually

Schedule

Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, with the possibility of overtime and flexible work schedules.