Social Service Worker I

Employment Type: Executive Branch | Full Time | Eligible for Overtime Pay | 37.5 hours per week

Location: 67 Eagle Creek Drive, Suite 102, Somerset, KY 42503 USA

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. This position is a skilled team member, providing a vital link between adults, 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 adult abuse, neglect, and dependency.
• Meet with family members to determine the merits of a report of adult neglect and 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 well-being.
• 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.

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.
• Must possess a valid driver's license if employed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department of Juvenile Justice.
• Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification.

Skills

• Experience working with families and children.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Good time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Willingness to work as part of a team.

Pay

$55,541.52 - $64,816.08 Annually

Schedule

37.5 hours per week. Provides emergency services on a 24-hour basis, including accepting referrals and completing investigations at any hour without prior warning.

Working Conditions

Performs job duties in an office/facility or residential program setting and visits clients and/or families at their residence. As a result of enforced intervention, the worker runs the risk of physical harm.

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 9 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

Applicants for this position shall submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check by the Department of Kentucky State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. CHFS also participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization in the U.S.