Social Service Worker I

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

About the Role

This is a Child Protective Services position with the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS), a multi-faceted agency providing services and programs to enhance family self-sufficiency, improve safety and permanency for children and vulnerable adults, and engage families and community partners in collaborative decision-making. The Social Service Worker I serves as a skilled team member, acting as a vital link between children, families, and local community partners to ensure safe, stable homes for the children of the Commonwealth.

Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations of child abuse, neglect, or dependency.
• Meet with family members to assess reports of child neglect and abuse.
• Gather additional information by consulting with school staff, medical professionals, and other interested parties.
• Complete detailed assessments based on facts obtained during home visits and meetings.
• Work with families to create case plans addressing household issues.
• Refer families to community resources to overcome barriers and ensure child safety and well-being.
• Enter case information into computer systems.
• Prepare and submit court reports as needed.
• Provide testimony during administrative and judicial hearings.
• Collaborate with community partners such as law enforcement, schools, counselors, and shelters.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or a related field.

Special Requirements:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license within one month of employment if hired by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department of Juvenile Justice.
• Must maintain any required licensure, certification, or credentials for the duration of employment.
• Applicants must submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check by the Kentucky State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation due to access to federal tax information or front-line staff responsibilities.

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.

Benefits

• Health and life insurance.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Paid sick and vacation leave.
• Retirement benefits.

Pay

Annual salary range: $55,541.52 - $64,816.08 (Pay Grade 14).

Schedule

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

Working Conditions

• Performs duties in office, facility, or residential program settings.
• Conducts home visits to clients and families.
• Risk of physical harm due to enforced intervention.

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