SOCIAL WORK INVESTIGATOR

Reports to: Investigator Supervisor

Salary: $23.98/hr. - $41.21/hr. (based on experience and qualifications)

About the Role

Investigators provide vitally important information to CLC Attorneys about our clients. Investigators visit clients in their home placements, at school, in hospital settings, and other locations to gather information from and about our clients. This includes information about the conditions of the home, health and safety concerns, developmental progress, medical and educational issues, services needs, and family relationships.

This is a fully in-person position serving clients throughout Los Angeles County and surrounding areas. The role requires regular travel to meet clients in a variety of settings.

Responsibilities

• Visit clients, caretakers, and others to develop a trusting and professional relationship with clients.
• Interview caretakers and children, to the extent possible, to observe and document the children’s current living situation, developmental progress, and emotional wellbeing.
• Note and report services that have not been implemented, may need to be implemented, or any other issues for attorney review.
• Evaluate and recommend the need for further or different services that may be beneficial to the child and the family.
• Identify services in the community and make referrals as needed.
• Assist attorneys with client interviews.
• Serve as duty day Investigator in the office.
• Communicate regularly with attorneys, both verbally and in writing, regarding the status of caseloads and assignments, and with all relevant information regarding the client.
• Attend Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings, TDM and similar team decision-making meetings, DCFS and placement staffing, hospital screenings, and Regional Center conferences with general direction from the attorney.
• Manage and maintain caseload; schedule appointments for client visits and collateral meetings.
• Frequently exercise discretion and independent judgment at meetings, conferences, and hearings attended as the sole representative of CLC.
• Engage in continuous learning to stay informed and adapt to evolving social dynamics to better engage and support clients from all backgrounds.

Requirements

• Capable of working under limited day-to-day supervision of the Investigator Supervisor and attorneys.
• Ability to prepare and submit timely written reports or observations and recommendations to the case-carrying attorney.
• Flexibility and a willingness to be a team player.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and awareness of cultural differences to effectively communicate and advocate for clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate with children, teens, their families, and caregivers.
• AA degree/60 college units or 2 years’ direct experience working with children in a related field.
• A valid California driver’s license, reliable automobile, and auto insurance are required.

Working knowledge of child abuse, child development, domestic violence, child sexual exploitation, substance abuse, and mental health issues is essential. Investigators must have an ability to connect with children and gain their trust. They must be able to work with children of all ages, genders, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Benefits

• Health + Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Program
• Company-Sponsored Benefits (Medical, Dental, Life Insurance)
• Up to 6% employer-matched retirement plan
• Generous Parental Leave + Additional Leave Options
• Fitness/Wellness Program
• Health Care & Dependent Day Care FSA
• Transit + Parking Benefits
• Growth + Development: Durfee Professional Development funds available for all employees in good standing who have been with CLC for at least two years.
• Flexible working environment (depending on position requirements)
• Paid vacation/sick/holiday time

CLC will pay the current year’s mandatory bar dues for all attorneys actively employed on the date bar dues are owed and who have no known plans to end employment with CLC within 30 days of the due date. CLC will also pay bar dues for new admittees who are actively employed on their initial payment due date and have no known plans to end employment with CLC within 30 days of the due date.

About CLC

CLC is the largest children's legal services organization in the nation, advocating for tens of thousands of children and youth in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Placer County foster care systems. We are a powerful voice for our clients, fighting in and out of the courtroom for family reunification, permanence, educational opportunity, health and mental health services, self-sufficiency, and overall well-being. We want all of California’s children to have the support they need to succeed. We work to accomplish this goal through direct legal representation for children, multidisciplinary advocacy and support, and public policy.