Social Worker - Child Protection

Job Title

Social Worker

Job Description

The Social Worker provides professional, person-centered services to clients as part of a comprehensive program to effectively address service needs, maximize functioning, protect and preserve the welfare of individuals and the community. Identifies client needs, funding sources, creates and develops service plan; implements, monitors, and evaluates services plans. Primary caseload will be Child Protection.

Essential Functions

This job description indicates the normal type and level of work expected of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as apparent or assigned.

1. Interviews clients to assess their service needs in order to determine safety and well-being; coordinates comprehensive care, assessments, and case management, including formulating specific recommendations relating to internal and external resource utilization; referrals to service providers; assesses service outcomes, and responds to licensing applications. Assesses, develops, and implements services plans to provide services to residents in a wide range of areas, including but not limited to, adult and child protection, mental health, developmental disabilities, foster care and child care licensing, truancy, delinquency, early intervention, brain injury, elderly services, substance use disorder assistance, etc. within established state, federal, and county guidelines and procedures.
2. Provides intake services as assigned, obtaining information to facilitate the identification of client service needs, respond to inquiries and requests for services, initiate timely screenings to determine the need for immediate action, and provide resource information to the public. Assess problems, make decisions, determine appropriate response based on knowledge of internal and external resources, and implement plan of action.
3. Conducts timely investigations in response to reports of neglect or abuse; interviews alleged victim and alleged perpetrator of maltreatment, as well as other people who may have pertinent information such as school personnel or medical professionals. Gathers and analyzes data, evidence, and reports. Utilizes information and interviews obtained to make determinations of maltreatment against alleged perpetrators. Coordinates with Law Enforcement, County Attorney's Office, and other community agencies to meet the needs of victims. Forensic Interviews of alleged victims may be required at times. Conducts investigations for day care and foster care licensing purposes. Completes home studies and responds to complaints and requests regarding childcare providers and foster care providers.
4. Assesses and formulates plans to address behavioral, safety, and cognitive need of clients. This includes specific recommendations relating to internal and external resources, service outcomes, evaluation schedules, and plan revisions to effectively promote positive quality care in the least restrictive setting.
5. Manages active caseload, which includes but is not limited to: provides direct contact in office and field, provides counseling, advocacy, and service coordination for on-going case management to achieve service plan objectives. Functions as lead on teams or projects and provides direction and consultation to other staff and service providers as assigned.
6. Navigates agency, state, and federal computer systems including SSIS to complete required documentation related to client activity to ensure the accurate and timely recording, retention, and retrieval of case files. Makes recommendations to utilize budgeted crisis, waiver, and other funding streams appropriately to assist in meeting the needs of clients.
7. Utilizes the authority of the courts, law enforcement, and DHS Commissioner to provide services to clients in need of protection by initiating court proceedings and court actions. Prepares documents to initiate court action and complete court reports. Attends and testifies at state and tribal court hearings. Interprets and complies with court orders and monitors client compliance with court orders. Works collaboratively with court services in Children in Need of Protective Services (CHIPS), permanency, delinquency, criminal matters, court visitor requests, guardianship matters, and civil commitments; periodic reviews; and emergency guardianship. Represents the Commissioner of DHS and/or the Agency for all appeals, hearings, and court actions regarding maltreatment, licensing, and service determinations. Act as legal guardian, conservator or rep-payee for vulnerable adults or children as appointed.
8. Provides immediate response in crisis situations to determine if children and/or vulnerable adults are in imminent danger; works closely with law enforcement and foster care providers to find appropriate placements as necessary. Maintains safety of clients and community by developing and implementing plans to maximize safety and minimize community risk. Effectively engages individuals and families to assess needs and strengths, including safety, risk, and conflict resolution. Locates emergency housing options, including facilitation of transportation if necessary.
9. Utilizes appropriate community agencies to collaborate in providing services, support, and other needs of community. Includes coordination of appointments, meetings, schedules, and client needs to determine most effective ways to meet the needs of the community. Transports clients to appointments, services, agencies, etc. to meet basic needs, which may include moving children and adults to various placements, hospitals, programs, facilities, housing, etc., which may require travel throughout the state and out-of-state. May include moving of clients' belongings as part of transport.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college with a major in social work, psychology, sociology, or closely related field;
• Must successfully complete a criminal history background check.
• Class D Driver's License.
• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor status required for Substance Use Disorder Social Worker.
• Available to respond to emergencies as needed during non-business hours.

Selection Process

Candidates will be selected based on a review of training and experience. Top candidates will be invited to participate in oral interviews.