Child Welfare Caseworker

Job Summary Assesses the safety and well-being of at-risk and vulnerable children for Pitkin County Human Services department; provides case management services, and assists clients in accessing community resources. Job Responsibilities Assesses vulnerable families, children referred to Pitkin County Human Services; evaluates clients’ needs, resources, barriers, and finances; performs intake assessment and develops plans to achieve clients’ safety and well-being. Assists clients to develop improvement plans and goals, using knowledge of human/social services theories, practices, state laws, assistance programs, and community services. Determines the urgency and severity of risk and makes recommendations regarding appropriate actions to be taken. Work effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds and identities while maintaining commitment to the principles and promotion of diversity, inclusion, and equity. Determines clients’ need for community services, searches for community partners and service providers to assist clients, and refers clients to community agencies based on needs and problems identified in the assessment; coordinates multiple services as required. Assists clients in accessing private and public resources and services; follows up on referrals made and actions to be taken by the client; maintains thorough case documentation for each client. Documents all case assessment activities, communications, and assessments in the state computer tracking systems; performs duties in compliance with County, State, and Federal time constraints. Supports the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff;maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information; performs other duties as required or assigned. Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills This position follows a sequence: Level I: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, or related field. Minimum 2 years ofexperience working with children and/or families in some capacity per state statute. Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record. Level II (in addition to Level I): The Child Welfare and/or Adult Protection Training Academy Certification completed. 1-3 years of progressively responsible experience. Level III (in addition to Level II): 3 plus years of progressively responsible experience 3 or more years experience facilitating family meetings. Knowledge Of: County policies and procedures. State and federal laws and regulations governing work performed. Record keeping and records management rules and standards. Skill In: Applying governing rules and regulations. Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations. Interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds. Following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions. Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers and other regional agencies. Utilizing standard personal computer software programs and specialized State and County software. Communicating effectively verbally and in writing. Physical Demands and Working Environment Work is performed in a standard office environment in addition to field work and community based settings; includes the potential exposure to hostile situations; some non-standard work hours are required. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr