Social Worker I - DCF - Northern Region - Continuous Posting

Social Worker I – DCF – Northern Region The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking dynamic, mission‑driven individuals to fill the critical role of Social Worker. Selected candidates will provide the necessary services to help children in need including homeless, foster, abused, and neglected. Social Workers interact with children and family members, including siblings, parents, extended relatives, and guardians to assess the needs of each child and determine the best course of action for improving the child/family environment. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion DCF strives to build the most diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce possible and strongly encourages diverse and multilingual candidates to apply. Duties and Responsibilities Assess, evaluate, conduct initial and ongoing case management of children/family services, and needs. Develop, review, update and ensure implementation of strength‑based service plans for each child in care or custody including risk assessment, safety plans and goals. Complete all documentation in accordance with agency and regulatory requirements. Attend home and foster care visits; transport children to health, social services or other agency‑related appointments as required. Maintain ongoing communication with DCF staff and other constituencies, initiate court action when necessary. Empower families to make stable commitments to children by providing counseling and coordinating visits with biological parents and/or guardians and other relatives; develop a helping relationship and ensure needed supports and services are provided. Attend weekly supervision, weekly staff meetings, in‑service training, and team meetings. Maintain a high degree of professionalism in the community, with clients, schools, courts and referring agencies to build and sustain positive relationships. Office Locations (Northern Region) Cambridge/Burlington Office – 328 Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA 01803 Lawrence Office – 280 Merrimack Street, Lawrence, MA 01843 Beverly Office – 500 Cummings Ctr, Beverly, MA 01915 About the Department of Children and Families The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is committed to upholding the fundamental mission of protecting children from abuse and neglect to ensure they are able to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. DCF’s vision is that all children have the right to grow up in a nurturing home, free from abuse and neglect, with access to food, shelter, clothing, health care and education. DCF works toward establishing the safety, permanency and well‑being of the Commonwealth's children by: stabilizing and preserving families; providing quality temporary alternative care when necessary; safely reunifying families; and, when appropriate, creating new families through kinship, guardianship or adoption. Preferred applicants will possess a demonstrated commitment to the core practice values: child‑driven, family‑centered, community‑focused, strength‑based, committed to diversity/cultural competency, and committed to continuous learning. Criminal Background Check A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit and click on "Information for Job Applicants". Education, Licensure & Certifications Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website. Qualifications Minimum Entrance Requirements: Bachelor's degree or higher in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education or criminal justice or a relevant human services degree. Current and valid licensure as a Licensed Social Work Associate, Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Certified Social Worker or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker issued by the Massachusetts Board of Registration. Applicants must obtain the required license in Social Work within the first nine (9) months of employment. Current and valid Motor Vehicle Driver's License at a class level specific to assignment. Salary Placement Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure. Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. Equal Opportunity / Affiliated Action Employer An Equal Opportunity / Affiliated Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self‑select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Primary Location Community and Social Services. Department of Children & Families. Full‑time, Day shift. Salary: 68,435.12 - 93,470.00 Yearly. Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes. Contact If you have Diversity, Affinity, or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: View email address on click.appcast.io – View phone number on click.appcast.io. For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io and select option #4. #J-18808-Ljbffr Commonwealth of Massachusetts