Pre-Petition Child Welfare Social Worker/Investigator

Job Description

Job Description

Dependency Legal Services is a non-profit organization that represents children and parents in child protective services proceedings.

The Pre-Petition Social Worker will be part of a multi-disciplinary team and responsible for supporting parent clients, under the direction of the attorney, through a child welfare investigation, or other circumstances when a family faces the risk of child welfare separation. Social workers are expected to collaborate with the local child welfare agency and other preventive services programs while also maintaining client confidentiality to best meet the client’s needs. This may include attendance at a CFT/TDM meeting, assistance in the development of a safety plan or a support team, or providing referrals to possible prevention services. Social workers will regularly meet with prevention staff for case consultations and program development. Social workers will be required to carefully track time and resources in compliance with rules and regulations set forth by the State Bar IOLTA/EAF grants. Social workers will also be required to screen clients and collect data in accordance with the State Bar requirements.

Duties: Work includes client interviews, maintaining frequent client contact, responding to calls, texts, and electronic mail in a timely manner, conducting ongoing investigations and continual assessment of the cases, and preparing clients for meetings and court appearances. The social worker works collaboratively and meets regularly with a multi-disciplinary team, which includes attorneys and parent mentors. Social workers work under the prevention program director and are expected to communicate frequently with the prevention team, ask questions, and follow given advice. Social Workers meet with and interview clients at various places, including the attorney's office, court, or a place most convenient for the client.

Social Workers are expected to explain the legal proceedings in a developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed way. Social Workers empower clients, helping remove barriers to maintaining children in the home. Social Workers may assist clients by looking into ancillary issues such as criminal cases, housing, and qualification for government assistance as necessary to protect clients’ interests. Social Workers correspond and communicate with interested parties such as relatives, opposing counsel, service providers, court-appointed special advocates, and social services personnel regarding placements, the case status, and rights of clients; and address all issues needed. Social Workers may, on occasion, testify in court.

Minimum Qualifications: • bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or a related field •

Strong written and verbal skills. • Demonstrated interest and ability in working with parents, children, and youth, and with low-income, diverse ethnic communities. • Ability to work independently and be self-motivated. • Ability to drive with a valid driver's license, auto insurance, and consistent access to the use of an automobile.

Benefits Package and How to Apply: The part-time Prevention Social Worker position starts at approximately $30,000 for a 20-hour-per-week position, depending on experience. The compensation package includes an excellent benefits plan consisting of paid vacation and sick time, paid holidays, and a corporate match up to 6% for contributions made to the 401(k)-retirement plan.

A valid California driver’s license, reliable automobile, and automobile insurance as required by California law are required at all times while working for Dependency Legal Services.

Job Types: Part-time

Work Location: In person

Dependency Legal Services (DLS) is a dynamic nonprofit law firm dedicated to protecting the rights and advancing the interests of children and parents involved in child abuse and neglect proceedings. We provide high-quality, client-centered multidisciplinary legal advocacy to families across six California counties, representing clients in high-volume, fast-paced juvenile dependency proceedings.

Company Description

Dependency Legal Services (DLS) is a dynamic nonprofit law firm dedicated to protecting the rights and advancing the interests of children and parents involved in child abuse and neglect proceedings. We provide high-quality, client-centered multidisciplinary legal advocacy to families across six California counties, representing clients in high-volume, fast-paced juvenile dependency proceedings.