Caseworker, Child Protection

ALAMOSA COUNTY
- Department of Human Services (DHS), Caseworker

REPORTS TO
:
Program Manager – Child Welfare
FLSA STATUS
:
Exempt
SALARY GRADE
: $48,960/yearly
BONUS
: $500 upon completion of the Child Welfare Academy
DATE ADOPTED
:
April 2026
CLOSE DATE
:
May 15, 2026

This position provides Intake and/or Ongoing social casework services to families where child abuse or neglect is present or suspected as well as youth in conflict. Assignments include the provision of an extensive assessment and situational evaluation, crisis intervention, resource mobilization and information and referral around all areas of child protection.

* The scope of work at this level is somewhat restricted. Incumbent is not expected to handle difficult cases without consultation and supervisory review.

• Conducts an intake assessment of alleged physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect; determines if situation warrants the placing of children outside the home; supervises placement of children and coordinates parent/child visits; recommends when and if a child should be returned to their home.
• Conducts an evaluation of need for services; provides crisis intake and/or develops care plans appropriate to the children and family. Monitors progress of clients and modifies case plans as needed.
• Conducts monthly face to face visits with children and their parents.
• Conducts Family Engagement meetings with families to discuss their case and develop a family service plan.
• Makes collateral contacts with community resources such as law enforcement, behavioral health, and medical personnel to obtain additional information, coordinate services, or secure their assistance in order to get the best services for each family.
• Position requires being on an On-Call rotation for after-hours coverage for approximately one week per month.
• Gathers and consolidates background information to present as documentation for court hearings, prepares court reports in judicial reviews, or as summaries in facilitating appropriate placements.
• Attends court hearings, confers with lawyers, children, parents, witnesses, and significant others in reference to their respective roles.
• Participates in staffing’s with school, mental health providers, and other professionals involved with providing services to the family.
• Serves as information and referral source to the public.
• Provides a variety of ancillary assignments such as computer data entry, maintaining client records and completing required forms and reports.
• Critical decisions are made regarding difficult case situations only with involvement and concurrence of the supervisor. Incumbent is expected to develop skill in the application of various casework techniques and methodology.
• Work is reviewed for compliance to procedures, methods, general conclusions, final results and accuracy on a regular basis through staffing’s and supervisory reviews.
• Incumbent will work schedule as set by supervisor and program area worked.
• Incumbent will work independently or in a team as required.
• Incumbent must be able to communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) in English.

• Requires a working level knowledge of established theories, principles, and concepts of social casework practice related to child protection. Position requires continual development of knowledge to utilize professional techniques and concepts beyond the mere application of detailed rules and procedures.
• Child development, life stage development, attachment and bonding theories and appropriate parenting practices.
• Human physical, emotional, psychological and social stages of development.
• Knowledge of legal documents and legal processes.
• Knowledge of applicable privacy laws and statutes related to child protection issues and investigative procedures, laws, and time lines, including Indian Child Welfare laws.
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred, but not required.

• Understanding of the mediation process and family engagement process.
• Experience in accessing community resources available to assist clients.
• Demonstrate cultural competency related to multi-cultural issues and differences.
• Empathy for and ability to…