Social Worker Trainee - Social And Human Services; Hybrid

Introduction

Are you passionate about serving the children and families of Connecticut? The State of Connecticut, Department of Children and Families (DCF) is accepting applications for multiple Social Worker Trainee positions throughout the state.

• Full‑time, 1st shift, 40 hours per week (8:00 am – 5:00 pm)
• Work locations:
  • Region 1:
    Bridgeport and Norwalk
  • Region 2:
    Milford and New Haven
  • Region 3:
    Middletown, Norwich and Willimantic (Willimantic is part of Windham)
  • Region 4:
    Hartford and Manchester
  • Region 5:
    Danbury, Torrington and Waterbury
  • Region 6:
    New Britain and Meriden

Entry into classification through completion of four months – SH 18 Step 1 ($63,596.00). Completion of four months through the completion of one year – SH 18 Step 4 ($70,052.00). Completion of one year through the completion of a second year – SH 21 Step 1 ($73,572.00). For current state employees, compensation will be in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Department of Administrative Services.

Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities. Healthy work–life balance. Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer – eligible employees may have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service.

• Receives training in agency social work procedures, personnel policies, program guidelines and legal reporting requirements.
• Receives training and is assigned progressively complex assignments involving interviewing techniques necessary to assess client needs, elicit information and establish community referral sources.
• Provides basic counseling services to a limited number of clients enrolled in departmental programs, inmates or patients in residence, or families of clients receiving services.
• Prepares initial treatment plans, psychosocial evaluations, case histories and other case records as components of a small assigned caseload.
• Refers clients, patients and family members for community or social services, medical or psychological services, housing, financial and employment assistance.
• Motivates clients to increase their ability to understand and cope with problems, frustration and anxiety.
• Performs a greater number of specific and complex social work duties and maintains a larger caseload as skills are acquired during the training program.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Knowledge of the reciprocal relationship between individuals and their social, economic and cultural environment; human social behavior; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to relate to different cultural and economic backgrounds; organize time, set priorities and manage workload.

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social work or a closely related field. Closely related fields include applied sociology, child development, child welfare, clinical psychology, counseling, human development and family studies, human service, marriage and family therapy, nursing, social and/or human services, education and criminal justice.

• Applicants cannot be appointed until all degree requirements are completed.
• Incumbents in this class are required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
• Incumbents may be required to speak a foreign language or travel.

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.