Department of Human Services- Case Worker

Archuleta County is seeking a qualified Case Worker I.

Case Worker I earns a competitive wage of $ per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(a) retirement plan with County matching up to 7%; 10 paid holidays; vacation; sick leave; a sick leave donation program; bereavement leave; and $50,000 of life and AD&D insurance.

Our Case Workers work under direct supervision while learning job tasks and developing skills and knowledge. They meet with their supervisor frequently for direction and make significant decisions only with supervisory oversight. All documentation is reviewed by the supervisor. Case Workers provide case work services for various programs offered through the Department of Human Services; perform initial intake and supervised ongoing case management;

conduct initial assessments and evaluations of individual or family needs and safety; assist in providing crisis intervention; provide basic direct and core services; recommend service referrals to community resources, core and direct services, and/or protective services; develop plans to assist clients and submit them for supervisory review; and maintain records, documentation and reports related to services provided.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in Social Work, Psychology, or a related human behavioral science.

• Degree with major coursework (equivalent to 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours) in development of human behavior, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures, or therapeutic techniques such as social work, psychology, sociology, guidance and counseling, and child development.

• Two years of experience in a directly related field or in the performance of similar duties and responsibilities.

• Valid State Driver's License.

• A newly hired Child Welfare Caseworker must successfully complete the Colorado Department of Human Services training requirements for caseworkers within the mandated time frames to be eligible for continued employment.

Knowledge of:

• Established theories, principles, and concepts of social casework practice.
• Human physical, emotional, psychological, and social stages of development.
• Addiction, domestic/family violence, developmental disabilities, and mental health issues, signs and symptoms.
• Child and/or adult protection issues and investigative procedures, laws, and timelines, including Native American Child Welfare laws.
• Multi‑cultural issues and differences.
• Policies, procedures, philosophies, rules, ethics, and regulations governing services to clients.
• Applicable state, federal, Native American Tribal, and local ordinances, laws, rules, and regulations and how they apply to child/adult protection.
• Community resources available to assist clients.
• All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.
• Recordkeeping, report preparation, filing methods, and records management techniques.
• Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.

Skilled in:

• Assessing risk in child and adult protection and assessing family functioning to ensure safety of individuals.
• Assessing evidence to determine if a client's injuries are consistent with reported abuse.
• Using forensic interviewing techniques.
• Using conflict resolution techniques.
• Using tact, discretion, and initiative within established guidelines.
• Educating families in appropriate parenting skills through teaching, role‑modeling, demonstrating, and various coaching techniques.
• Providing accurate court testimony.
• Assessing environment in regard to personal safety.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Researching, compiling, and summarizing a variety of informational and statistical data and materials.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with minimal direction.
• Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks, and to understand, interpret, and communicate…