Case Worker - Foster Care

Job Summary

Recruits, screens, trains, certifies and monitors foster families. Completes SAFE home studies. Assesses child maltreatment and intervenes for child safety as needed. Provides paid emergency on-call services after hours several times per year. Accurate and efficient in computer data entry and have excellent time management. Able to travel within Colorado for training and case management tasks.

Entry-level training position. Works under direct supervision while learning job tasks and developing skills and knowledge. Meets with supervisor frequently for direction and makes significant decisions only with supervisor oversight. All documentation is reviewed by supervisor. Provides basic case work services for various programs offered through Department of Human Services; performs initial intake and Supervisor assisted ongoing case management; performs initial assessments and evaluations of individual or family needs and safety;

assists in providing crisis intervention; provides basic direct and core services; recommends service referrals to community resources, core and direct services, and/or protective services; develops plans to assist clients and submits for Supervisory review; and maintains records, documentation and reports related to services provided. Position requires basic knowledge of established theories, principles and concepts of social casework practice related to assigned program area(s).

Performs increasingly more responsible work as the employee gains experience and independently provides basic casework services.

Essential functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible.

Assists in providing crisis intervention at initial screening of applicants who are in need of services to prevent homelessness of themselves and/or out of home placement of their children; performs strengths-based assessment of their current situation; assists clients in identifying barriers, family strengths, support networks and in developing plans for self-sufficiency.

Develops and submits for Supervisory review case plans and treatment plans as required for each assigned case; performs ongoing case management, including review and revision of treatment plans as needed; prepares required caseload documentation; compiles periodic status reports of work performed; maintains lists of current participants. Drafts financial and social needs assessments of clients' situations for Supervisory review; receives consultation and coordinates with other Department staff and other agencies to provide needed services and benefits for which clients are eligible.

Provides home or office based services to clients as needed, including but not limited to, short-term problem-solving, referral information, in-home services, and transportation to services.

Makes appointments and provides transportation for clients as needed.

Composes, keys, and distributes meeting minutes, letters, reports and other documents. Maintains and upgrades professional knowledge, skills, and development through required continued education and by attending seminars and training programs as well as reading trade and professional journals and publications. Provides emergency services on an on-call basis. Performs other related duties as assigned. Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Education and Experience: Per Colorado Department of Human Services Rules and Regulations 7.000.6(M), there is no substitution for the educational requirements. Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Social Work, Psychology or a related human behavioral science. No experience required. A newly hired Child Welfare Caseworker I is required to successfully complete the Colorado Department of Human Services training requirements for caseworkers within the mandated time frames to be eligible for continued employment.

In order to meet the minimum educational requirements of a human behavioral science degree, the applicant must have a degree with major course work (equivalent to 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours) in either 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.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid State Driver's License

Knowledge of: Established theories, principles and concepts of social casework practice. Human physical, emotional, psychological and social…