Social Service Worker

Overview

The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) provides services to improve the self‑sufficiency of families and the safety and permanency of children and vulnerable adults. The Social Service Worker I assists families and community partners to ensure safe, stable homes for children of the Commonwealth.

• Investigate allegations of child or adult abuse, neglect, and/or dependency or exploitation.
• Meet with family members to determine the merits of a report of child or adult neglect and/or abuse.
• Meet with other interested parties such as school and medical staff to gather additional information.
• Complete detailed assessments based on investigative or ongoing case management work.
• Work with families and adults to create case plans for addressing and correcting issues.
• Make referrals to outside community resources to assist families and adults with meeting identified needs for well‑being, safety, and permanency.
• Enter case information into the computer.
• Complete court reports and provide testimony during administrative and judicial hearings.
• Work closely with community partners such as law enforcement, school systems, counselors, and shelters.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Experience working with adults, children, families.
• Experience collaborating with team members and community partners.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Good time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Willingness to work as part of a team.
• Valid driver’s license.

Education: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor’s degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy or a related field.

Experience, Training, or

Skills:

None.

Substitute Education for

Experience:

None.

Substitute Experience for

Education:

None.

Special Requirements (Age, Licensure, Regulation, Etc.): Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain any required licensure or certification for the length of employment.

Performs duties in an office or residential program setting and visits clients and/or families at their residence. Provides emergency services on a 24‑hour basis, including accepting referrals and completing investigations at any hour without prior warning. The worker runs the risk of physical harm.

Initial and promotional probationary period of nine months, unless otherwise provided in KRS 18A.111.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D.