Social Service Worker

Final date to receive applications: 7/23/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Social Service Worker I
Pay Grade 14
Salary $43,210.08 - $64,816.08 Annually

Employment Type

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

Location:

3415 US Hwy 641, Murray, KY 42071 USA

The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) is a multi‑faceted agency that provides services and programs to enhance the self‑sufficiency of families, improve safety and permanency for children and vulnerable adults, and engage families and community partners in a collaborative decision‑making process. DCBS seeks a Social Service Worker I who is driven to succeed in helping people and advancing family self‑sufficiency.

With professionalism and integrity, our agency offers services to individuals and families to ensure safe, stable homes for the children of the Commonwealth. The Social Service Worker I is a skilled team member, providing a vital link between the children, families, adults, and local community partners. The employee is expected to perform at the highest quality to ensure services to vulnerable citizens.

This is a demanding position that requires maturity, self‑discipline, and the ability to work overtime. Flexible work schedules and shift premiums are available.

• Investigate allegations of child or adult abuse, neglect, or dependency and exploitation.
• Recruit, train, and approve individuals or families as foster or adoptive homes.
• Meet with family members to determine the merits of a report of child or adult neglect or abuse.
• Meet with other interested parties such as school and medical staff to gather additional information.
• Complete detailed assessments based on investigative and ongoing case management work.
• Locate and secure appropriate placements for children when necessary.
• Work with families or adults to create case plans for addressing and correcting issues.
• Make referrals to outside community resources to assist the family, adults and children 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.

• Experience working with adults, children, families.
• Experience working collaboratively with team members or community partners.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Good time management and organizational skills.
• The ability to work well under pressure.
• A willingness to work as part of a team.
• A 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.): If employed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department of Juvenile Justice, an employee in this job classification must furnish to the appointing authority within one month of employment documentation that he or she possesses a valid driver's license. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification.

Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.

Performs job duties in an office/facility 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. As a result of enforced intervention, the worker runs the risk of physical harm.

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 9 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

The position you are applying for has access to or use of federal tax information (FTI) or meets the statutory definition of front‑line staff. Therefore, pursuant to IRS Publication 1075 and 900 KAR 1:009 or KRS 194A.062 and 900 KAR 1:050, applicants shall submit to a fingerprint‑based criminal background check by the Department of Kentucky State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

CHFS also participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. CHFS will only use E‑Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I‑9.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Sarah Andrus rus or 270‑247‑2900.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D