Social Worker Investigative​/Assessment and Treatment

Social Worker Investigative/Assessment and Treatment #536016

Social Worker Investigative/Assessment & Treatment

Opening Date: 12/16/2025

Closing Date: Open until filled

Pay Grade: 71

This is an advanced, professional level casework position providing protective, investigative, counseling and case management services for children who are at risk for neglect and/or abuse. Work involves investigation of alleged neglect and abuse, substantiation of the alleged neglect or abuse as prescribed by federal and state guidelines, providing expert testimony in court hearings, and following-up with case management and preventive services for clients.

Employees analyze situations and determine appropriate courses of action immediately or in short time spans and often under very stressful conditions. Work includes clinical and social investigation, assessment of individuals and family dynamics, crisis intervention, referrals for treatment and placement in foster care or residential facilities. Employees may provide group, family or individual treatment to clients of any age and any developmental, mental, medical, substance abuse, financial or family problem.

Employees work in offices, but work involves visiting homes, schools, health and mental health facilities, and other service agencies.

Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques and practices and their applications to complex casework, treatment, and investigation/assessment of abuse or neglect of children; thorough knowledge of policies and procedures as evidenced by the ability to cite the authority of federal and state law; thorough knowledge of individual and group behavior, family dynamics, and medical, behavior and/or psycho-social problems and their treatment theory.

Considerable knowledge of governmental and private organizations and resources in the community. Ability to interact and motivate a resistant involuntary client population and the public who may not agree with the laws, rules or policies of the process or the programs; ability to prepare documentation such as written investigative reports for the court, case records and treatment plans; ability to testify in court;

ability to employ advanced interview techniques to establish a supportive relationship and involve families in the assessment for the need of services; ability to quickly assess the risks and safety of the client environment during daylight hours, after dark and in high crime areas; ability to employ expert negotiation skills in the most complex cases; ability to analyze and assess child development and safety issues in relation to risk factors;

ability to analyze tense family situations and make decisions about removing children when the decision has to be made with limited direct information and limited access to consultation; ability to communicate effectively and establish supportive client relationships. Ability to perform manual work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Master’s degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work experience; or a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work and two years of social work or counseling experience; or Master’s degree in a counseling field and two years of social work or counseling experience; or a four‑year degree in a human service field or related curriculum and three years of social work or counseling experience;

or graduation from a four‑year college or university and four years of experience in rehabilitation counseling, pastoral counseling, or a related human service field providing experience in the techniques of casework, group work, or community organization; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. One year of work experience can be credited for completion of the social work collaborative.

Completion of Child Welfare Collaborative, Child Protective Services experience.

Submit state application (PD‑107) and a copy of college transcript required for employment to Division of…