Community Social Services Technician- CPS

Performs specialized paraprofessional and technical work in support of the Child Protective Services program within the Department of Social Services. Provides assistance to social workers in the delivery of services to children and families; performs client contacts, transportation, documentation, record maintenance, and other case support activities; assists with monitoring and coordinating services for children and families; and performs related duties as assigned.

Work involves frequent contact with children, parents, relatives, foster parents, service providers, schools, law enforcement, medical professionals, court personnel, and other community partners. Employees are expected to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with Social Workers and other agency staff.

This position performs technical and supportive functions under the direction and supervision of a Social Worker or CPS Supervisor and does not independently perform functions requiring the professional judgment or statutory authority of a Social Worker.

The following duties are representative of the position and are not intended to be all-inclusive:

• Provides technical and paraprofessional assistance to Social Workers assigned to Child Protective Services cases.
• Assists Social Workers with maintaining regular contact with children and families as directed.
• Conducts assigned face-to-face and telephone contacts with children, parents, relatives, foster parents, and other involved individuals.
• Assists with locating children, parents, relatives, and other individuals as requested.
• Assists Social Workers in gathering information and verifying information related to assigned cases.
• Observes and documents family interactions, home conditions, visitation, and other assigned activities.
• Provides information obtained through contacts and observations to the assigned Social Worker.
• Assists with monitoring compliance with established case plans and service recommendations.
• Assists with arranging appointments, referrals, transportation, and other services for children and families.
• Maintains awareness of assigned case activities and communicates concerns or significant changes to the appropriate Social Worker or supervisor.

• Establishes and maintains appropriate working relationships with children and families.
• Provides information to clients regarding agency procedures, appointments, services, and community resources within the scope of the position.
• Assists families with accessing community resources and services as directed.
• Provides transportation for children and families when authorized and appropriate.
• Supervises or monitors visitation between children and parents or other family members as assigned.
• Assists with coordinating medical, educational, counseling, and other appointments.
• May accompany children to medical appointments, court proceedings, school meetings, or other authorized activities.
• Assists with preparations for children entering or leaving foster care, including gathering and transporting personal belongings and coordinating assigned arrangements.

• Maintains accurate and timely documentation of client contacts, transportation, visitation, services, and other assigned activities.
• Enters information into applicable agency databases and case management systems.
• Prepares correspondence, forms, reports, logs, and other documentation as required.
• Maintains organized case materials and assists with the preparation of case records.
• Ensures documentation is completed in accordance with agency, state, and federal requirements.
• Protects confidential client information and maintains the security of case records.

• Assists Social Workers with preparation of materials for court hearings and other legal proceedings.
• May attend court hearings or other meetings at the direction of the Social Worker or supervisor.
• Communicates with schools, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, foster care providers, attorneys, and community service agencies as authorized.
• Assists with obtaining records or information from community partners as directed.
• Participates in multidisciplinary meetings, staffing meetings, case conferences, and other meetings as assigned.

• Provides technical support related to children in foster care placements.
• Assists with placement-related activities, including…