Protective Services Worker

RATE $ 24.21 per hour

Under the direction of the unit Supervisor, the Protective Services Worker 2-Assessment/Investigation Worker, investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, dependency and exploitation of children and/or adults as well as families in need of services referrals. This worker understands that protection of children is the primary responsibility. The position entails working closely with law enforcement, the prosecutor's office and other community resources while maintaining professional, collaborative relationships with these resources.

As part of the regular pager rotation and in-day coverage, this worker may assist families in improving their financial and social environment while working for the protection and safety of children and adults.

• 1. Is familiar with and functions in accordance with the classification specifications and agency policies and procedures.
• 2. Receives, assesses and investigates allegations of child abuse, neglect, dependency and family in need of services referrals.
• 3. Understands CAPTA guidelines pertaining to investigations and protection of client's rights.
• 4. Conducts culturally sensitive interviews with families and children for assessments, information gathering, community advocacy and conflict resolution.
• 5. Develops positive, trusting and helpful relationship with the families and demonstrates understanding of the family's strengths and coping skills, and ability to access them.
• 6. Demonstrates knowledge of ODJFS rules, CAPMIS requirements, SACWIS systems, MEPA, and agency policies pertaining to protective services.
• 7. Completes all case documentation and paperwork as defined by ODJFS rules and regulations, State and local laws and agency policies.
• 8. Writes strength-based Safety and Family assessments per CAPMIS guidelines.
• 9. Presents self in a professional, ethical and culturally sensitive manner to co-workers, staff, other agency personnel and the public.
• 10. Understands the court process, prepares for, and testifies in court with competence, knowing the case history, and the information gathered in the course of the investigation.
• 11. Knows and regularly accesses agency and community resources for families.
• 12. Transports and assists clients as needed.
• 13. Keeps current on training requirements and licensing requirements. Provides leadership and mentoring for other unit members regarding polices, procedures, and resources.
• 14. Provides unit coverage as scheduled or when needed.
• 15. Carries a pager according to agency policy.
• 16. Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable OSHA safety standards that pertain to job duties.
• 17. Performs other duties as assigned.
• 18. Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.

Knowledge of:
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services rules and regulations;
Federal, State and local laws regarding abuse/neglect of children;
State and Federal mandated forms, SACWIS computer system, CAPMIS and CAPTA, documentation and procedures; legal procedures related to children; intake investigatory procedures related to children; community services; interviewing skills for children and adults; practices and procedures for removing children from the home (i.e., paperwork, notifications, legal documents, court procedures); report writing; office practices and procedures;
Practice Standards Manual; procedural guidelines governing the management of Social Services cases set by the State of Ohio; documentation required to meet procedural deadlines; on-call status and procedures; evaluation and assessment methods for children, adults, and families; public education programs relating to abuse/neglect of children; training and development practices.

Skills in:
Interviewing and assessment; investigative procedures; organizational skills and ability to multi-task; writing skills; computer skills, typing; communicating with children and adults about very sensitive issues concerning themselves and their families.

Ability to:
Performs intake casework duties with children, adults and families; identifies problems in a family and assists family in identifying strengths and concerns; refer families and children to appropriate community services; work collaboratively with other professionals in the community and state to assist families; prepare and complete all mandated paperwork for investigations (i.e. Safety assessment, Family assessment, etc.),…