Casework Specialist

Overview

Department of Children, Youth and Families is seeking a compassionate individual with strong assessment, engagement and writing skills for a Casework Specialist position in the Intake/ Investigatory Unit.

Responsibilities include responding to abuse allegations (physical, sexual, emotional); conducting investigations to assess risk and ensure the safety of children; home visits; providing client transport; interviewing to gather information and writing reports. Maintain current/accurate/ retrievable records, provide resource/referral to community resources/department services, and testify in court. Address issues of school attendance and work with law enforcement, judicial systems, medical systems, collateral professionals and community based agencies.

Ideal candidate can manage multiple priorities when responding to urgent situations, is proficient in documenting interactions and maintaining focus in a very busy environment.

Minimum requirements:

Bachelors in the Social Sciences; or Bachelors with 12 credits in the Social Sciences. Applicants must have two years of paid social services employment OR 6 months employment as a GPS Specialist. Requires working outside of core business hours. This position includes the potential for a flexible work arrangement that may include remote work. Valid driver's license and use of a private vehicle required.

Child Abuse, State Police and FBI clearance required. Writing skills assessment conducted at the interview. A pre-interview online assessment is required. Bilingual (English/Spanish) are encouraged to apply. These positions are subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining unit. The Human Services Employee Addendum can be found here.

• Assess situation to determine if child is at risk of harm in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
• Investigation of "more difficult cases" / serious physical harm and sexual abuse.
• Investigation of more complicated cases.
• Knowledge and application of Child Protective Services Law and Juvenile Act.
• Knowledge and application of court process and procedure.
• Ability to prepare staff for court presentation, including training on court presentation.
• Assess client needs to develop individual treatment plans in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
• Timely written assessments, reports and summations.
• Ensure coordination and implementation of plans.
• Monitor client participation/progress in programs as per established case management standards.
• Make necessary referrals and coordinate services.
• Produce and maintain reports/records/client tracking system in accordance with regulations/agency policies reflecting service needs, social services provided and case outcomes.
• Attend conferences/meetings with collateral agencies as they relate to client services.
• Practice System of Care (SOC) single plan of care principles.
• Provide peer leadership, direction and support to newer Caseworkers.
• Provide peer mentoring and consultation to newer Caseworkers.
• Attend training throughout the year.
• Maintain a professional public image per county and agency policy.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects as required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and use of a private vehicle.

Additional responsibilities per Unit

• Primary responsibilities include the investigation of "more difficult/ complex cases" primarily serious physical harm and sexual abuse.
• Knowledge of the Child Protective Services Law and Juvenile Act to include extensive investigatory/case management experience.
• Additionally, this person will service as a mentor/lead worker providing leadership, support and direction to the new Child Abuse Investigations Casework Specialists.

• Recruits, trains and serves as liaison between the Foster Parents, this department and casework staff.

• Liaison to the court and attorneys.
• To staff: provides court presentation consultation, ensures adherence to the CPSL and all mandates, agency policies and procedures.
• Maintains Legal Manual by updating policies, maintains the court files, schedules hearings, writing/filing of petitions.

• Bachelor's in Social Work; or
• Bachelor's in the Social Sciences; or
• Bachelor's with 12 credits in the Social Sciences.
• All to include 2 years of Social Services experience or 6 months experience as a GPS Specialist.
• Degree must be from an accredited college/university.

• 3 years or more paid experience in Child Welfare case management.
• Investigatory training and experience.
• Investigating Sexual Abuse Certification (Child Welfare Training Program).
• Public speaking, recruitment and training experience.
• Strong engagement skills.
• Department of Human Services Caseworker certification.
• Ability to understand/navigate complex systems.
• Ability to prioritize.
• Successfully completes projects within identified time frames.
• Knowledge and application of the…