Case Worker Las Animas County Department of Human Services

ANNUAL SALARY:
Position is a salaried position with an annual wage range of $45,511 up to $49,941 annually after successful completion of ninety (90) day probationary period. (Salary will be $3,759.25 up to $4,078.52 per month during 90-day probationary period).

BENEFITS:
The following benefits are offered as a full-time permanent employee:
Health Insurance, Retirement Plan, Paid time off (PTO)/Vacation after 90 day probationary, Sick (immediate access), Personal Leave (16 hours)(provided to FTE every January).

A DYFS Caseworker (CW) shall work under direct supervision while learning job tasks and developing skills and knowledge. They are responsible to meet with the direct supervisor frequently for direction and make significant decisions with supervisor oversight. All documentation within the state Trails system, as well as physical documents is reviewed by the direct supervisor. A CW performs the initial intake and then performs ongoing case management focused on assessing and evaluating individuals or the family’s needs.

The focus is to provide crisis intervention for at-risk children, youth and families. CW provides/arranges CORE therapeutic services and recommends service referrals to community resources and/or other services to elevate families towards reunification and long-term success.

Position requires a thorough knowledge of supervisory techniques, human behavior, the dynamics of child abuse and neglect youth in conflict and other areas related to service delivery focused on children and youth, casework principles and practices.

Qualified candidates must possess extensive skill in case planning and the handling of high conflict families in a trauma informed manner.

Must possess skill in writing and editing reports; skill in interpreting rules, regulations, laws and procedures; an ability to deal with stress and emergencies; a knowledge of the court system and its workings with respect to child welfare;
Ability to resolve conflict; evaluate staff and clients, knowledge of agency, state, and federal guidelines and laws and Colorado Children's Code.

Position provides guidance on child abuse and neglect, youth in conflict, foster care, placement alternatives, day care, and adoptions.

Follow guidelines set in Volumes VII and VIII of the CDHS manual, the Children's Code, state statutes, and if applicable, the Child Abuse Team. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting the guidelines for a particular case situation.

Assess safety of children in their current living environment.

Provides supportive counseling referrals in the areas of health, housing, home management and out of home placement.

Intervenes in crisis situations to evaluate and stabilize situations.

Applicants will be responsible for other duties as assigned based on needs of the unit.

In crisis situations, the Qualified Candidate may be required to coordinate cooperative problem solving with high conflict parents, police and other community organizations. Must be in contact with various community resources and agencies in order to provide coordination in the provision of services to children through the exchange of information and problem solving.

Position requires some overnight travel to various trainings and meetings.

Position requires good computer navigational skills for various state system programs, as well as for basic correspondence processes.

The great majority of work is performed in a standard office environment.

On occasion the Qualified Candidate may be required to drive in poor weather conditions or handle potentially hazardous crisis situations in a client's home.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and…