Social Services Aide

Under the supervision of the Children and Family Manager, the Social Services Aide provides a variety of social service functions including Child Protective Services and Child Welfare Access, supportive services, and clerical duties. Serves as the initial contact between the general public and the Children and Family Division by providing Access Services for the Division. Requires the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out responsibilities.

• Receives referrals and child protective services reports via phone, walk‑in, mail, or computer and enters information in eWiSACWIS or other computer databases
• Gathers necessary data from reporters in order to assess for present or impending danger threats in child protective services reports
• Gathers necessary data and determines program eligibility to provide options to people accessing Health and Human Services
• Provides information relating to programs and services in the community that may be offered to individuals in need of assistance
• Makes necessary referrals to both internal programs and external agencies based on the client’s needs
• Provides appropriate face‑to‑face and over‑the‑phone service to the general public, professionals, attorneys and other agencies by greeting, providing information and assistance and answering appropriate inquiries
• Works with other departmental units to assist the family (Mental Health, 0-3, Public Health, WIC, WREA, Child Support, etc.)
• Assesses eligibility for Kinship Care benefits and maintains Kinship Care records and schedules required reviews
• Assists CFS Social Workers in delivery of services or functions
• Assists in maintaining case records and reports
• Organizes and disseminates documents, reports, and correspondences
• Tracks clients, caseloads and service programs
• Provides or assists clients with a range of supportive services (e.g., financial, housing, transportation)
• Transports children, juveniles, and family members in personal vehicle
• Assists with supervised visitations as necessary
• Assists families with daily living skills and parenting practices
• Assists CFS Social Workers with troubleshooting cases, querying records or reports, pulling/reviewing hard file records, and determining case status
• Responds to requests for records within the confines of agency policy
• Interacts with the public and co‑workers in a courteous, proficient, and professional manner
• Maintains skill and competency levels as policies and regulations change by attending and participating in staff meetings, supervision times and other regularly scheduled meetings; develops knowledge and skills by attending training events and workshops
• Maintains security and confidentiality of records
• Compiles, calculates, and tabulates statistical data and prepares reports as needed
• Performs general agency typing, word processing, dictation, transcription, and reception
• Performs other duties as assigned

• High School Diploma or equivalent;
  Associates degree in Human Services, Sociology, Social Science, or other related field preferred
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working in the human services field required, preferably with children and families
• Knowledge and proficient use of computer systems, Microsoft Office Suite programs, and eWiSACWIS
• Knowledge of agency services and program requirements
• Knowledge of resources for community welfare and health and ways in which these resources may be used by people in need
• Knowledge of DCF Chapter 58 (Kinship) and eligibility requirements
• Basic knowledge and understanding of human growth and behavior, age appropriate disciplinary approaches, and parenting practices
• Ability to work with diverse populations
• Ability to work with families using a strength‑based approach and empathy
• Ability to relate to people in an unprejudiced and understanding manner with concerns for their circumstances and feelings
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person and over the telephone
• Ability to interview people, extract required information and make good independent judgments
• Ability to compile data/documentation and provide accurate and understandable reports
• Ability to participate meaningfully in trainings provided…