Social Caseworker III - Intake

Description

Teller County's Department of Human Services located in Woodland Park, CO is seeking an experienced caseworker to provide initial response and child protection and Youth in Conflict services; provide crisis assessments and intervention; and supervise placement of children out-of-home.

(1) Intervene in youth, and child protection crisis and perform assessment including, investigating cases of alleged physical/sexual abuse and/or neglect in conjunction with law enforcement; assess safety and determine if situation warrants placement out-of-home.

(2) Locate appropriate placement; supervise placement of children out of home; monitor client needs and progress and coordinate child/family visits; determine if and when to recommend return of children to their home.

(3) Provide casework, guidance and support for clients; provide services to adults and caretakers to prevent institutionalization; counsel children, youth and parents to prepare for reuniting of the family.

(4) Prepare and coordinate service plans and other reports with professional resources in the community; refer clients to other resources.

(5) Testify in court regarding intake and ongoing cases as necessary; make recommendations to the Court.

(6) Prepare and maintain confidential client records and reports on computerized systems i.e. Trails, CBMS; document plans and recommendations; submit files and records for foster care and court review.

(7) Participate in team and community meetings concerning issues of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation of children, youth and adults.

(1) Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Knowledge of: family dynamics and assessing for safety within the family; child development and age appropriate milestones; non-leading interviewing techniques sufficient to elicit information; crisis intervention theory sufficient to be able to perform the duties related to the work assignment; casework practices, procedures and guidelines; principles regarding crises and means of intervention and of assessment of dynamics of conflict and safety of children and adults;
Children's Code and court procedures; principles and processes for providing excellent customer service, including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Skilled in: use of basic computer software programs; understanding and applying pertinent laws, rules, regulations and policies; using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgement within established guidelines; maintaining confidentiality; organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines and following up on assignments with minimum direction and supervision; applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; understanding, interpreting and communicating complicated policies, procedures and protocols;

working in a deadline driven environment; initiating and responding to medium volume of daily calls/contact; interacting with all levels of internal and external professionals while developing strong productive relationships; designing strategies, analyzing results and making recommendations; organization and time management; recognizing and using correct English grammar, punctuation and spelling; communicating information in a succinct and organised manner; expressing information to individuals or groups, effectively considering the audience and nature of the information;

making clear and convincing oral presentations; listening to others and recognising non-verbal cues; dealing calmly and professionally with his stress situations.

Ability to: effectively assess responsibility and actions regarding child abuse/neglect and Youth in Conflict; effectively and…