Social Worker - DCF - Central Region - Continuous. Worcester LilyLifestyle

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking dynamic, mission‑driven individuals to fill the critical role of Social Worker. Selected candidates will provide services to help children in need, including those who are homeless, foster, abused, and neglected. Social workers interact with children and family members—siblings, parents, extended relatives, and guardians—to assess the needs of each child and determine the best course of action for improving the child/family environment.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values for the Department of Children and Families. DCF strives to build the most diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce possible to represent the communities we serve and strongly encourages diverse and multi‑lingual candidates to apply.

• Assess, evaluate, conduct initial and ongoing case management of children/family services, and needs.
• Develop, review, update and ensure implementation of strength‑based service plans for each child in care or custody, including risk assessment, safety plans, and goals.
• Complete all documentation in accordance with agency and regulatory requirements.
• Attend home and foster care visits; transport children to health, social services or other agency‑related appointments as required.
• Maintain ongoing communication with DCF staff and other constituencies, and initiate court action when necessary.
• Empower families to make stable commitments to children by providing counseling and coordinating visits with biological parents and/or guardians and other relatives; develop a helping relationship and ensure needed supports and services are provided.
• Attend weekly supervision, weekly staff meetings, in‑service training, and team meetings.
• Maintain a high degree of professionalism in the community, with clients, schools, courts and referring agencies to build and sustain positive relationships.

• Applicants must have (A) a Bachelor’s degree or higher in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education, criminal justice, or a relevant human services degree and (B) a current and valid license as a Licensed Social Work Associate, Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Certified Social Worker, or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker issued by the Massachusetts Board of Registration.

* Applicants at the Department of Children and Families must obtain the required license in Social Work within the first nine (9) months of employment.

The classification may require possession of a current and valid Motor Vehicle Driver’s License at a class level specific to the assignment.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors—including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non‑management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self‑select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements.

We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.