Social Caseworker B – Intake (Hybrid Work Model)

Description
Our Mission: Arapahoe County Department of Human Services (ACDHS) builds
strong communities by promoting the safety, independence, and stability of
individuals and families.

Our Vision: To end the cycle of poverty and prevent abuse and neglect of
children and vulnerable adults (using an integrated Two-Generation approach)

ACDHS uses an integrated Two-Generation (2Gen) approach to address all of
the basic human services needs of the entire family unit. The 2Gen approach
begins with a mindset focused on family-centered program design, continues
with the alignment of services and resources within the department as well as
across multiple organizations, resulting in coordinated services to children
and adults together (family) in order to create long term stability and
sustainability.

The 2Gen approach builds well-being for families by focusing equally and
intentionally on high-quality services in five areas of focus: early
childhood education, adult education and employment pathways, economic
security, health and well-being and social capital. This approach will help
us achieve our core mission of breaking the generational cycle of poverty,
preventing neglect and abuse and building strong communities.

The Intake Social Caseworker B will apply learned and trained knowledge and
abilities in professional casework under the direct supervision and oversight
of identified Child Welfare staff. The Intake Social Caseworker B performs
complex case management work providing intake social work services to families
where child abuse or neglect is present or suspected. Assignments include the
provision of extensive assessment and situational evaluation, counseling,
crisis intervention, resource mobilization and information and referral
around all areas of child protection.

Anticipated Hiring Range – Min: $$60,625.76- $73,817.38.
Duties
DUTIES:

Responds to allegations of abuse and/or neglect. Conduct assessments to
determine the safety of a child(ren). Determine whether adequate safety
measures are present for the child(ren) to remain in the home or if the
situation warrants out of home placement.
Responsible for case management activities where there has been an allegation
of severe neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, educational neglect,
lack of supervision, and challenges in parent-child relationships.
Responds to referrals of fatal or near fatal child abuse/neglect; some
allegations also may involve egregious harm or serious bodily injury to a
child
Provides immediate and short-term intervention while evaluating and assessing
a familys needs. Complete assessments within 60 days and determine whether
long-term support and services are necessary in order to achieve child safety
and well-being.
Collaborates with collaterals and community partners (ie. law enforcement,
medical personnel, school staff, individual family supports, mental
health, substance use and domestic violence providers,economic security
and housing partners, etc.) to obtain information, coordinate
services, case plan, achieve stability and mitigate safety concerns for
childre
Gathers and consolidate background information to present as documentation for
court hearings and to assist in determining appropriate placement when a child
needs to be removed from the home.
Participates in meetings and serves as a member of an interdisciplinary team
with schools, mental health providers, child protection review teams,
and other professionals involved with the family.
Attends court hearings; consult with attorneys, Guardians ad Litem,
children, parents, witnesses, and others during court proceedings.
Testify in court providing testimony of involvement with the family.
Serves as an information and referral source to other employees and to the
public.
Responsible for entering documentation and all case contacts into Trails.
Responsible for managing caseload and prioritizing work to ensure
time iness, as required by state and federal rules and regulations.
REQUIREMENTS:
Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

Ability to adapt to fast-paced and high-volume work environment and be able to
handle high stress and complex situations while remaining calm and
professional. Must be well versed in effective conflict resolution and possess
ability to deescalate hostile situations and confidently make decisions.
Ability to effectively communicate in a positive and professional work
environment. Establish and maintain professional working relationships with
parents, foster parents, relative care providers, staff, peers,
supervisors, providers, state officials, and other community partners.
Excellent organizational skills and strong ability to prioritize tasks, take
initiative, and multitask.
Ability to effectively present information, write reports and business
correspondence and respond to court, managers, customers, other
agencies, co-workers, and the general public via fax, telephone, and
email. Ability to clearly articulate concepts, directives and goals to
employees, professionals and state and community representatives.
Ability to analyze and interpret governmental and legal regulations. Knowledge
of Microsoft Office suite and state and county computer systems. Ability to
learn and apply new computer skills on a regular basis.
Behavioral Competencies (these are required for all positions at ACG):
Accountability Accessibility Inclusivity Integrity
Requirements
Education and Experience:
A bachelors degree in social work or a human behavioral science field from
an accredited institution with a minimum of 30 semester credit hours or 45
quarter hours in a human behavior science field and one (1) year of
professional casework, case management, or human services experience in a
public or private human services agency.