Social Caseworker B – Permanency (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 Permanency 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 Permanency Case Worker is
responsible for working with families through the closure of their case by
providing continued assessment of needs and safety, provides recommendation
and implementation of services as followed by a treatment plan, assists
family in building of a positive support network and sustainability plan with
the goal of permanency and wellbeing for the children, youth and family.

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

Provides professional ongoing case management by working with family and other
professionals to develop and modify treatment plans that address the root
cause of the referral, monitor case progress, and identify barriers to
permanency and work with family to eliminate barriers, implement additional
services that promote increased parental protective capacities with the goal
of preventing re-incidence.
Collaborates with families and collaterals such as law enforcement, medical
personnel, CASAs, GALs, treatment providers, schools, and
family support networks to obtain additional information and coordinate
services, schedule, or participate in any crossover or transfer meetings.
Monitors progress of supervised visits between children and families, to
include working with Arapahoe County Visitation staff to understand parenting
needs to include in treatment plan when possible.
Collaborates with Foster Care Coordinator and/or Kinship Navigator to
maintain successful placement ensuring that Foster Family and/or Kinship
Family understands the goal and steps for permanency and actively participates
in Foster Care Reviews and audits as required.
Establishes rapport with family, attends family meetings, service reviews
and staffing to develop knowledge of the case. Provides timely communication
and reviews all pertinent documentation/reports to ensure effective services.
Works to ensure permanency for children/youth within 12 months of case open
and completes at least monthly face-to-face contacts with children and
families to ensure effective assessment and decision-making related to case
disposition. Responsible for making all efforts to achieve permanency for
youth and children through permanent custody, guardianship, and adoption
when children/youth are not able to return home.
Provides case-specific documentation including development of family service
plans, court documentation, TRAILS entries of face-to-face contact notes
and other documentation, assessment completion, placement paperwork,
ser ice referrals, visitation assessments and other related tasks within
regulated timeframes.
Gathers and consolidates background information to present as documentation
for court hearings, as progress reports in judicial reviews, or as
summaries in facilitating appropriate placements. Attends court hearings and
testifies in court as necessary, confers with lawyers, children,
parents, witnesses, and significant others in reference to their
respective rol
Participates in scheduled supervision, team meetings, unit meetings and
division meetings. Perform as
an active team member in RED team, Family Team Meetings, and other
professional development work groups. Complete required and continuing
education annually and obtains training or additional professional knowledge
when needed.
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.
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