Job Title:  Child Welfare Social Caseworker II/III

Announcement #:  9002

Note:  UPDATED

Department:  Human Services

Opening Date:  Friday, January 09, 2009

Application Deadline:  Continuous

Salary:   DOQ

Pay Band:  5   Protective Service

Status:  Full-time   Exempt

Criteria:  Based on education and experience as specified below.

Job Requirements:  Interviews clients and develops appropriate treatment plans; initiates home studies and provides intensive casework services to families and children; investigates allegations of child abuse and assesses imminent danger for children; makes referrals to community resources and collateral contacts. Monitors clients' progress and ensures needed services are being provided, treatment plans are being followed through in a timely manner, and determines the appropriateness of the placement and services provided. Provides support services and crisis management for clients to resolve problems and conflicts. Acts as a liaison for DHS and consults with other caseworkers and community professionals on case situations, treatment/case plans, issues, and problems. Attends and testifies in court hearings and mediations; completes appropriate paperwork, documentation, petitions, reports, reviews, etc. for court hearings; monitors clients' compliance with court orders; serves temporary custody notices and petitions the court for verbal orders. Prepares for and participates in meetings and staffings to include unit meetings, caseworker staffings, treatment facility staffings, school staffings, and family meetings. Arranges for children's care at home or in an alternative arrangement; ensures that children in the department's custody or supervision receive the necessary medical, dental, and counseling treatment. Documents all contacts and ensures that all paperwork and documentation are accurately completed and filed; completes necessary case information reports, inputs updates into department database. Arranges and provides transportation for clients to appointments, therapy, school, court hearings, pre-placement visits, etc. Collects and reports statistics and data on unit and outcomes and performances. For more information, please refer to the below link for a short video: http://www.elpasoco.com/video/human_services.wmv

Minimum Qualifications:  Bachelor's degree in one of the human behavioral science fields is required. Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, clients, other agencies, community professionals, the courts, and the public. Ability to efficiently plan, schedule, and organize. Ability to assess situations and make prudent and appropriate decisions; ability to apply conflict resolution and problem solving skills. Working knowledge of casework practices, procedures, and guidelines. Ability to accurately and efficiently complete paperwork, reports, and documentation. Ability to work independently as appropriate. Ability to use standard office equipment to include computer, fax machine, copier, and telephone. Must have and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License and the appropriate level of personal vehicle insurance. Background investigation and a completed El Paso County employment application are required. Must be able to safely lift and carry up to 50 lbs. To qualify for Caseworker II: One (1) year full time paid professional social casework experience acquired after the degree in a public or private agency in an assignment appropriate to the position. Master's degree in one of the human behavioral science fields or a BSW degree from a college or university either accepted into candidacy for accreditation or accredited by the Council on Social Work Education may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience. To qualify for Caseworker III: Two (2) years of full time paid professional social casework experience acquired after the degree in a public or private agency in an assignment appropriate to the position. One (1) year of the required experience must be full journey level work. Master's degree in one of the human behavioral science fields or a BSW degree from a college or university either accepted into candidacy for accreditation or accredited by the Council on Social Work may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience. MSW degree from a college or university either accepted into candidacy for accreditation or accredited by the Council on Social Work. ***PLEASE NOTE: IF HIRED AFTER DECEMBER 1, 2009, CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETING AN EIGHT (8) WEEK CERTIFICATION TRAINING PROGRAM.

Ability to perform the essential functions of the job.

Note:  Each applicant is considered only for the current vacancy indicated on your application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to monitor any future openings and to submit a separate application for each position. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Any new employee and rehires must provide documentation of authorization to work as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (PL99-603).