Children, Youth & Family Services Lead Social Caseworker - Practice

Works to preserve and/or rehabilitate families while protecting children's physical, emotional, and mental well-being through child protection, adolescent services, placements, and/or permanency plans. Coordinates the practice and is responsible for primary decision-making of child protection practices including, but not limited to safety, permanency, and well-being. Serves as a lead caseworker, advising and assisting caseworkers on case assignments.

• Provides lead work for the Practice Unit to include assisting with training, technical support, orienting new employees, providing guidance and mentoring, and resolving complex problems and issues to meet the needs of clients.
• Fosters a team atmosphere that is inclusive and supportive.
• 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 that needed services are being provided, that treatment plans are being followed through in a timely manner and determines the appropriateness of the placement and services provided.
• Provides crisis management and coordinates support services for clients to resolve problems and conflicts.
• Acts as a liaison for the 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.
• Addresses child safety issues in the home to mitigate safety concerns; ensures that children in the department's custody or supervision receive necessary interventions.
• Documents all contacts and ensures that all paperwork and documentation are accurately completed and filed; completes necessary case information reports, inputs updates into database.
• Arranges and provides transportation for clients to appointments, therapy, school, court hearings, pre-placement visits, etc.
• Ensures compliance with Federal, State and County laws, outcome measures, rules, and regulations; reviews cases to ensure case plans are developed and implemented.
• Provides support to Practice and Support and Services teams within the CYFS Division as needed.
• Assists with collecting, monitoring, and reporting team statistics, data, and outcomes.
• Facilitates meetings as needed.
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated leadership skills preferred.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, clients, other agencies, 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 protocol; working knowledge of child safety and family engagement.
• Ability to lead and train others; ability to objectively assess the performance of others.
• Abilities in interviewing and investigative techniques and practices.
• Ability to accurately and efficiently complete paperwork, reports, and documentation timely. Ability to utilize supervision in making casework decisions.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to use standard office equipment to include computer, fax machine, copier, and telephone.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from a higher education institution with course work related to the job responsibilities of child welfare social caseworker as stated in Volume 7. Course work examples can include and are not limited to, the development of human behavior, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures, or therapeutic techniques.
• Two (2) years of professional caseworker or case management experience in a public or private social services agency.
  • Bachelor’s degree of social work, a Master’s degree of social work, or a Master’s degree in a human behavioral science field with at least 10 semester or 18 quarter hours in courses relevant to child welfare may substitute for one (1) year of required experience.

Licenses/Certificates:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and proof of automobile insurance as stated within El Paso County’s Personnel Policies Manual.
• Must obtain and maintain necessary certifications as applicable to position.
• Colorado State Child Welfare Caseworker Certification or the ability to successfully complete and pass initial examination within ninety (90) days of employment.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation to include fingerprinting, motor vehicle record check, drug screen, and physical examination. College transcripts required prior to date of hire.

Duties are performed in an office environment, client's homes, schools, jails, and court; must be able to climb stairs in or outside of these environments and able to walk up and down driveways and sidewalks. Hybrid remote work environment dependent upon Department discretion and business needs. May be exposed to hostile family situations/ individuals, and unsanitary and hazardous conditions. Reliable transportation is required as you will be utilizing your own registered and insured personal vehicle to transport clients as needed; mileage reimbursement is available upon request. This position may require a 24/7 on-call and after-hours rotational schedule. Local and non-local travel, to include possible out of state travel, may be required. Occasional lifting of files, supplies, children: exerting 20 lbs. – 50 lbs. occasionally; 10 lbs. – 25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly.