PROTECTIVE SERVICES CASEWORKER

THIS IS NOT A HYBRID POSITION AND REQUIRES THE INCUMBENT TO BE IN THE OFFICE 100%. 

 POSITION DESCRIPTION: This position performs intake, ongoing, and screening casework functions in the areas of child abuse and neglect, youth-in-conflict, and adult protection cases. Caseworkers emphasize safety, well-being, and permanency of children and adolescents, and the safety and well-being of at-risk adults.

 SUPERVISION RECEIVED: The Protective Services Caseworker works under the guidance of the Protective Services Advisor and under the direct supervision of the Protective Services Administrator.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the Protective Services Caseworker position and do not include other general duties that may be required. 

• Conducts investigations, including after hours and weekends of alleged abuse and neglect; determines if the situation warrants departmental intervention; supervises placement of children and youth in out-of-home care; coordinates parent/family/child visits; and determines when and if to recommend that children return to the home. 
• Develops effective case plans, secures appropriate intervention and preventative services, and case planning for child and adult protection concerns and youth-in-conflict cases.
• Works collaboratively with community resources such as law enforcement, school officials, and medical personnel to obtain additional information, coordinate services, or secure their assistance. 
• Produces a variety of case documentation, including court reports, case plans, treatment plan recommendations, contact notes, assessments, etc.
• Attends court hearings and meetings. Testifies in court hearings as necessary.
• Conducts in-depth assessments of at-risk adults, or adults unable to protect their own interests and determines case plans with involved parties. Assures State regulations are met involving the handling of these cases and promotes family involvement. Facilitates guardianships when an adult’s situation warrants. 
• Provide scheduled on-call coverage, including after-hours, county closures, weekends, and holidays. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of investigative techniques, interviewing techniques, and procedures
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations
• Knowledge of resources used in obtaining applicable data
• Ability to obtain information and evidence by observation, record examination, and interview
• Ability to analyze and evaluate information obtained from applicable sources
• Ability to record and present accurate documentation in oral and written form
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with a variety of individuals and agencies
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing under strict timeframes
• Handle high-pressure crises professionally and exercise sound judgment in making diagnostic assessments and decisions

 EXPERTISE AND TRAINING

• A bachelor’s degree or higher with an equivalent of thirty semester or forty-five quarter hours in human behavioral sciences or health care related courses related to the job responsibilities of protective services caseworker
• Professional, internship, or volunteer work experience in a public or private human services agency

 LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle driver’s license issued by the State of Colorado and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record
• Possession of or the ability to obtain within six months from the date of hire, the State of Colorado Child Protection Caseworker Certification
• Possession of or the ability to obtain within one year from the date of hire, the State of Colorado Adult Protection Caseworker Certification

 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to sit, stand, or travel for long periods of time. Must be able to negotiate up and down stairs and on rough and/or uneven terrain
• Must be able to travel to and from various work sites by car
• Must be able to bend, stoop, stretch, twist, reach, kneel, crawl, squat, climb, and balance
• Must be able to climb ladders or stairs or climb up to and down from higher levels using unconventional methods
• Must be capable of working under stressful conditions
• Must have good cognitive skills and awareness of work accuracy
• Must have the ability to concentrate on more than one task at a time, and to make independent decisions

 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Candidate must pass a pre-employment background screening, including a pre-employment drug screen, CBI/FBI fingerprint-based background check, Human Services (Child Protection and Adult Protection) background check, and psychological assessment
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred

 WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Travel within the greater Metropolitan Denver area is required
  • Some out-of-state or overnight travel may also be required
• Appearances at court and legal proceedings are required
• Travel to meetings and trainings is required
• Work is performed both in an office setting and off-site
• Incumbent may encounter angry or hostile clients and unsafe conditions in homes