What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Caseworker - TANF position at El Paso County (CO)?
Are you passionate about serving families in El Paso County? Do you love to help and support others? Do you have an eye for detail, and the ability to work independently and with dynamic teams? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! As a member of the TANF Support and Engagement Team, you will join a team of Caseworkers and Administrative team members that support various areas of the agency and families within our community. In this position, you will obtain caseworker certification and SOAR certification to assist families gain the tools necessary to provide for their family long term. You would be able to support our families by attending home visits, court hearings, assisting survivors of domestic violence with protection orders and resources, providing support through the Social Security process by assisting families to complete applications. We strive to provide families with the resources and support needed to navigate through some of the most difficult times in their lives. This role provides a much-welcomed support for the families we serve. We are looking forward to having you join us!
Please be advised this position may close without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications.
Works to preserve, assist, and support Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) eligible clients while protecting children's physical, emotional, and mental well-being through prevention and preservation, family self-sufficiency, caregiver support, and in-home services.
- Interviews clients and develops appropriate self-sufficiency plans that may include conducting home assessments and screenings to determine families' needs. Provides intensive in-home family preservation services to families and children; assesses safety and risk factors, self-sufficiency needs, and family stabilization concerns. Monitors client progress and ensures that needed services are provided and treatment plans are followed through in a timely manner.
- Provides general crisis management and referral for TANF clients and the general Department of Human Services (DHS) population (with TANF involvement) and makes referrals to community resources and collateral contacts.
- Assesses and assists teen parents who reside in alternative living arrangements; provides contacts to Kinship Care providers and clients in need of assistance and support with the children in their homes.
- Assists families in obtaining and completing paperwork for guardianships; guides parents through the probate court system, attending court hearings, and monitoring cases and families as requested by the courts.
- Assists Kinship Care families with formulating and implementing a childcare plan that meets their needs; develops family service plans.
- Documents and maintains all service files; opens and closes cases according to unit guidelines; inputs and updates information in department database.
- Participates in unit meetings, community and treatment staffings, Child Placement Team meetings, and in program development for Kinship Care providers and teenage parents as appropriate.
- Arranges and provides transportation for clients to appointments, therapy, school, court hearings, pre-placement visits, etc.
- Serves as a liaison for DHS, including consulting with other caseworkers and community professionals on case situations, treatment/case plans, issues, and problems.
- Attends training and workshops.
- Performs other duties as required.
Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area.
Supervision Received: Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Working knowledge of casework practices, procedures, and guidelines.
- Working knowledge of child welfare laws, regulations, and standards.
- Knowledge of community resources and services.
- Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, other DHS personnel, clients, other agencies, the courts, and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
- Ability to assess situations and make prudent and appropriate decisions; ability to apply conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to efficiently plan, schedule, and organize.
- Ability to interview clients and manage cases.
- Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
- Ability to use standard office equipment including computer, fax machine, copier, and telephone.
- Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher from a higher education institution with course work related to the job responsibilities of a 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.
- One year of professional, internship, or volunteer work experience in a human service-related agency.
- Bachelor’s Degree of Social Work (BSW) or Master's Degree of Social Work (MSW) internship in a human services-related agency may substitute for the required experience.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- Must obtain and maintain necessary certifications as applicable to position.
- Must possess and maintain Colorado State Child Welfare Caseworker Certification or the ability to successfully complete and pass the initial examination within ninety days of enrollment.
- Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, including fingerprinting, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen. College transcripts required prior to the 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. This position may require occasional lifting, such as files, supplies, children, and car seats. 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, including possible out-of-state travel, may be required.
The classification specification above is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.
Salary : $53,810 - $80,730
