This position is for the Review, Evaluate and Direct Team (RED Team).

Typical Hiring Range: $51,988.00 - $60,134.62 annually (salary to be commensurate with qualifications)

This is a child protection position. Child protection includes engaging families. It is reasonable to anticipate the need for flexibility in work hours periodically to accommodate client schedules. The average workday hours are 8:00am - 5:00pm. Participation in a paid, shared on-call rotation is expected. Schedule subject to change.

Coordinates services and secondary service decisions in support of the Practice Unit within the Children, Youth & Family Services (CYFS) Division of the El Paso County Department of Human Services (DHS) to assist in preserving families. Coordinates with the Practice Unit and is responsible for primary decision-making of child protection practices as needed. This position is part of the CYFS Social Caseworker - Support & Services career progression series, which includes CYFS Associate Social Caseworker - Support & Services and CYFS Social Caseworker - Support & Services. An employee is eligible to advance to the next position within the series when the employee has met the criteria for advancement as notated within the job description and has received a recommendation from the Hiring Authority.

• Interviews clients, coordinates and participates in home studies and provides services to families and children; reports imminent danger for children; makes referrals to community resources.
• Reports clients' progress and provides service recommendation and referrals; provides necessary information to the Practice Unit regarding placement and services provided.
• Provides crisis management and coordinates support services for clients to resolve problems and conflicts.
• Provides casework and assessment services for teams within the Practice Unit.
• Attends and testifies in court hearings and mediations as needed; completes appropriate paperwork, documentation, reports, reviews, etc. for court hearings.
• Prepares for and participates in meetings and staffings.
• 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.
• Collects and reports statistics and data on unit and outcomes and performances.
• Facilitates meetings as needed.
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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 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.
• One (1) year of professional, internship, or volunteer work experience in a human services related agency.

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.