Lake County Government
Child Welfare Ongoing Caseworker
Lake County Government, Leadville, Colorado, United States, 80461
Job Title:
Child Welfare Ongoing Caseworker
Department:
Department of Human Services
Reports To:
Human Services Director
Classification:
Full‑Time, Exempt
Compensation Range:
$67,000 - $72,000
Benefits:
Employee Benefits (Lake County, CO)
Position Summary:
The position provides a full range of social casework services, including intake and ongoing support, within various Title XX program areas. This may include cases involving child abuse and neglect, youth in conflict, and adults who are unable to protect their own interests. The role is responsible for assessing client needs, developing and implementing service plans, and ensuring the safety and well‑being of vulnerable individuals and families.
Essential Functions:
Conduct investigations of alleged physical abuse, neglect, and parent–child conflict; determine if removal from the home is necessary and oversee placement of children in foster care; coordinate parent/child visits and evaluate readiness for family reunification.
Develop individualized case plans and provide counseling, education, and referrals to families to improve parenting skills, strengthen family relationships, and address social or behavioral challenges.
Participate in the RED Team process to assess new reports of child abuse or re‑abuse and provide crisis intervention as needed.
Provide intake, assessment, and case management services for a variety of cases, including adults unable to protect their own interests, family conflict, and youth in conflict.
Recommend and arrange foster care or other placements based on client needs and monitor progress and adjustment in placement settings.
Conduct home visits to assess living conditions and ensure safety; coordinate supportive services such as childcare, financial assistance, health care, and legal resources.
Recruit, evaluate, and support foster home parents; monitor the quality of care provided in foster placements.
Prepare and present reports, case plans, and recommendations to the courts related to abuse and neglect, child placement, guardianship, and custody cases; provide expert testimony as required.
Document all case activities, assessments, and communications in accordance with agency standards.
Participate in an on‑call rotation to respond to after‑hours emergencies; on‑call assignments are compensated with additional pay.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Not Applicable
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in human behavioral science, public administration, or a related field.
Preferred: at least one year of casework with families and knowledge of child welfare law.
Travel to conferences or events within and outside of the state of Colorado may be required.
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of social casework, including assessment, treatment planning, and family engagement.
Indicators and medical symptoms of abuse, neglect, and failure to thrive in children.
Child protection laws, including statutes regarding child abuse, neglect, and dependency.
Issues affecting vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing mental health or substance use challenges.
Interviewing techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and evidence‑based treatment approaches.
Local community resources, agency regulations, and procedures relevant to assigned program areas.
Ability to:
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, families, service providers, and colleagues.
Conduct sensitive and thorough interviews with individuals and families.
Evaluate complex family dynamics and determine appropriate interventions.
Adapt to changes in regulations, policies, and best practices.
Prioritize tasks and respond to crises with sound judgment.
Prepare clear, concise, and legally defensible reports and documentation.
Hazard Notice:
This position involves exposure to potential hazards that may arise while performing fieldwork and case management duties. Employees may encounter hostile or emotionally distressed clients, unsafe home environments, communicable diseases, and other health or safety risks during investigations and home visits. Employees are expected to follow all safety procedures, use sound judgment, and adhere to established protocols to minimize risk and ensure personal safety.
Physical Activity & Work Environment:
Requires regular sitting, standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
Involves frequent driving to conduct home visits, attend meetings, and participate in court proceedings.
Must be able to lift and carry files, equipment, or supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
Requires sufficient vision, hearing, and speech to communicate effectively with clients, families, coworkers, and partner agencies.
May involve extended periods of computer and desk work for documentation and case management.
Work is performed both in an office setting and in the community, including client homes and other field locations.
May involve exposure to hostile or emotionally distressed individuals, unsanitary or unsafe living conditions, and a variety of weather conditions.
Regular travel within the county and occasional travel outside the area are required.
Position may require flexible scheduling, including evening, weekend, and on‑call hours to respond to emergencies.
The environment can be emotionally demanding due to exposure to sensitive and distressing case situations.
Law Enforcement EEO Statement:
Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.
Notice of Work Authorization Requirement:
Applicants must be authorized to lawfully work for any employer in the United States. Lake County is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
Notice Of Emergency/Disaster Responsibilities:
All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. Employees will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested to prepare for these roles.
Other Duties:
This job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Expected Duration of the Application Process:
Typically, it takes approximately two (2) to four (4) weeks from the date of application to complete the entire selection process. The length of time may vary based on a variety of factors.
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Child Welfare Ongoing Caseworker
Department:
Department of Human Services
Reports To:
Human Services Director
Classification:
Full‑Time, Exempt
Compensation Range:
$67,000 - $72,000
Benefits:
Employee Benefits (Lake County, CO)
Position Summary:
The position provides a full range of social casework services, including intake and ongoing support, within various Title XX program areas. This may include cases involving child abuse and neglect, youth in conflict, and adults who are unable to protect their own interests. The role is responsible for assessing client needs, developing and implementing service plans, and ensuring the safety and well‑being of vulnerable individuals and families.
Essential Functions:
Conduct investigations of alleged physical abuse, neglect, and parent–child conflict; determine if removal from the home is necessary and oversee placement of children in foster care; coordinate parent/child visits and evaluate readiness for family reunification.
Develop individualized case plans and provide counseling, education, and referrals to families to improve parenting skills, strengthen family relationships, and address social or behavioral challenges.
Participate in the RED Team process to assess new reports of child abuse or re‑abuse and provide crisis intervention as needed.
Provide intake, assessment, and case management services for a variety of cases, including adults unable to protect their own interests, family conflict, and youth in conflict.
Recommend and arrange foster care or other placements based on client needs and monitor progress and adjustment in placement settings.
Conduct home visits to assess living conditions and ensure safety; coordinate supportive services such as childcare, financial assistance, health care, and legal resources.
Recruit, evaluate, and support foster home parents; monitor the quality of care provided in foster placements.
Prepare and present reports, case plans, and recommendations to the courts related to abuse and neglect, child placement, guardianship, and custody cases; provide expert testimony as required.
Document all case activities, assessments, and communications in accordance with agency standards.
Participate in an on‑call rotation to respond to after‑hours emergencies; on‑call assignments are compensated with additional pay.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Not Applicable
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in human behavioral science, public administration, or a related field.
Preferred: at least one year of casework with families and knowledge of child welfare law.
Travel to conferences or events within and outside of the state of Colorado may be required.
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of social casework, including assessment, treatment planning, and family engagement.
Indicators and medical symptoms of abuse, neglect, and failure to thrive in children.
Child protection laws, including statutes regarding child abuse, neglect, and dependency.
Issues affecting vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing mental health or substance use challenges.
Interviewing techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and evidence‑based treatment approaches.
Local community resources, agency regulations, and procedures relevant to assigned program areas.
Ability to:
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, families, service providers, and colleagues.
Conduct sensitive and thorough interviews with individuals and families.
Evaluate complex family dynamics and determine appropriate interventions.
Adapt to changes in regulations, policies, and best practices.
Prioritize tasks and respond to crises with sound judgment.
Prepare clear, concise, and legally defensible reports and documentation.
Hazard Notice:
This position involves exposure to potential hazards that may arise while performing fieldwork and case management duties. Employees may encounter hostile or emotionally distressed clients, unsafe home environments, communicable diseases, and other health or safety risks during investigations and home visits. Employees are expected to follow all safety procedures, use sound judgment, and adhere to established protocols to minimize risk and ensure personal safety.
Physical Activity & Work Environment:
Requires regular sitting, standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
Involves frequent driving to conduct home visits, attend meetings, and participate in court proceedings.
Must be able to lift and carry files, equipment, or supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
Requires sufficient vision, hearing, and speech to communicate effectively with clients, families, coworkers, and partner agencies.
May involve extended periods of computer and desk work for documentation and case management.
Work is performed both in an office setting and in the community, including client homes and other field locations.
May involve exposure to hostile or emotionally distressed individuals, unsanitary or unsafe living conditions, and a variety of weather conditions.
Regular travel within the county and occasional travel outside the area are required.
Position may require flexible scheduling, including evening, weekend, and on‑call hours to respond to emergencies.
The environment can be emotionally demanding due to exposure to sensitive and distressing case situations.
Law Enforcement EEO Statement:
Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.
Notice of Work Authorization Requirement:
Applicants must be authorized to lawfully work for any employer in the United States. Lake County is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
Notice Of Emergency/Disaster Responsibilities:
All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. Employees will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested to prepare for these roles.
Other Duties:
This job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Expected Duration of the Application Process:
Typically, it takes approximately two (2) to four (4) weeks from the date of application to complete the entire selection process. The length of time may vary based on a variety of factors.
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