Children Services Caseworker

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision of the Children Services Supervisor, Program Administrator or Executive Director provides casework and case management services to abused, neglected and dependent children and their families; provides supportive services to children and their families; evaluates the needs of children and families; recommends appropriate action and testifies on behalf of children; prepares and compiles documentation used in agency record-keeping and court hearings.

QUALIFICATIONS

An example of acceptable qualifications: Completion of a bachelor's degree in in social work or a related field. High degree of knowledge regarding child welfare laws, procedures, and policy. Any combination of education, training and/or experience equivalent to the minimum qualifications stated above.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Must possess a valid Ohio driver's license and the ability to maintain auto insurance required by law and agency needs and must have access to private vehicle on a daily basis.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED

The following are examples only and are not intended to be all inclusive: Motor vehicle, personal computer, laptop, applicable computer software, office phone system, printer, copy machine, scanner, fax machine, ten-key calculator and other standard business office equipment.

INHERENTLY HAZARDOUS OR PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORKING CONDITIONS

The employee has exposure to chemical compounds found in an office environment (e.g., toner, correction fluid, etc.); is exposed to possible injury due to unclean or unsanitary conditions; has contact with potentially violent or emotionally distraught persons; has exposure to hazardous driving conditions; has exposure to potentially vicious animals; has exposure to bed bugs, lice, scabies and other insects; works in or around crowds; ascends and/or descends ladders, stairs, or scaffolds; has to work irregular hours.

Note:

In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this is considered light work.

JOB DESCRIPTIONAND WORKER CHARACTERISTICS

JOB DUTIES in order of importance

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

40% (1) Responds to reports of abuse, neglect, dependency and family in need of services of children; conducts face to face interviews with children, parents, alleged perpetrators and community members; completes required visits to families' homes; completes referrals to law enforcement as necessary; obtains and documents referral information received verbally or in writing; completes all investigation activities within mandated timeframes; determines immediate safety of children and on an ongoing basis reassesses safety; provides parent education and training; works with co-workers and supervisor to obtain least restrictive placement settings for children needing out of home placements; arranges and supervises visitation between children and guardians; prepares children for adoption as needed; completes home studies and recruits and maintains foster parents. Consistently and continually (e.g. at all times) represents the agency in a positive and professional manner and provides appropriate internal and external customer service. 40% (2) Documents all work related activities in the Ohio Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (Ohio CCWIS) within established timeframes; completes additional reports as required such as Case Plans, Semi Annual Reviews, Safety Assessments, Family Assessments, etc.; attends and testifies in court hearings; participates in team meetings and advocates for least restrictive and safe options for children. 10% (3) Participates in on-call duties as scheduled or assigned. (4) Attends staff meetings and training sessions as required. 5% (5) Maintains continuing education requirements, if any. (6) Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable safety standards that pertain to essential functions. (7) Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

5% (8) Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE CHARACTERISTICS

Knowledge of:

Federal, state and local laws/rules pertaining to social services and specific to child protection; interviewing practices; child safety assessments; child protection data system (Ohio CCWIS); Allen County, Department, and Division goals and objectives; Allen County, Department, and Division policies and procedures; personnel rules and regulations; work place safety; office practices and procedures; business grammar and spelling; intermediate level mathematics; case management; data entry; records management.

Skill in:

use of modern office equipment and software, critical thinking, judgment and decision making.

Ability to:

Carry out instructions in written, oral, picture or schedule form; deal with problems involving several variables within a familiar context; recognize unusual or threatening conditions and take appropriate action; draw valid conclusions; interview others; prepare accurate documentation; maintain records according to established procedures; communicate effectively with a diverse public and professional audience; understand a variety of written and/or verbal communication; exercise independent judgment and discretion; act as an expert witness; compile and prepare reports; gather, collate, and classify information; develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders; perform job safely; maintain a flexible schedule.

POSITIONS DIRECTLY SUPERVISED

None.

Pay:

$21.58 - $27.30 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Loan forgiveness Paid time off Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person