About this opportunity
La Plata County, CO lists this Case Worker I opportunity in durango, Colorado. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Job Summary
Entry-level training position. Works under direct supervision while learning job tasks and developing skills and knowledge. Meets with supervisor frequently for direction and makes significant decisions only with supervisor oversight. All documentation is reviewed by supervisor. Provides basic case work services for various programs offered through Department of Human Services; performs initial intake and Supervisor assisted ongoing case management; performs initial assessments and evaluations of individual or family needs and safety; assists in providing crisis intervention; provides basic direct and core services; recommends service referrals to community resources, core and direct services, and/or protective services; develops plans to assist clients and submits for Supervisory review; and maintains records, documentation and reports related to services provided. Position requires basic knowledge of established theories, principles and concepts of social casework practice related to assigned program area(s).
Performs increasingly more responsible work as the employee gains experience and independently provides basic casework services.
Essential Job Functions
Essential functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible.
Assists in providing crisis intervention at initial screening of applicants who are in need of services to prevent homelessness of themselves and/or out of home placement of their children; performs strengths-based assessment of their current situation; assists clients in identifying barriers, family strengths, support networks and in developing plans for self-sufficiency.
Develops and submits for Supervisory review case plans and treatment plans as required for each assigned case; performs ongoing case management, including review and revision of treatment plans as needed; prepares required caseload documentation; compiles periodic status reports of work performed; maintains lists of current participants. Drafts financial and social needs assessments of clients' situations for Supervisory review; receives consultation and coordinates with other Department staff and other agencies to provide needed services and benefits for which clients are eligible. Provides home or office based services to clients as needed, including but not limited to, short-term problem-solving, referral information, in-home services, and transportation to services.
Makes appointments and provides transportation for clients as needed.
Composes, keys, and distributes meeting minutes, letters, reports and other documents. Maintains and upgrades professional knowledge, skills, and development through required continued education and by attending seminars and training programs as well as reading trade and professional journals and publications. Provides emergency services on an on-call basis. Performs other related duties as assigned. Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Minimum Qualifications Required
Education and Experience: Per Colorado Department of Human Services Rules and Regulations 7.000.6(M), there is no substitution for the educational requirements. Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Social Work, Psychology or a related human behavioral science. No experience required. A newly hired Child Welfare Caseworker I is required to successfully complete the Colorado Department of Human Services training requirements for caseworkers within the mandated timeframes to be eligible for continued employment. In order to meet the minimum educational requirements of a human behavioral science degree, the applicant must have a degree with major course work (equivalent to 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours) in either development of human behavior, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures or therapeutic techniques such as social work, psychology, sociology, guidance and counseling, and child development.
Licenses and Certifications: Valid State Driver's License
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
All knowledge, skills and abilities may not be required of all incumbents.
Knowledge of: Established theories, principles and concepts of social casework practice. Human physical, emotional, psychological and social stages of development. Addiction, domestic/family violence, developmental disabilities and mental health issues, signs/symptoms. Child and/or adult protection issues and investigative procedure, laws and time lines, including Native American Child Welfare laws. Multi-cultural issues and differences. Policies, procedures, philosophies, rules, ethics and regulations governing the services to clients. Applicable state, federal, Native American Tribal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations and how they apply to child/adult protection. Community resources available to assist clients. All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job. Recordkeeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques. Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
Skill in: Assessing risk in child and adult protection and assessing family functioning to insure safety of individuals. Assessing evidence, to include determining if a client's injuries are consistent with reported abuse. Using forensic interviewing techniques. Using conflict resolution techniques. Using tact, discretion, and initiative within established guidelines. Educating families in appropriate parenting skills through teaching, role modeling, demonstrating and various coaching techniques. Providing accurate court testimony. Assessing environment in regard to personal safety. Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials. Researching, compiling, and summarizing a variety of informational and statistical data and materials. Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction. Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks, and to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols. Using mathematics. Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Mental and Physical Abilities: Ability to respond to each client with empathy and respect. Ability to deescalate chaotic and/or potentially violent situations and set limits when appropriate. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals. Ability to collect, process and utilize incoming information, define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to make critical decisions in high risk and high stress situations. Ability to speak effectively before groups and respond to questions. Ability to work/participate as part of a multi-disciplinary team. While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is frequently required to sit, reach with hands and arms, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, ascend and descend stairs and maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking on weather affected surfaces and in rural environments, and speak and hear. While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to walk, stand, and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to use color, sound, texture, shape and odor perception and discrimination, and to drive in inclement weather and to remote areas of the county.
Non-Discrimination and Affirmative Action Statement
La Plata County prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with La Plata County on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or genetic information.
La Plata County is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. La Plata County takes affirmative action to assure equal employment opportunity for protected classes, persons with disabilities and for covered veterans. Covered veterans include: special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Vietnam era veterans, or any other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge was authorized.
Inquiries regarding La Plata County's equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to:
Director of Human Resources
1101 E 2nd Avenue
Durango, CO 81301
Tel:
Fax:
Email:
Benefits
La Plata County offers an extensive comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, paid parental leave and long term disability. For a complete description of our benefits, please visit our Summary of Benefits (Download PDF reader)
Worksite address
durango, CO, 81302, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.