Social Caseworker B - Permanency Hybrid Work Model

Salary :
$60,625.76 - $77,607.40 Annually

Location :
80012, CO

Job Type:
Full-time

Remote Employment:
Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number:
05835

Department:
Human Services

Division:
Child and Adult Protection Services

Opening Date:
07/05/2024

Closing Date:
Continuous

DescriptionOur Mission:
Arapahoe County Department of Human Services (ACDHS) builds strong communities by promoting the safety, independence, and stability of individuals and families.

Our Vision:
To end the cycle of poverty and prevent abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adults (using an integrated Two-Generation approach)

ACDHS uses an integrated Two-Generation (2Gen) approach to address all of the basic human services needs of the entire family unit. The 2Gen approach begins with a mindset focused on family-centered program design, continues with the alignment of services and resources within the department as well as across multiple organizations, resulting in coordinated services to children and adults together (family) in order to create long term stability and sustainability.

The 2Gen approach builds well-being for families by focusing equally and intentionally on high-quality services in five areas of focus:
early childhood education, adult education and employment pathways, economic security, health and well-being and social capital. This approach will help us achieve our core mission of breaking the generational cycle of poverty, preventing neglect and abuse and building strong communities.

The Permanency Social Caseworker B will apply learned and trained knowledge and abilities in professional casework under the direct supervision and oversight of identified Child Welfare staff. The Permanency Case Worker is responsible for working with families through the closure of their case by providing continued assessment of needs and safety, provides recommendation and implementation of services as followed by a treatment plan, assists family in building of a positive support network and sustainability plan with the goal of permanency and wellbeing for the children, youth and family.
DutiesDUTIES:

• Provides professional ongoing case management by working with family and other professionals to develop and modify treatment plans that address the root cause of the referral, monitor case progress, and identify barriers to permanency and work with family to eliminate barriers, implement additional services that promote increased parental protective capacities with the goal of preventing re-incidence.
• Collaborates with families and collaterals such as law enforcement, medical personnel, CASA's, GAL's, treatment providers, schools, and family support networks to obtain additional information and coordinate services, schedule, or participate in any crossover or transfer meetings.
• Monitors progress of supervised visits between children and families, to include working with Arapahoe County Visitation staff to understand parenting needs to include in treatment plan when possible.
• Collaborates with Foster Care Coordinator and/or Kinship Navigator to maintain successful placement ensuring that Foster Family and/or Kinship Family understands the goal and steps for permanency and actively participates in Foster Care Reviews and audits as required.
• Establishes rapport with family, attends family meetings, service reviews and staffing to develop knowledge of the case. Provides timely communication and reviews all pertinent documentation/reports to ensure effective services.
• Works to ensure permanency for children/youth within 12 months of case open and completes at least monthly face-to-face contacts with children and families to ensure effective assessment and decision-making related to case disposition. Responsible for making all efforts to achieve permanency for youth and children through permanent custody, guardianship, and adoption when children/youth are not able to return home.
• Provides case-specific documentation including development of family service plans, court documentation, TRAILS entries of face-to-face contact notes and other documentation, assessment completion, placement paperwork, service referrals, visitation assessments and other related tasks within regulated timeframes.
• Gathers and consolidates background information to present as documentation for court hearings, as progress reports in judicial reviews, or as summaries in facilitating appropriate placements. Attends court hearings and testifies in court as necessary, confers with lawyers, children, parents, witnesses, and significant others in reference to their respective roles.
• Participates in scheduled supervision, team meetings, unit meetings and division meetings. Perform as an active team member in RED team, Family Team Meetings, and other professional development work groups. Complete required and continuing education annually and obtains training or additional professional knowledge when needed.

• Ability to adapt to fast-paced and high-volume work environments and be able to handle high-stress and complex situations while remaining calm and professional. Must be well versed in effective conflict resolution and possess ability to deescalate hostile situations and confidently make decisions.
• Ability to effectively communicate in a positive and professional work environment. Establish and maintain professional working relationships with parents, foster parents, relative care providers, staff, peers, supervisors, providers, state officials, and other community partners.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong ability to prioritize tasks, take initiative, and multitask.
• Ability to effectively present information, write reports and business correspondence and respond to court, managers, customers, other agencies, co-workers, and the general public via fax, telephone, and email. Ability to clearly articulate concepts, directives and goals to employees, professionals and state and community representatives.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and state and county computer systems. Ability to learn and apply new computer skills on a regular basis.