Larimer County Job Opening

ALL LARIMER COUNTY POSITIONS REQUIRE A COMPLETED

LARIMER COUNTY EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION

(EITHER ONLINE OR HARD COPY)

 

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE

LARIMER COUNTY HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

BY 5:00PM (MST) ON THE CLOSING/APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE.

                                                     

                      POSITION TITLE:   SOCIAL CASEWORKER II

                 POSITION NUMBER:   HSD.1802

                          DEPARTMENT:   HUMAN SERVICES

                 STARTING SALARY:   $3,503.06 PER MONTH

     APPLICATION DEADLINE:   10/26/2009

 

 

ALL NEW EMPLOYEES AND REHIRES WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT FINGERPRINTS FOR A CBI CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK (C.R.S. 26-6-104)

 

APPLICANTS MUST HAVE ACCESS TO THE FOLLOWING ITEMS FOR REIMBURSED BUSINESS USE:

A LICENSED, INSURED VEHICLE WHICH SEATS THREE PASSENGERS WITH SEAT BELTS

AND A MOBILE TELEPHONE.

 

Provides assessment, certification, and support services to relative caregivers in cases where child abuse or neglect is present or suspected, or juvenile delinquency is present and out-of-home placement is required.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required.  The organization retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.

·         Supervision and support of kinship families.  Includes, but is not limited to:

·         Continuously assessing kinship family functioning, safety of the home, and of each child in the home.

·         Observing kinship parent/child interactions and evaluating attachment and risk factors.

·         Identifying needs of each child and team with kinship parents and caseworkers to find resources to meet the needs.

·         Identifying needs of kinship family; developing effective strategies to address needs.

·         Providing support and maintaining objectivity in assuring that kinship family is receiving the level of services needed.

·         Identifying kinship parents’ strengths and weaknesses and maintaining yearly Family Development Plan to build on strengths and address training needs.

·         Developing strategies or interventions with kinship parents to help change/manage difficult child behaviors.

·         Maintain monthly face-to-face visits with kinship families, the majority of which will be in the home.

·         Re-certify kinship homes in a timely and complete manner.

·         Complete home studies in a thorough, timely manner.

·         Proactively handle issues that arise with kinship families.

·         Attend appropriate staffings, meetings, trainings, etc.

·         Communicate on a regular basis with caseworkers of the children placed in the assigned kinship homes.

·         Assist in coordination of kinship parent trainings.

·         Assist other staff, especially within the team, in crisis situations requiring extra help or by providing extra coverage as needed.

·         Demonstrate professional work habits, appearance, and demeanor in context of duties assigned.  Maintain integrity and responsibility in carrying out all responsibilities.

·         Create and maintain all kinship home records in compliance with Federal, State, and County standards.

·         Understand and be able to explain to kinship families the concept of Family Options and how it impacts kinship care services.

 

OTHER DUTIES:

·         Participate in various committees and boards related to program activities and responsibilities.

·         Perform other duties as appropriate or necessary for performance of the job.

 

KNOWLEDGE OF:

·         Principles, practices, and objectives as related to case management, risk assessment, crisis intervention, and counseling in a child welfare program.

·         Scope and application of laws (Colorado Children’s Code, Volume VII) and regulations pertaining to physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and child welfare.

·         Routine software and business applications including, but not limited to, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and databases.

·         Medical symptoms related to injuries or failure-to-thrive in children.

·         Advanced level of casework techniques including in-depth therapeutic approaches, techniques of affecting changes in behavior, child abuse and neglect dynamics, and diagnostic assessment methods.

 

ABILITY TO:

·         Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County employees, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and members of the community.

·         Assess risk, develop treatment plans, and counsel family and clients on methods of problem resolution.

·         Maintain sensitive and confidential information.

·         Work flexible hours, including holidays and weekends, when performing duties of positions.

·         Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

·         Organize material and present information clearly and concisely in verbal and written form.

·         Effectively respond to conflict situations and people in conflict.

·         Accomplish the assigned workload in a timely manner and meet established performance standards and objectives.

·         Perform duties independently without close supervision.

·         Make decisions regarding therapeutic, educational, medical, or other interventions to assist a family.

·         Make difficult decisions in the best interest of children.

·         Prepare and maintain clear and concise records and reports.

·         Interpret and apply rules and regulations pertaining to certification of foster homes.

·         Read and comprehend department and County rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and standard operation procedures.

·         Understand the laws (Colorado Children’s Code) and related policies and procedures regarding Dependency/Neglect and Delinquency Court Actions.

 

 

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Education:

·         Equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a Human Services, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or a related Human Behavioral Sciences field.

·         English/Spanish bilingual preferred.

Experience:

·         At least one year of experience as a professional social caseworker in either a public or private agency, after obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree.

·         A Master’s Degree in Human Behavioral Sciences can substitute for the required experience.

·         Prefer experience working with kinship care families and systems.

Licenses or Certificates:

·         Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado Driver’s License.

 

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