Chafee Social Case Worker
Denver Human Services (DHS) is currently seeking a top-notch, highly-dedicated Social Case Worker to join the Child Welfare Services team in its Youth Services section on the Independent Living team. In this role, you would predominantly perform case management duties involving a variety of complex problems and case types, with a focus on Independent Living cases with youth in the custody of DHS and those already emancipated.
The Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP) is a federally funded, statewide independent living program that is county administered. The purpose of the Chafee Program is to provide age appropriate independent living services to youth aged 16-21 who are in out-of-home placement or to young adults aged 18-21 who were in out-of-home placement on or after their 18th birthday.
Chafee social caseworkers will collaborate with a youth's case management team to provide services to the youth that may include but are not limited to:
- Independent living skills development either on an individual basis or in a group setting
- Education exploration and planning
- Rental assistance, housing counseling, mentoring, employment counseling and on-going support services
Specifically, the Chafee Social Case Worker:
- Assesses individual needs of youth preparing for emancipation and those struggling with living independently after emancipation.
- Develops appropriate service and treatment plan in collaboration with ongoing caseworker and community partners.
- Provides counseling, referral and instructional services.
- Conducts initial needs assessments.
- Ascertains the nature and extent of complaint and severity of problems.
- Evaluates clients to determine client history, needs, interest, motivation and pattern of responsibility.
- Reviews client and family case and staff cases with the Unit Supervisor to assess the youth's safety, permanency and well-being, and subsequently develops and implements treatment plans.
- Recommends and refers clients to appropriate support agencies and programs within the agency and the community.
- Establishes, maintains and coordinates services and activities with relevant community agencies; and represents DHS in accordance with Volume 7 and City Rules and Regulations.
- Conducts monthly contact for all youth actively opened on cases and assigned, and comply with State and Federal standards in providing case notes, treatment plans, assessments and evaluations.
- Coordinates and leads variety of activities for youth in group and individual settings.
- Some evening and weekend work hours required for programming.
- Performs additional duties as assigned by Independent Living Program Manager.
This position requires an online assessment or test. Once you complete your application, if you meet the qualification for the position you will receive an email from AssessmentTeam@denvergov.org with a link to the assessment or test. We recommend that you add AssessmentTeam@denvergov.org to your safe sender list. If you do not receive the email within 30 minutes of applying, please contact AssessmentTeam@denvergov.org.
NOTE: Please attach your unofficial transcripts and list of references to your application in the required attachment section.
Our ideal candidate:
- Is able to develop relationships with youth and identify their strengths and opportunities for improvement.
- Expresses the aptitude to allow the youth to lead their case plans and establish their goals
- Is resourceful and organized with the ability to follow through with commitments and understand the needs of this population
We realize your time is valuable so please do not apply if you do not have at least the following required minimum qualifications:
- Education: Baccalaureate Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Guidance and Counseling, or a closely related field.
- Experience: One (1) year of professional social case work experience.
- Equivalency: No substitution of experience for education is permitted. Additional appropriate education may be substituted for experience requirements.
- Licensure and/or Certification: Possession of a valid driver's license at the time of application.