Child Welfare Caseworker I (Ongoing)

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Performs and functions with a high degree of supervisor involvement - it is expected that the worker would show more independence as he or she develops skills and knowledge. Based on level of expertise and recommendation of supervisor, may be assigned some difficult cases, such as multiple service providers, resistant or dysfunctional families, sexual abuse, multiple issues. Provides clear and concise documentation, which is current and accurate at all times; case records will be complete, current, and meet all agency and state requirements as indicated through regular and continuous quality checks. Demonstrates developing expertise as indicated through proper and effective case resolution, completion of family risk assessment matrix, quality case plan development, and implementation. Based on skill level and recommendation of supervisor, may provide advice and some training for lesser skilled employees - training may be through observation or assisting in quality checks of case records. On recommendation of supervisor, may represent the agency by participating in community task forces or committees - will be seen by other professionals as a resource into child protection issues; Performs other related duties as required.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
A.A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Social Work or closely related social services degree
B.A Master’s Degree in Social Work is preferred
C.A high degree of knowledge regarding child welfare laws, procedures, and policy
D.A valid Ohio driver’s license
E.Auto insurance required by law and agency needs
F.Access to private vehicle on a daily basis
DUTIES; KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
I.JOB DUTIES
50% of time
1.Provides protective services to caseload of abused, neglected, and dependent children;
2.Provides services to families with voluntary and involuntary status; obtains, analyzes, and preparesdata for the family risk assessment matrix when applicable, and development of family case plan;
3.Discusses case plan & reunification; counsels family members concerning requirements for resolvingfuture problems;
4.Monitors progress of family members concerning requirements for resolving future problems;
5.Monitors progress of family members in following case plan and amends plan as needed.
6.If facts warrant removal of child from parents or home immediately (danger to health and safety ofchild), contacts law enforcement agency for assistance in child removal; decides what type ofplacement is needed (e.g. foster care, children’s home, relative placement);
7.Verifies relative’s home environment is correct for child placement (e.g. home visit, relativebackground, etc.); if placement is needed, ensures that child’s immediate needs are taken care of(clothes, medical needs, etc.), and completes all necessary paperwork as required.
Allen County Children Services
Position Description - Page 2
Title: Child Welfare Caseworker I (Ongoing)
8. Provides transportation as required.
5% of time
1. Performs legal services as needed or required (e.g. custody changes to be filed, if any); attends hearings;
2. Confers with prosecutor, attorneys and judges; prepares report (case) and case plan to present to the court to resolve the problems;
3. Prepares and presents testimony as requested.
35% of time
1. Prepares and maintains all documents generated by case activities (e.g. family risk assessment matrix, case records, Ohio Registry, Title XX/TANF, social histories, admission, discharge, consent and visitation forms, medical history, information data, information releases, status and movement forms, complaint forms, home studies, etc.).
5-10% of time
1. Attends staff meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences to enhance knowledge of social service techniques and methods;
2. Participates on committees and task forces as required and assigned by supervisor;
3. Speaks to public groups as required.
5% of time
1. Performs “on-call” duties as scheduled by carrying electronic pager in order to resolve any problems that occur or emergencies that arise; provides assistance in resolving child abuse/neglect situations or their prevention.
II. KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
A. Agency policies and procedures
B. Ohio Administrative Code Rules
C. Interview techniques
D. Counseling (child and family)
E. Social work techniques
F. Court processes and procedures
G. Federal and state documentation procedures
III. SKILLS REQUIRED
A. To assess family functioning, including risk assessment
B. To assess casework intervention skill and effectiveness in helping families
C. To assess casework approach to family centered, neighborhood-based service delivery
D. To provide advice and some training for lesser skilled employees – training may be through observation or assisting in quality checks of case records.
E. To work cooperatively with and relate to other units within the agency
F. To work cooperatively with other agencies and professional persons
G. To listen carefully and provide honest, constructive feedback
H. To record, analyze and organize information to meet agency need
Allen County Children Services
Position Description - Page 3
Title: Child Welfare Caseworker I (Ongoing)
I. To communicate effectively both orally and in writing
J. To plan, organize, and prioritize job duties
K. To instruct and motivate employees
L. To provide leadership and instill confidence in employees
M. To operate personal computer
IV. ABILITIES REQUIRED
A. Prepare and present testimony in court;
B. Interpret a variety of instructions in written or oral form;
C. Maintain accurate records;
D. Make sound decisions under stressful circumstances;
E. Recognize unusual or threatening conditions and take appropriate actions;
F. Organize groups and lead discussions;
G. Prepare clear and concise documentation which is accurate at all times and will be a standard for all other less skilled workers;
H. Case records will be complete, current, and meet all agency and state requirements as indicated through periodic quality checks, and could serve as a training tool;
I. Demonstrate expertise as indicated through proper and effective case resolution, quality case plan development and implementation
J. Being recognized as a skilled worker in Social Services
Equipment Operated
Computer, ten-key calculator, printer, copier, fax machines
Physically Demanding and Hazardous Working Conditions Inherent in this Job
Physical Demands and Hazardous Working Conditions: The physical demands and hazardous working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of his job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is almost continuously required to sit, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may continuously repeat the same hand, arm, or finger motion many times as in typing. The position frequently requires non-stop typing on the computer. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, such as files or boxes. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet deadlines with time constraints and to interact with the public and other workers.
The employee may occasionally encounter irate or upset individuals.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is acceptable to this particular environment. However, the noise level can vary depending upon daily activity but will still remain within the acceptable noise level range. The employee continuously is interacting with the public and staff. The employee will be required to meet multiple demands from several people.
Allen County Children Services
Position Description - Page 4
Title: Child Welfare Caseworker I (Ongoing)
Work Hours
Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Some evenings and weekend work may be required. Working hours may vary dependent upon need.
Date Revised: 1/6/99, 03/2020, 09/2020, 12/2020, 12/16/2022, 12/28/2023.
Date Adopted: 12/2020, 12/2022 (1/98)
List titles of positions supervised. If more than eight, list totals only.
SIGNATURE OF AGENCY REPRESENTATIVE DATE
12/28/2023