Child Protection Worker-Assessments and Investigations

• Performs intake and screening functions for reports of maltreatment and other social services requests to determine if further action is warranted; accepts reports of child maltreatment and identifies the source of maltreatment. May coordinate safety response to reports of maltreatment.   
• Provides ongoing service and monitoring to families where there is a finding of abuse or neglect to protect children from further harm. 
• Performs assessment activities to ensure children are safe: evaluates safety needs of children, assesses reports of child maltreatment and determines if it has occurred, and assesses family functioning by defining strengths and needs. Develops safety plans for children and assures permanency for children in a safe, supportive family setting. 
• Initiates court proceedings when necessary: provides recommendations to the court regarding family reunification; testifies and represents the department/county position in court; negotiates with legal/court professionals on recommendations, planning, goals and services.  
• Performs ongoing activities in case planning and monitoring: coaches families on how to meet their identified needs; intervenes in crisis situations; conducts searches to ensure family placement if possible; makes decisions regarding permanency needs for children (i.e. reunification, transfer of legal custody, termination of parental rights, adoption).  
• Performs a variety of administrative duties in keeping records and case plans; provides training to mandated reporters; acts as SSIS mentor; participates in local collaborative and inter-agency planning meetings. 
• Coordinates facilitation of family group decision-making conferences; prepares meeting participants for meeting; clarifies purpose of meeting and bottom-lines with referring worker and family.  
• Provides case management services to families through development of case plans to assure safety for children.   
• Finds and develops appropriate homes for children requiring out-of-home placement for safety.
• Coordinates culturally specific services and resources to families (including federally mandated services), which include support and decision making by extended family members and friends.   
• Provides recommendations to the court regarding reunification of children in placement or alternative permanency action when reunification cannot be safely achieved.   
• Facilitates family conferences to address safety and permanency needs for children.    
• Coordinates the referral process for Family Group Decision Making and works with contracted agencies to meet the needs of families within the four grant counties. Writes grants and collects statistical data for grant reporting.    
• Accepts requests for social services and determines appropriate resources for requestor; facilitates prompt and efficient responses to those requesting service.    
• Screens all child and adult maltreatment reports and decides on the immediacy of intervention needed.
• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires equivalency of a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Sociology and three years of experience providing professional social work case management directly for clients. A Master's Degree in Social Work or related field such as Psychology, Sociology, or Human Services and one year of experience working with children and families is highly desirable but not required. Case management experience with children and families is highly desired. Must possess a valid driver's license and provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Social Work Supervisor. Work is performed according to established professional guidelines and procedures, as well standards and procedures which are determined by county, state, or federal regulations. The employee exercises considerable independent judgment in implementing work methods and procedures. Work may be reviewed by the Social Services Director for overall standard of performance. The employee provides work direction and training to Social Worker I related to the case plans they develop for their clients.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

• Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.
• Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.
• Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.
• Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.
• Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.
• Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.
• Innovation-Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of social work.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to social work. Including but not limited to ICWA regulations.
• Knowledge of agency programs, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, cultural diversities, and language barriers to ensure equitable service delivery.
• Knowledge and understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, co-workers, and supervisors, including individuals with a disability or whose first language may be other than English.
• Ability to conduct interviews.
• Ability to prioritize, assess, and manage cases and to analyze complex case situations to evaluate the needs for support services.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in making decisions and determining when additional case review or action is needed.
• Ability to follow complex verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
• Ability to engage and build rapport with hostile/involuntary clients. Negotiate and work collabortively with court partners, foster parents, service providers, and other professionals to assure child safety. 
• Ability to use MS Office software and other state and local technology (SSIS,Traverse etc.) for the performance of essential duties.
• Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential politically heightened nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, occurring both in an office and more typically in the field within clients' places of residence. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing the needs/demands of emotionally charged clients. Incumbent may be exposed to various atmospheric and health hazards such as odors, dusts, pets, poor ventilation, fumes, garbage, unsanitary, etc. when working in clients' residences. Incumbent may be exposed to uncooperative, angry, and sometimes hostile clients, which can be personally threatening at times. Given the nature of the job, Child Protection Workers are required to work flexible hours and work late with short notice. They are required to transport children and adults who may present poor behavior controls and who may be emotional.

Some evening and weekend hours may be required.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.