Child Welfare Case Worker

The Counselor I is responsible for providing assessment, prevention, and crisis intervention through home-based and family focused support services. The Counselor I maintains a flexible, organized and efficient work schedule and is subject to work more than a normal work day and be on-call to facilitate program services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Adhere to an evidenced-based social work model, principles and practices.
• Carry and manage up to 15 cases.
• Conduct initial intake with client and family/guardian.
• Provide home based services (ie. assessment, counseling, crisis intervention, advocacy, and referral) to clients and families.
• Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with clients and families through ongoing engagement strategies.
• Provide after hours on-call coverage on a rotating basis.
• Testify at court hearings as necessary.
• Participate in regular peer review, individual supervision, and case consultation as appropriate.
• Establish and maintain professional, collaborative relationships with the agency, community, and key stakeholders.
• Maintain timely documentation in agency database system (ie. assessments, service plans, safety plans, case notes, discharge plans) and other required records in accordance with agency, state accreditation, and other requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Plan, design, and present educational programs as appropriate.
• Supervise students as assigned.
• Participation in the PQ Process.
• Maintain agency standards regarding confidentiality, quality, and productivity.
• Transport clients as needed utilizing company vehicles.
• Serve on staff committees as assigned and/or approved.

Position provides support to families in New Castle and Kent Counties.  Regular travel to both counties, required. Travel within Sussex County, as needed.  

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services or related degree with 2-3 years of related experience, preferred, Associate’s degree in human services or related degree with 2-3 years of related experience, required.

Benefits include:

• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401 (k) plan with matching
• Life Insurance, Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Education and Training Benefits, such as tuition assistance, clinical licensure assistance
• Perk's Plus, Employee Wellness Benefits
• Vacation, Sick, Personal and Holiday Pay
• Milage Reimbursement, and access to an agency vehicle

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Demonstrated ability to engage effectively and respectfully with a diverse service population.

· Prior professional or academic experience in child welfare, family services, or community-based organizations.

· Exceptional organizational and time-management abilities.

· Strong verbal and written communication skills.

· Previous experience working with specific age groups (e.g., children or adolescents) as required by the program.

· Flexibility to adjust work assignments and schedules, including evenings and weekends, to meet client needs.

· Willingness and ability to travel within the assigned county and statewide.

· Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license that meets agency insurance requirements.

· A consistent commitment to safe driving practices.

EOE