Social Caseworker II - Ongoing

Teller County's Department of Human Services in Woodland Park, CO is seeking an  entry-level caseworker position responsible for providing ongoing child protection and/or Youth in Conflict services to families; provides crisis assessments and intervention; supervises substitute placement of children out of the home; involvement with Courts and other community professionals; may require work outside of normal business hours including on-call. 

What You'll Do:

1) Interview clients and collaterals to assess child and family safety, well-being and permanency needs.

2) Develop treatment plans and complete referrals to services and community resources; monitor for progress and compliance with court-orders.

3) Prepare and maintain confidential client records and reports using computerized systems (e.g. Trails, Word); document contacts, plans and recommendations; maintain and submit files and records for foster care and court review. 

4) Monitor placement of children out of the home; locate subsequent appropriate placement as required; ensure children in Department custody receive necessary services, supervision and interventions; coordinate child/family visits; determine if and when to recommend return of children to their home or an alternative permanency plan. 

5) Testify in court proceedings; complete and file court reports; collaborate with legal teams and make recommendations to the court.

6) Participate in team and community meetings concerning issues of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation of children and youth. 

7) Ensure compliance with federal, state and county laws, policies and regulations regarding child welfare 

8) Travel to client residences and a variety of agencies and facilities to conduct interviews and assessments and attend meetings and court hearings.

What You'll Bring:

Education/Experience: 

• A Bachelors’ degree in human or behavioral science; 
• Minimum of one (1) year of related post-degree professional experience in a public or private social services setting; 
• Any acceptable combination of education, training and experience that provides the listed knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted 

You Also Have These Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of: Principles and processes for providing excellent customer service, including client needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction; thorough knowledge of Youth/Family Crisis and child abuse/neglect and the justifications and means of intervention; Colorado Children’s Code, state and county social services policies and federal regulations; child welfare and youth in conflict; child development, mental health and family systems. 

Skilled in: Use of computers and office equipment; accurate data entry; writing clear and concise reports; reading and understanding complex government rules, regulations and policies and applying them appropriately; time management   

Ability to: Communicate effectively in writing and verbally with diverse populations; establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with co-workers, other county departments, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and the public; assimilate and apply various computer/data entry skills to access and complete county, state and federal case file requirements; assess dynamics of child safety, permanency and parent/child conflict; assess statutory obligations in applicable situations; follow established procedures and protocols in child abuse/neglect cases; assimilate and apply: new approaches, techniques and theoretical practices to a child welfare caseload.

Additional Details About the Role:

Visual Acuity/Hearing/Speaking:  Must be able to read, speak and write English; able to hear and see.   

Physical Effort/Dexterity:  This position requires daily routine computer usage; the ability to drive a vehicle; light physical exertion and the normal range of motion and dexterity; ability to sit (sometimes for extended periods of time), stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, crawl or climb; ability to lift, pull or drag up to 25 lbs. for short periods of time.

Environmental Factors:  Work is performed in an office setting, clients’ homes and residential facilities. Elements of weather are sometimes encountered; caution must be exercised when intervening in abuse, neglect, and conflict situations 

Work Schedule/Characteristics: 40 hours per week; on call as needed for emergency situations.

License/Certification Requirements:  Possession of and ability to maintain a valid Colorado driver’s license and ability to successfully complete Colorado Child Welfare Training Academy. 

Additional Requirements: The ability to pass all background checks (CBI etc.) and ability to pass a urinalysis test prior to employment.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary range: $22.55 - $23.68 / hour

Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Location: Woodland Park CO, on site

When it comes to benefits, Teller County is committed to offering a comprehensive, affordable benefits package that meets the needs of our employees and their families.

Two Meritain Aetna health plans to choose from –the County pays 50% to 100% of the premium depending on the plan you choose

· HSA plan – the County contributes $1,250 for employee only and $2,500 for employee plus one or more dependents

· Telehealth/Teledoc options – access quality healthcare from the comfort of your home, during your lunch break or while traveling

· Dental, Vision and Prescription drug coverage

· Basic and voluntary life coverage

· 401a retirement plan – employees contribute 4% and the County matches 8%. You are fully vested in five years.

· 457b deferred comp plans – both pre- and post-tax options available

· Time Off: Paid vacation, sick, 12 holidays, 1 floating holiday

· Aflac, wellness programs, EAP, education assistance, employee discounts, uniform allowance

Click here to review our full benefits package

Applications accepted until 4:00 p.m., Thursday, September 18, 2025