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RICHLAND COUNTY CHILDREN SERVICES 

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

 

TITLE:            Case Worker 

 

CLASSIFICATION:   Case Worker 

UNIT:              Program Services 

 

DEPARTMENT:          Program Services 

DATE:           January 29, 2025

 

SUPERVISED BY:      Supervisor  

CLASSIFIED: Yes                    

 

FLSA STATUS:            Non-Exempt  

 

Under the general supervision of a Children Services Supervisor, the Case Worker provides casework and case management services to abused, neglected and dependent children and their families.  Case work consists of varied, complex tasks requiring the application of numerous laws, rules, regulations, procedures, and policies.  Case work requires extensive exercise of independent judgment and sound discretion.   Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

  • Investigate reports of abuse/neglect/dependency to assess safety of children in accordance with agency policy and procedures and the Ohio Administrative Code; 
  • Develops immediate plans for the safety of children, including removal, when assessment reveals that the child is in immediate danger of physical injury, emotional harm, or neglect; 
  • Holds as confidential all aspects of the job; 
  • Consults with the RCCS Legal Department regarding juvenile court filings, and participates as necessary in the prosecution of any proceeding brought by the agency; 
  • Testifies in Juvenile Court (and other courts as necessary) regarding evidence gathered during the investigation and/or case planning; 
  • Performs on-call services as required by agency policy and procedure; 
  • Creates and maintains records of necessary investigation documentation, related activities, and state required documentation; 
  • Meets all timeliness standards set by RCCS, ODJFS, or other applicable state/federal law; 
  • Works with other public and private agencies to facilitate case plan services and goals; 
  • Meets all training requirements set by RCCS, ODJFS, or other applicable state/federal law; 
  • Conducts community training on issues pertaining to child abuse and neglect; 
  • Creates correspondence, forms and reports associated with effective case plan services;
  • Mentors students, college interns and new employees; 
  • Attends work as scheduled daily; 
  • Drives a motor vehicle to home visits, court, and to other job functions in the community; 
  • Performs typing, word processing, and related computer operations; 
  • Works overtime and outside of regular work schedule and/or office hours as required to meet the needs of agency clients and to complete assigned caseloads; 

 

OTHER FUNCTIONS 

  • Performs related non-essential functions, as required and as assigned. 

 

CRITICAL SKILLS/EXPERTISE 

  • Thorough knowledge of and ability to apply rules, regulations and guidelines associated with abuse, neglect and dependency of children. This includes but is not limited to those standards set by Ohio Revised Code, Ohio Administrative Rule, and agency policies and procedures; 
  • Ability to effectively analyze situations and practice sound judgement to develop effective case work strategies; 
  • Ability to utilize varied interviewing skills to elicit information from parents, children, and other parties who may have knowledge relevant to the case or investigation; 
  • Ability to effectively and appropriately manage stressful situations; 
  • Ability to plan independently and in collaboration with co-workers, case participants, and other community partners; 
  • Ability to work independently, under pressure, as part of a team and to set and achieve goals; 
  • Demonstrated integrity, reliability, and the ability to maintain confidentiality; 
  • Ability to work effectively with clients from widely varied levels of education and competence; 
  • Ability to work effectively with individuals who may be upset, distraught, irate, emotionally or mentally or otherwise unable to function within a reasonable range of constructive behaviors; 
  • Ability to apply critical thinking skills, define and solve problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions in ambiguous situations that carry major implications for children and families; 
  • Ability to effectively organize and maintain large volumes of paperwork and case files;
  • Ability to effectively mediate and de-escalate conflict; 
  • Communicate professionally and effectively orally and in writing; 
  • Organize and prioritize work assignments, multi-task with accurate focus and refocus in a fast-paced environment; 
  • Efficiently operate computers and programs such as, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other agency and ODJFS programs; 
  • Deliver excellent service; 
  • Proficiency in grammar, writing, spelling, punctuation, and general arithmetic; 
  • Thorough knowledge, adherence and aptitude to follow safety policies, procedures and practices, including safe driving techniques; 

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

The position is identified as sedentary.  Physical activity includes lifting to fifty (50) pounds occasionally, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, manual dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. 

 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

The employee is exposed to chemical compounds founds in an office environment (e.g. toner, correction fluid, cleaning supplies, etc.); is exposed to possible injury due to unclean or unsanitary conditions; has contact with potentially violent or emotionally distraught persons; is exposed to hazardous driving conditions; has exposure to potentially vicious animals; has exposure to bed bugs, lice, scabies and other insects; works in or around crowds; ascends and/or descends stairs, and works irregular hours. 

 

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

Case workers must meet the educational requirements established by ODJFS (OAC 5101:233-55) 

  1. Bachelor’s degree in human services related studies; or 
  2. Bachelor’s degree in any field and employed for at least two years in a Human Services related occupation; or 
  3. Associate’s degree in Human Services related studies; or 
  4. Employed for at least five (5) years in a Human Services related occupation. 

For employment to continue, a person who qualifies as described in 2, 3, & 4, above, must obtain a job-related bachelor’s degree not later than five (5) years after the date of employment as a case worker.   

 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

  • Must possess a valid Ohio Driver’s License and acceptable driving record as determined by the Richland County Board of Commissioners 
  • Must maintain and provide proof of auto insurance with coverage amounts set by the Richland County Board of Commissioners. 

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Bachelor’s and/or Master’s in Social Work   
  • LSW or LISW Licensure 
  • Prior Children Services case work experience 

 

Approved:     Tara A.Lautzenhiser

           

January 29, 2025

                  Tara A. Lautzenhiser, Ex. Director 

/Date 

 

Employee Acknowledgement 

 

I, ____________________________________, acknowledge that I have been provided a copy of this job description, and that I have read and understand its contents.   

 

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Signature                                                        Date

 

 

 

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