Child Welfare CW I - Intake & Assessment

Normal Working Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm; Full-time

Pay Range: $20.95- $28.41/hr.

Position Title: Child Welfare CW I - Intake & Assessment

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, assesses 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 less 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.) Completion of bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field.

B.) Master’s Degree is desirable.

C.) Six months experience in child protection (completed initial training) with general level of knowledge regarding child welfare laws, procedures, and policy.

D.) Must possess a valid State of Ohio driver's license and have full-time access to a vehicle.

DUTIES; KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

I.JOB DUTIES:

50% of time

(1) Assesses cases of alleged child abuse, neglect or dependency, request for service cases, and conducts courtesy interviews as requested. Receives potential intake reports; assesses all complaints received pertaining to child abuse/neglect (e.g. hospitals, doctors, neighbors, schools, law enforcement agencies, homes, etc.); verifies that information received is valid; analyzes data, and prepares data for family risk assessment matrix by maximizing family and community involvement; with high level of consultation, decides what action is needed (dismiss complaint or recommend active status). If facts warrant removal of child from parents or home immediately (danger to health and safety of child),contacts law enforcement agency for assistance in child removal; decides what type of placement is needed (e.g. foster care, children's home, relative placement); verifies relative's home environment is correct for child placement (e.g. home visit, relative background, 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. Provides transportation as required.

5% of time

(2) Performs legal services as needed or required (e.g. custody changes to be filed, if any); attends hearings; confers with prosecutor, attorneys and judges; prepares report (case) and case plan to present to the court to resolve the problems; prepares and presents testimony as requested.

30% of time

(3) 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% of time

(4) 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.

10% of time

(5) Attends staff meetings, workshops, and seminars to enhance personal knowledge of social service techniques and methods; participates on committees and task forces as required and assigned by supervisor; speaks to public groups as required.

II. KNOWLEDGE

A. Agency policies and procedures

B. Ohio Revised Code (child abuse/neglect)

C. Interview techniques

D. Investigation techniques

E. Social services techniques

F. Foster care rules and regulations

G. Court processes

H. Federal and state documentation procedures

I. Interpret variety of instructions in written and oral form, (r) maintain accurate records

J. Organize groups and lead discussions

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

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. Recognize unusual or threatening conditions and take appropriate action,

B. Define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions,

C. Communicate effectively in written or oral form,

D. Prepare meaningful, concise and accurate reports,

E. Handle sensitive inquiries and contacts with officials and public,

F. Resolve angry complaints from parents and public,

G. Give sound advice and provide leadership to associates,

H. Prepare and present testimony in court.

I. Make sound decisions under stressful circumstances.

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 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.

Work Hours

Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Some evenings and weekend work may be required. Working hours may vary dependent upon need.

To Apply: Please submit your resume to Trent.Wise@jfs.ohio.gov with “ ACCS – CW” in the subject line.