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We are seeking a professional, caring candidate to respond to reports of child abuse/neglect, and provide intensive crisis intervention and assessments of families' needs, including domestic violence, substance abuse, child abuse and neglect, environmental conditions, and caretakers' capacity to parent. This may include determination of need for out-of-home placement for children. Candidate will identify and utilize the strengths of the family; determine risk and/or safety issues for children; make plans that best meet the safety, well being and permanency needs of children; provide services to families in crisis; and work in partnership with community and collateral agencies.

• • Investigates and assess reports of abuse and neglect of children. Interviews and observes victims, offenders, witnesses, caregivers and collaterals to ensure the safety of the child and determines the validity of the allegations. Recognizes and identifies risk factors and dynamics of child abuse, child neglect and family functioning (includes specialized caseload).
   • Provides intensive crisis intervention with families in order to address family problems, assesses need for on-going services, and prevents out of home placement.
  Provides ongoing case management working with families on an intensive level with the goal of preventing out of home placement, preventing court involvement, and connecting the family to community resources.
   • Maintains accurate case records of assessment, activities, and plans; writes summaries, reports, letters, and memos. Works diligently to meet federal and state mandates and timeframes.
   • Evaluates need for placement, determines appropriate level of care, and facilitates placement. Assures ongoing safety through frequent, meaningful contact with children and their caregivers.
   • Prepares court reports, attends court hearings, testifies in court hearings and proceedings, consults with attorneys, judges, and guardians-ad-litem.
   • Nurtures community partnerships to enhance service delivery and program development.
   • Provides positive role modeling in work environment, ensuring productivity.
   • Performs specialized duties as assigned including mentoring, training, leadership of peers.
   • Communicates clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
   • Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

• • Knowledge of the Colorado Children's code and Volume VII for the federal and state mandates and which govern our efforts and provide the legal base of child welfare practice.
   • Knowledge of human behavior principles, child development, family dynamics, and neglect and abuse dynamics.
   • Knowledge of resources and alternatives to placement to aid in case direction.
   • Knowledge of casework principals, assessments and intake investigations. Ability to complete assessments and determine case direction.
   • Knowledge of and proficiency in the use of the state automated child welfare information system. • Ability to effectively and efficiently use the court to assist in getting treatment for clients as well as ensure due process. • Ability to utilize personal vehicle or other mode of transportation to make visits to client's homes, travel to court and other public facilities.
   • Ability to conduct home visits in unknown and uncontrolled settings which may include animals, feces, airborne contaminants, gang members, weapons, and other environmental hazards.
   • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
   • Ability to establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• • Experience - Three years of full time professional social casework experience acquired after the degree in a public or private social services agency in an area appropriate to the position.  A minimum of one of those years including specific child protection work.  Ability to speak, read, and w write Spanish is strongly preferred.
   • Education – A Bachelor's degree in one of the human behavioral science fields. A Master's degree in one of the human behavioral science fields or a BSW may substitute for 1 yr. of required experience. An MSW may substitute for two years of the required experience.  
   • License or Certificate – Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado Driver's License and automobile insurance
   • Background Check – Must pass a criminal (CBI) background check.
  
  Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment:
   
   Ability to work in a standard office environment.
   Ability to utilize personal vehicle or other mode of transportation to make visits to client's homes, travel to court and other public facilities in all types of weather.
   Ability to lift and carry (1-50 lbs.) infants and small children in the care and custody of the County, as well as the ability to carry large case files.
   Ability to conduct home visits in unknown and uncontrolled settings which may include animals, feces, airborne contaminants, gang members, weapons, and other environmental hazards.
   
   ALL APPLICANTS MUST VIEW THE FOLLOWING REALISTIC JOB VIDEO PRIOR TO APPLYING:
   
   http://www.coloradorjpvideo.org/
   
   CLICK ON THE ABOVE LINK OR COPY AND PASTE INTO YOUR BROWSER.