Caseworker - Children Protective Services

Do you enjoy working with families? Do you enjoy problem solving and finding ways to help others? Would you like the opportunity to remove barriers, identify strengths and problem solve to assist better outcomes for families? If so, Clermont County is seeking full time Caseworker positions within the Department of Job and Family Services, Division of Children's Protective Services. (more than 1 position may be filled)

BENEFITS:

Clermont County offers a great benefits package to its full-time employees including, but not limited to:

• 11 paid Holidays per year

• 15 paid sick leave days per year - unlimited carryover of unused days

• Paid Vacation

• Paid Personal Leave

• Potential for Flexible Work Hours

• Tuition Assistance Program

• Student Loan Forgiveness - Public service employees may be eligible for student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance (single to family plan options to fit your needs)

• Life Insurance - $25,000 at no cost to employee

• Long-term Disability

• Ohio Public Employee Retirement System (employees contribute 10% of salary and employer contributes 14%).

Type: Full-Time Permanent (Classified)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime)

Bargaining Unit: Yes; AFSCME

Probationary Period: 1 year

Salary: Negotiable depending on qualifications/experience ( minimum of $19.37 hour)

Posting Period: Position will be open until filled.

JOB DUTIES:

Investigates complaints of child abuse, neglect, and dependency, assesses risk of further abuse/neglect and the need for continued protective services in-home and out of home. Completes investigation reports and works with law enforcement and court personnel in prosecution of child abuse cases; testifies in criminal and civil court hearings; AND/OR Manages an ongoing caseload of children in custody and/or involved with Children's Services.

Files complaints/motions and testifies in Juvenile court in regard to abuse/neglect cases and provides accommodations for need for continued protective services. Initiates case plan development and implementation and coordinates services as related to such. Updates case records; maintains complete and accurate case files including summaries, required forms, dictations and other documentation for the record and SACWIS computer system; AND/OR Manages caseload of specialized foster care and/or adoption assessments and placements.

Completes home studies; prepares assigned cases for administrative/judicial procedures as required. Gathers information for eligibility determination for Adoption Assistance Subsidy. Provides post adoptive services to families and children.

Attends training, staff meetings, case conferences, treatment team meetings, and participates in community resource coordination. Works alone or with other persons in short or long-term team projects to resolve problems or conflicts in any area of county operations or to complete assigned projects at the direction of any county supervisor or Department Head when assigned. Works aggressively to reduce or eliminate safety/risk concerns in current position or work location.

Reports safety/risk management issues to immediate supervisor. New and other related duties as assigned. As operational needs arise, may be required to assume additional duties of position within same classification.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have and maintain a valid Driver's License with an acceptable driving record. Per Section 5153.112 of the Ohio Revised Code, applicant must have one of the following:

1.A Bachelor's degree in human services-related studies; or

2.A Bachelor's degree in any field and have been employed for at least two years in a human services occupation; or

3.An Associate's degree in human services-related studies; or

4.Been employed for at least five years in a human services-related occupation.

For employment to continue, a person described in option 2, 3, or 4 above must obtain a job-related Bachelor's degree not later than five years after the date employment with the agency commences.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Emergency response may be required. The position possesses responsibility for the safety of children and/or adults by requiring the incumbent to make determinations as to whether these children/adults are in an "imminent risk of harm". These children/adults are incapable of protecting themselves from physical, mental, and/or sexual abuse.

Additionally, the position involves performing duties which require taking some special safety precautions, such as when contacting and negotiating with a family suspected of child abuse or neglect. However, performing this duty does not require the use of protective clothing. Exposure to these situations is likely to result in threats of injury, which are rarely acted upon.

The position may involve lifting or carrying children, and exposure to contagious diseases. Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirements stated above. Military education and experience may be substituted for college and vocational certificate level course work on a case-by-case basis based on the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide recommendations.

For consideration please include a military transcript and/or Form DD214 with your application. Conditions and procedures for selection will be consistent with Clermont County Personnel Policy and/or Collective Bargaining Agreements, if applicable. Also, certain classifications, because of the nature of the work, require pre-placement and/or periodic physical examinations which may include drug/alcohol screening tests. Employment in a position with Clermont County Department of Job and Family Services is contingent upon successful completion and favorable adjudication of a criminal background check conducted by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.