Social Caseworker B - Adult Protection-(Hybrid Work Model)

Description

Our Mission: Arapahoe County Department of Human Services (ACDHS) builds strong communities by promoting the safety, independence and stability of individuals and families.

Our Vision:To end the cycle of poverty and prevent abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adults (using an integrated Two-Generation approach)

ACDHSuses an integrated Two-Generation (2Gen) approach to address all of the basic human services needs of the entire family unit. The2Genapproach begins with a mindset focused on family-centered program design, continues with the alignment of services and resources within the department as well as across multiple organizations, resulting in coordinated services to children and adults together (family) in order to create long term stability and sustainability.

The2Genapproach builds well-being for families by focusing equally and intentionally on high-quality services in five areas of focus: early childhood education, adult education and employment pathways, economic security, health and well-being and social capital. This approach will help us achieve our core mission of breaking the generational cycle of poverty, preventing neglect and abuse and building strong communities.

This position provides professional casework services by investigating alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation of at-risk adults. Assignments include extensive assessment and situational evaluation of client(s), identifying strengths and needs; developing case plans; coordinating the delivery of services from community agencies; testifying in court hearings, documenting cases, and preparing reports.

Duties

Duties

Conducts investigations to assess for allegations and safety risks of referral on assigned cases to include completing intake and assessment forms, conducting interviews with clients and collaterals; and determining if the situation warrants the recommendation of intervention services to end the abuse and/or neglect and/or exploitation.

• Works with individuals and extended families to determine a safe living plan for client and then designs a case plan to address identified needs and available resources.

• Provides on-going assessment and intervention as needed to assist clients in decision making and problem resolution; acts as an advocate for client.

• Makes collateral contacts with such community resources as law enforcement and medical personnel to obtain additional information, coordinate services, or secure their assistance.

• Gathers and consolidates background information to present as documentation for court hearings, progress reports in judicial review and summaries in facilitating appropriate placements.

• Attends court hearings; confers with lawyers, children, parents, witnesses and extended families, friends, neighbors, ministers and others in reference to their respective roles.

• Serves as information and referral source to other employees and to the public.

• Provides a variety of ancillary assignments as needed including preparing and maintaining client records and completing required forms and reports and performing data entry on Colorado Adult Protection System (CAPS).

• Attends seminars, conferences, workshops, classes, lectures, etc., as appropriate, to enhance and maintain knowledge of trends and developments in the field; reviews professional journals, attends association and professional meetings; and other maintains contacts with professionals to facilitate exchange of information.

REQUIREMENTS:

Skills, Abilities, and Competencies:

• Thorough knowledge of theories, principles, and concepts of social casework practice related to adult protection.

• Knowledge of casework principles and methods of human needs and behavior pertaining to adult issues, such as their right to freedom of choice.

• Knowledge of medical symptoms related to dementia, as well as a variety of adult-related physical ailments.

• Knowledge of domestic violence syndrome and the laws dealing with at-risk adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

• Knowledge and skill in interviewing techniques, crisis intervention methods, and relevant treatment modalities.

• Knowledge of community resources and agency rules, regulations, and procedures related to adult protection issues.

• Ability to independently analyze complex situations, formulate plans, and make quick decisions as needed.

• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious professional relationships with other employees, outside agencies, and the public. Ability to testify effectively in court hearings.

Behavioral Competencies (these are required for all positions at ACG):

Accountability Accessibility Inclusivity Integrity

Requirements

Education and Experience:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a major in a human behavior science field* and one (1) year of professional casework, case management, or human services experience in a public or private human services agency. Some examples of appropriate work experience could include: clinical experience, residential child care experience, milieu experience, domestic violence case manager, paid victim's advocate, probation officer, law enforcement, para-professional work, and/or other case management experience.

OR

A Bachelor of Social Work degree and successful completion of an approved field placement in a county Department of Human Services. OR A Maser of Social Work or a human behavioral science field*.

• In order to meet the minimum educational requirements of a human behavioral science degree, the applicant must have a degree with major course work (equivalent to 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours) in either development of human behavior, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures or therapeutic techniques such as social work, psychology, sociology, guidance and counseling, and child development.

Categorically Eligible Degrees:

For the purposes of meeting minimum educational requirements, the following degrees obtained from an accredited university will be considered "categorically eligible," meaning no review of transcripts is required - Bachelor of Arts and/or Master of Arts degree in the following areas of study: psychology, sociology, social work, counseling, child development.

Areas of study that will be considered to meet the minimum educational requirements as outlined in Volume VII:

1.Psychology

2.Sociology

3.Social Work

4.Counseling

5.Child Development

6.Criminal Justice courses relevant to child welfare: This includes courses covering topics in juvenile justice, family law, family conflict, general court procedures, interviewing techniques, dispute resolution, and mediation.

7.Foreign language courses

8.Anthropology courses relevant to cultural development and history, linguistic development, and communications. Physical anthropology courses do not count toward minimum requirements.

9.History courses relevant to family and cultural development

Supplemental Information

Pre-Employment Additional Requirements:

• Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR) and background check.

• Possession of a valid Class "R" Colorado Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within two weeks of appointment.

Post-Employment Requirements:

• Security clearance required: will require fingerprinting and a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) background check.

• Must have already successfully completed the Colorado Pre-Service Training Academy program or if hired must successfully complete and pass all required State of Colorado training in order to be considered for future employment.

• Maintain 40 hours of educational training each fiscal year. Must initially attend and successfully complete State APS provided training on APS investigations.

• Reliable transportation is required as you will be utilizing your own personal vehicle for visiting families' homes, transporting children, and attending court. You will be reimbursed for mileage.

• Work locations and facilities are subject to change based on business need.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work involves a considerable period of time (approx 50%) away from a standard office environment, much of which consists of driving to, and from home visits and collateral contacts and in transporting clients. At times more than normal physical exertion is required in transporting clients. Work may occur in situations in which incumbent is threatened with physical harm by hostile, angry clients, or family members.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The following are some of the physical demands commonly associated with this position.

• Spends 50% of the time sitting and 50% of the time either standing or walking.

• Occasionally lifts, carries, pulls or pushes up to 20 lbs.

• Occasionally uses cart, dolly, or other equipment to carry in excess of 20 lbs.

• Occasionally climbs, stoops, kneels, balances, reaches, crawls and crouches while performing office or work duties.

• Verbal and auditory capacity enabling constant interpersonal communication through automated devices, such as telephones, radios, and similar; and in public meetings and personal interactions.

• Constant use of eye, hand and finger coordination enabling the use of automated office machinery or equipment.

• Visual capacity enabling constant use of computer or other work-related equipment.

Below, please list any special physical demands associated with this position. For instance, exposure to hazardous environments, blood borne pathogens, extreme heat/cold, use of power equipment or machinery, wearing of PPE (personal protective equipment).

Definitions:

Occasionally: Activity exists less than 1/3 of the time.

Frequently: Activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.

Constantly: Activity exists more than 2/3 of the time.

Some positions may qualify for the

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch

Privacy Rights 24

https://arapahoeco.gov/Human%20Resources/Work%20for%20Arapahoe%20County/Privacy%20Act%20Statement.pdf

Privacy Rights 25

https://arapahoeco.gov/Human%20Resources/Work%20for%20Arapahoe%20County/Noncriminal%20Justice%20Applicant%20Privacy%20Rights.pdf