Social Caseworker B - Adult Protection- Hybrid Work Model

"Arapahoe County Child and Adult Protection Services positions are hybrid and require 3 days in the office, which could be at either the Aurora or Littleton location."

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)

ACDHS uses an integrated Two-Generation (2Gen) approach to address all of the basic human services needs of the entire family unit. The 2Gen approach 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.

The 2Gen approach 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.

* Anticipated Hiring Range - Min: $60,625.76- $73,817.38.

* 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

Education and Experience:
A bachelor's degree in social work or a human behavioral science field from an accredited institution with a minimum of 30 semester credit hours or 45 quarter hours 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.

OR

A bachelor's degree in social work or a human behavioral science field from an accredited institution with a minimum of 30 semester credit hours or 45 quarter hours in a human behavior science field* and
successful completion of a child welfare internship within a County Department of Human Services or a related Human Services Agency with direct contact and service to children and families in the community.

OR

A bachelor's degree in social work or a human behavioral science field from an accredited institution with a minimum of 30 semester credit hours or 45 quarter hours in a human behavior science field* and one (1) year of volunteer experience in a public or private human services agency working at least 20 hours per week.

OR

A master's degree from an accredited institution in social work or a human behavioral science field* with no experience.

OR

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in an unrelated field (such as biology, physics, geology, etc.) with a minimum of 15 semester credit hours or 25 quarter hours in a human behavior science field* and a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in casework, case management, or human services in a public or private agency.

OR

A master's degree from an accredited institution in an unrelated field (such as biology, physics, geology, etc.) with a minimum of 15 semester credit hours or 25 quarter hours of coursework in a human behavior science field*, coursework taken during bachelor's degree will meet this education requirement and a minimum of one (1) year of professional experience in casework, case management, or human services in a public or private agency.

* 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 15 semester credit hours or 25 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". Bachelor of Arts and/or Master of Arts degree in
the following areas of study.

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.

• Educator/Teacher and or Para-professional Work: Providing support to underserved children in communities where services are essential, including engaging with families of learners.
• Refugee/Migrant Support: Offering aid and advocacy to refugees and/or migrants facing unique challenges.
• Residential Care/PRTF: Experience with children, youth or adults in residential care, day treatment or detention centers, emphasizing hands-on engagement with families.
• Domestic Violence Case Manager: Direct experience in managing cases related to domestic violence and supporting clients.
• Clinical Experience: Experience working with vulnerable/underserved children and families utilizing therapeutic tools or interventions.
• Medical Professionals: Ex. Nurses who have worked in the field with underserved populations providing public health education to families who are vulnerable and need assistance accessing services.
• Victim's Advocate: Experience working with children and families in the community providing support and resources.
• Probation Officer: Experience providing case management services to individuals, both youth and adults.
• Law Enforcement: Experience working in underserved communities, being called in the field to mitigate risk/de-escalation of citizens struggling with mental health, working with adults/youth in the community. Connecting with families in the community experiencing traumatic life events.
• Internships and Volunteering: Experience gained through internships or volunteering in any of the categories with a commitment of 20 hours per week or more (or 16 hours if internship was within child welfare county department).

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 employment.

• Will require fingerprinting and a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI)background check.
• Position is deemed essential and intake casework staff must be available for winter storm and other emergency events. Intake caseworker staff may be asked to be available to work on-call on a rotational basis including evenings, holidays and weekends.
• Must have already successfully completed the Colorado Pre-Service Training Academy programorif hired must successfully complete and pass all required State of Colorado training in order to be certified as a caseworker. Maintain Child Welfare Certification through 40 or more hours of yearly training.
• Work locations and facilities are subject to change based on business need.

• Vacation hours accrue for all active employees based on scheduled hours and years of service, as shown below:
  • 10 hours per month(with accrual increases every five years)
• Sick Time:
  • 8 hours per month
• 13designated paid holidays annually (8 hours paid for each holiday)
• 3additional floating holiday annually(8 hours paid for each holiday)
• 6additional exempt days annually for exempt employees only (8 hours paid for each exempt day)

• Work involves a considerable period of time (20-40%) away from standard office environment, much of which consists of driving to and from home visits, collateral contacts and in transporting children and clients. At times more than normal physical exertion is required in transporting children. Work my occur in situations in which incumbent is threatened with physical harm by hostile/angry clients.

• 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.

* Arapahoe County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or any other status protected under the law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity in any term, condition, or privilege of employment and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors. Arapahoe County is committed to making employment accessible to persons with disabilities.

** In accordance with Senate Bill 23-058, applicants understand that Arapahoe County will not request or require the applicant to include their age, date of birth, or date of attendance/graduation date on the initial application. Applicants understand that Arapahoe County can request or require an individual to provide documentation including copies of certification, transcripts, and other materials created by a third party. The applicant understands that the applicant can redact, if they so choose, information that identifies age, date of birth, or dates of attendance/graduation from an educational institution on those requested/required certification, transcripts and other materials created by a third party.

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (i.e. uploading or attaching documents to your online application), call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627. Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application, first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt uploading (attaching) it.