Childrens Services Worker (Childrens Services Caseworker) (3594-12)

Hamilton County, Ohio; Cincinnati (OH); Hybrid; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government agency in Cincinnati seeks a Children's Services Worker to support and advocate for children's safety. You will conduct assessments, complete necessary documentation, and provide critical support to families. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in a human services field or equivalent experience, along with a valid driver’s license. This position offers a hybrid schedule and competitive benefits.

Benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Free downtown parking

Highly competitive benefits package

Qualifications

• Compassionate and tenacious workers dedicated to ensuring children's safety.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Must undergo criminal records check.

Responsibilities

• Support children and families by advocating for safety.
• Conduct assessments of child safety in mandated timeframes.
• Completing case paperwork and documentation in a timely manner.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Problem-solving

Crisis management

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services-related field

Bachelor’s degree in any field with two years of experience

Job description

Overview

Children's Services Worker (Children’s Services Caseworker) – 3594-12

STARTING HOURLY BASE PAY: $25.75

Be part of our Team! We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law. We are a second-chance employer and a recovery friendly workplace.

Are you interested in serving our community and helping to protect our county’s most vulnerable children? At Hamilton County Children’s Services, this is what we do every day. We are looking for compassionate, tenacious workers who are dedicated to ensuring children are safe.

Want to learn more about what a caseworker does? hcjfs.org/work-here/you-belong-here/

Role

You will support children and families by keeping children safe and advocating for families. We offer a comprehensive training program for all new hires, including classroom training, shadowing, virtual reality experience, coaching, and engagement with our regional training center. This is a critical role that directly impacts the outcomes of the children and families whom we serve. This role may be a good fit if you excel in interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and enjoy fast paced work environments. This position provides the following benefits:

• No on call duty
• Hybrid work schedule
• Culture promoting growth and learning
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free and close downtown parking for office days

We look forward to learning more about you and your passion for this work! Please see the full job description below.

Starting Hourly Base Pay

The $25.75 hourly rate can be increased for prior paid experience up to 8%, MSW (5%), and/or LSW/LISW (2%).

Benefits

Highly Competitive Employee Benefits Package and Generous Paid Time Off

11 Paid Holidays, Immediately Begin with 40 hours Paid Vacation if No Prior Service. Ohio Public Employee Retirement System which includes 14% Employer Contribution and a defined benefit option. Highly Competitive and Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, HRA, Dental, Vision, Employer-Paid Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Parental Leave, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility, Commuter Stipend or Free On-Site Parking, Wellness Incentives, robust Employee Assistance Program, access to Free Medical and Rx through Marathon Health, plus expansive Behavioral and Mental Health Resources, and More!

Deadline and Location

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Open Until Filled

WORK LOCATION: Job & Family Services, 222 E. Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45202

WORK HOURS: 40 hours weekly (Potential for Hybrid Remote Work Schedule)

Note

Applicants for positions with Hamilton County Job and Family Services are subject to background screening in accordance with the document: Offenses that May Disqualify Candidates for Employment. Convictions from this list may disqualify a candidate for employment with HCJFS. Applicants for Children’s Services positions cannot provide foster care for children in the custody of Hamilton County.

Requirements (education, Experience, Licensure, Certification)

• Bachelor's degree in human services-related field orBachelor’s degree in any field and has two (2) years’ work experience in a human service-related occupation.
• A bachelor's or master's in a human services-related field would be required within 5 years.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license issued in the state of residency.
• Must have the use of an insured automobile.
• A criminal records check conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation and the FBI is required.

Agency-preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Social Work
• Licensed Social Worker

Job Duties (summary)

• Completes assessments of child safety in response to Intake Reports of physical and sexual abuse, neglect and dependency within mandated timeframes and in accordance with federal, state and agency policy. Researches previous Children’s Services history, criminal history, court involvement and other applicable information for all individuals associated with Intake Report and/or case members. Conducts and engages in face-to-face interviews with all children in the household of assessment, parent(s)/caregiver(s), and alleged maltreater(s) to make continuous decisions regarding child safety. Assesses and ensures child safety at every contact, frequently including direct consultation with supervisor regarding safety decision making; assessments include information collection from all parties regarding alleged maltreatment, surrounding circumstances, adult and child functioning, parenting practice, and discipline to ensure an accurate safety determination. Understands and determines parent/caregiver protective capacities. Conducts interviews in homes, schools, hospitals, and other community settings as required. When appropriate, seeks medical evaluation of children and completes referrals to law enforcement.
• Controls for child safety immediately when a child is determined unsafe; completes Safety Plan Analysis questions to determine least restrictive safety plan; confirms Safe Environment for all out of home safety plans and placements; works with specialized staff to access appropriate placements and prepare children and families for placement; discusses and partners with family to develop case plan specific to increasing their protective capacities and decreasing active safety threats; completes necessary referrals; maintains regular contact with supportive service providers to ensure coordination and effectiveness of services; ensures frequent and ongoing contact for parent/child parenting time; visits regularly with parent/caregivers and child(ren), including assessment of safety at every visit; continues ongoing monitoring of case progression until the case is transferred or closed; completes necessary paperwork and SACWIS functions to transfer or close case as appropriate.
• Completes necessary paperwork and documentation on a timely basis for case activities, including case reviews, safety assessments, case plans, placements, court reports, court complaints, SACWIS activity notes and placement changes. Demonstrates proficiency in mobile technology to maintain written documentation of assessment activities within required time frames including Safety and Family Assessments, Activity Logs, and Present Danger and Impending Danger Safety Plans. Reviews prior agency history, completes background and criminal checks on parent(s) and alternative caretaker(s). Maintains Children’s Services File.
• Consults with Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, executes requests for legal actions, testifies to and supports the agency’s position regarding case, and prepares for, attends, and participates in court hearings. Attends conferences, reviews, supervision and training.
• Practices with cultural competency, socioeconomic awareness, and respect for diversity in interactions with families; recognizes impact of implicit bias on outcomes.
• Participates in organizational improvement projects, strategic planning meetings, and practice advancement efforts as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Attends conferences and training.

Positions Supervised

Positions supervised: None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: ORC/OAC as relevant to Children’s Services Practice, Assessment and Children’s Services Policy and Procedure, Hamilton County Policy and Procedures, government structure and process; interviewing, trauma informed practices, case management, child welfare practices and procedures; safety decision making.

Skill in: Family centered, strength-based approach; interpretation and application of training materials; crisis management; adaptable; strong written and verbal communication; critical thinking and problem-solving.

Ability: Communicate professionally and respectfully; work independently; analytically review information; prepare concise written documents; maintain confidentiality; cooperate with agency staff and external partners; develop rapport with families and children.

Education, Licensure And Certification

• Bachelor's degree in human services-related field or bachelor’s degree in any field with two years’ work experience in a human service-related occupation. A bachelor's or master's in a human services-related field would be required within 5 years.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and use of insured automobile.
• A criminal records check conducted by BCI and FBI is required.

Background Checks Required

Background checks consistent with requirements in OAC 5101:2-5-09 must be completed at employment and every ten years, including SACWIS, state child/abuse registry checks, BCI, FBI, and NSOPW.