Childrens Services Worker (Childrens Services Caseworker) (4641-12)

Hamilton County, Ohio; Cincinnati (OH); Hybrid; USD 26,500 - 28,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Tuition reimbursement

Medical, HRA, Dental, Vision

Paid parental leave

Job summary

A county government agency in Cincinnati is seeking a dedicated Childrens Services Worker to protect vulnerable children. Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a related field or have significant experience in human services. Responsibilities include conducting child safety assessments and performing timely documentation. The role offers a hybrid work schedule and a starting pay of $26.52 per hour, with benefits including tuition reimbursement and generous vacation policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a human services-related field required.
• Valid driver's license and insured automobile necessary.
• Must pass background checks conducted by FBI and other agencies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments of child safety in response to intake reports.
• Perform necessary paperwork and documentation timely.
• Consult with Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office as needed.

Skills

Compassionate

Tenacious

Cultural competency

Socioeconomic sensitivity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a human services-related field

Bachelor’s degree in any field with 2 years of experience

Master’s in a human services-related field (within five years)

Tools

Valid driver’s license

Insured automobile

Job description

Childrens Services Worker (Childrens Services Caseworker) (4641-12)

Are you interested in serving our community and helping to protect our county’s most vulnerable children? Join Hamilton County Children’s Services and make a difference every day. We are looking for compassionate, tenacious workers dedicated to ensuring children and family safety.

Starting Hourly Base Pay

$26.52 per hour. Pay can increase (up to 8%) for prior paid experience, 5% for MSW, 2% for LSW/LISW.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete assessments of child safety in response to intake reports of abuse, neglect and dependency within mandated timeframes and in accordance with federal, state and agency policy.
• Research previous child services history, criminal history, court involvement and other applicable information for all individuals associated with intake reports and/or case members.
• Conduct and engage in face‑to‑face interviews with children in the household, parents/caregivers and alleged maltreaters to make continuous decisions regarding child safety.
• Ensure child safety at every contact and consult with supervisor as needed for safety decision‑making.
• Control for child safety immediately when a child is determined unsafe by confirming present or impending danger; complete safety plan analysis and develop least restrictive safety plans.
• Work with specialized staff to access appropriate placements and prepare children and families for placement; maintain regular contact with supportive service providers.
• Perform necessary paperwork and documentation on a timely basis, including case reviews, safety assessments, case plans, placements, court reports, court complaints, SACWIS activity notes, and placement changes.
• Consult with Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, execute requests for legal actions, testify to support the agency’s position, and prepare for and attend court hearings.
• Attend conferences, reviews, supervision, training and staff meetings.
• Apply cultural competency, socioeconomic sensitivity, and respect for diversity in all interactions.
• Participate in organizational improvement projects, strategic planning meetings and practice advancement efforts.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services‑related field; OR bachelor’s degree in any field and at least two (2) years of work experience in a human services‑related occupation.
• Within five years, a bachelor’s or master’s in a human services‑related field is required.
• Valid driver’s license issued in state of residency.
• Insured automobile available for use.
• 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.

Benefits

• Hybrid work schedule.
• 24‑hour hotline for emergency after‑hours response.
• Culture promoting growth and learning.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Immediately begin with 40 hours paid vacation if no prior service.
• Ohio Public Employee Retirement System (14% employer contribution and defined benefit option).
• Medical, HRA, Dental, Vision.
• Employer‑paid life insurance, long‑term disability.
• Paid parental leave, public service loan forgiveness eligibility.
• Commuter stipend or free on‑site parking.
• Wellness incentives, employee assistance program, access to free medical and prescription care through Marathon Health.
• Expansive behavioral and mental health resources.

Application Deadline

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.

Additional Requirements

Applicants are subject to background screening in accordance with the Hamilton County Job and Family Services background check policies. Convictions from the disqualification list may disqualify a candidate. Children’s Services positions require that candidates cannot provide foster care for children in the custody of Hamilton County.

Physical & Mental Requirements

• Lift and carry children, child car seats, infant carriers, large case files, occasionally push a cart containing case files.
• Stand for the entire length of a home visit (an hour or longer).
• Conduct home visits regardless of extreme temperatures and inclement weather.
• Significant walking to, from, and during home visits, supervised visitations, court, meetings, and other obligations.
• Frequently enter and exit motor vehicles; climb and descend stairs.
• Potentially see and hear traumatic events or situations.
• Sitting for extended periods while working on the computer, home visits, court, or meetings.
• Stooping, bending, and crouching.

Hazardous/Working Conditions

• Potentially hazardous or dangerous situations involving upset or violent clients.
• Presence of animals or insects in family homes.
• Requires some tasks in HCJFS offices, in court, or in the field; not eligible for full‑time telework.

Background Checks

• State Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS).
• State Child/Abuse Neglect Central Registry Check for any state in which the applicant resided within the last five years.
• Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification Investigation (BCI).
• FBI.
• National Sex Offender Public website (NSOPW). Code 5101:2‑5‑09 must be conducted for each prospective employee.