Social Caseworker III - Intake

Teller-County-Government-; Woodland Park (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

HSA plan

Telehealth

Dental and Vision

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Uniform allowance

Job summary

Teller County Department of Human Services in Woodland Park, CO is seeking an experienced caseworker to provide initial response, child protection and Youth in Conflict services, crisis assessments and supervision of out-of-home placements.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in human behavioral science, at least two years of related casework experience (one year post‑degree); a Master’s degree is preferred; valid Colorado driver’s license and ability to pass background check.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human behavioral science required.
• Minimum of two years of related caseworker experience; at least one year post‑degree.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide initial response and crisis intervention in child protection cases.
• Coordinate out-of-home placements and supervise visits.
• Refer clients to community resources and prepare court testimony as needed.
• Maintain confidential records and report documentation.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Case management

Interviewing techniques

Confidentiality

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in human behavioral science

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Description

Teller County's Department of Human Services located in Woodland Park, CO is seeking an experienced caseworker to provide initial response and child protection and Youth in Conflict services; provide crisis assessments and intervention; and supervise placement of children out-of-home.

What You'll Do:

(1) Intervene in youth, and child protection crisis and perform assessment including, investigating cases of alleged physical/sexual abuse and/or neglect in conjunction with law enforcement; assess safety and determine if situation warrants placement out-of-home.

(2) Locate appropriate placement; supervise placement of children out of home; monitor client needs and progress and coordinate child/family visits; determine if and when to recommend return of children to their home.

(3) Provide casework, guidance and support for clients; provide services to adults and caretakers to prevent institutionalization; counsel children, youth and parents to prepare for reuniting of the family.

(4) Prepare and coordinate service plans and other reports with professional resources in the community; refer clients to other resources.

(5) Testify in court regarding intake and ongoing cases as necessary; make recommendations to the Court.

(6) Prepare and maintain confidential client records and reports on computerized systems i.e. Trails, CBMS; document plans and recommendations; submit files and records for foster care and court review.

(7) Participate in team and community meetings concerning issues of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation of children, youth and adults.

Requirements

What You'll Bring:

(1) Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Knowledge of: family dynamics and assessing for safety within the family; child development and age appropriate milestones; non-leading interviewing techniques sufficient to elicit information; crisis intervention theory sufficient to be able to perform the duties related to the work assignment; casework practices, procedures and guidelines; principles regarding crises and means of intervention and of assessment of dynamics of conflict and safety of children and adults; Children's Code and court procedures; principles and processes for providing excellent customer service, including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Skilled in: use of basic computer software programs; understanding and applying pertinent laws, rules, regulations and policies; using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgement within established guidelines; maintaining confidentiality; organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines and following up on assignments with minimum direction and supervision; applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; understanding, interpreting and communicating complicated policies, procedures and protocols; working in a deadline driven environment; initiating and responding to medium volume of daily calls/contact; interacting with all levels of internal and external professionals while developing strong productive relationships; designing strategies, analyzing results and making recommendations; organization and time management; recognizing and using correct English grammar, punctuation and spelling; communicating information in a succinct and organised manner; expressing information to individuals or groups, effectively considering the audience and nature of the information; making clear and convincing oral presentations; listening to others and recognising non-verbal cues; dealing calmly and professionally with his stress situations.

Ability to: effectively assess responsibility and actions regarding child abuse/neglect and Youth in Conflict; effectively and accurately complete paperwork, reports and documentation; establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with co‑workers, other county departments, representatives of other agencies and organisations, and the public; maintain confidentiality and discretion; be a self‑starter; successfully accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously while working independently or within a team environment; work with minimal supervision; deal with a variety of people, cultures, problems and circumstances; analyse and resolve problems involving several variables; understand and carry out written and oral instructions, giving close attention to detail and accuracy; contribute to maintaining the integrity of the agency; display high standards of ethical conduct; understand the impact of violating standards; show understanding, courtesy, tact, empathy and concern; deal with people who are difficult, hostile, and/or distressed; encourage and facilitate cooperation, pride, trust and group identity; foster commitment and team spirit and work with others to achieve goals.

Experience/Education:

• Bachelors’ degree in human behavioural science;
• Minimum of two (2) years of related professional caseworker experience in a public or private social services agency, at least one year of the experience must be post‑degree;
• Master’s degree preferred;
• Any acceptable combination of education, training and experience that provides the listed knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted.

Additional Details About the Role:

Visual Acuity/Hearing/Speaking: Must be able to write and read; able to hear, see and speak.

Physical Effort/Dexterity: This position requires daily routine computer usage; the ability to drive a vehicle; light physical exertion and the normal range of motion and dexterity; ability to sit (sometimes for extended periods of time), stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, crawl or climb; ability to lift, pull or drag up to 25 lbs. for short periods of time.

Environmental Factors: Work is performed in an office setting, clients’ homes, school facilities and at other agencies. Elements of weather are sometimes encountered; caution must be exercised when intervening in abuse, conflict cases.

Work Schedule/Characteristics: 40 hours per week; availability outside normal business hours to include weekends may be required.

License/Certification Requirements: Successful completion of Colorado Child Welfare Training Academy within 90 days from date of hire; possession of and ability to maintain a valid Colorado driver’s license.

Additional Requirements: Ability to pass background check and drug test.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary range: $59,635.20 - $62,333.46 annually

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Woodland Park, on site

When it comes to benefits, Teller County is committed to offering a comprehensive, affordable benefits package that meets the needs of our employees and their families.

• Two Meritain Aetna health plans to choose from –the County pays 50% to 100% of the premium depending on the plan you choose
• HSA plan – the County contributes $1,250 for employee only and $2,500 for employee plus one or more dependents
• Telehealth/Teledoc options – access quality healthcare from the comfort of your home, during your lunch break or while traveling
• Dental, Vision and Prescription drug coverage
• Basic and voluntary life coverage
• 401a retirement plan – employees contribute 4% and the County matches 8%. You are fully vested in five years.
• 457b deferred comp plans – both pre- and post‑tax options available
• Time Off: Paid vacation, sick, 12 holidays, 1 floating holiday
• Aflac, wellness programs, EAP, education assistance, employee discounts, uniform allowance

Applications accepted until: 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 6, 2026