Social Caseworker - Children, Youth Family Services; Foster Care Unit

Social Caseworker – Children, Youth & Family Services (Foster Care Unit)

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

El Paso County's foster care program certifies and provides ongoing support to foster homes for youth ages 12+ as well as respite‑only homes for all ages, 0-18. The primary functions of this role include supporting community recruitment efforts, certifying and recertifying placement providers, completing background checks, and providing ongoing support to certified providers.

Hiring Range: $57,800.00 - $62,800.00 annually
. Anticipated Hiring Rate: $60,538.40 annually
.

Work Hours:

Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Hybrid schedule may be available upon successful completion of the probationary period.

• Interview clients, develop treatment plans, initiate or participate in home studies, and provide intensive casework services to families and children; investigate allegations of child abuse and assess imminent danger; make referrals to community resources.
• Monitor and report client progress, ensure needed services are provided, and determine the appropriateness of placement and services.
• Address child safety issues in the home, mitigate concerns, provide crisis management, and coordinate support services.
• Act as liaison for the DHS and consult with other caseworkers and community professionals.
• Provide casework and assessment services for teams within the Practice Unit; attend and testify in court hearings; complete documentation and reports.
• Prepare for and participate in meetings and staffings; document all contacts and ensure accurate paperwork.
• Arrange transportation for clients to appointments, therapy, school, court hearings, pre‑placement visits.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state and county laws, outcome measures, rules and regulations.
• Support Practice and Support & Services teams within the CYFS Division as needed; collect and report statistics and data.
• Facilitate meetings as needed and perform other duties as required.

• Knowledge of casework practices, procedures, and guidelines.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills; ability to work effectively with co‑workers, clients, agencies, community professionals, courts and the public.
• Strong planning, scheduling and organizational abilities.
• Conflict resolution and problem‑solving skills.
• Accurate and efficient completion of paperwork, reports, and documentation.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Proficiency with standard office equipment, including computer, fax machine, copier and telephone.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher with coursework related to child welfare social caseworker responsibilities (e.g., human behavior, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures, therapeutic techniques).
• Degree in progress that is conferred by the start date may be considered.
• One year of professional, internship, or volunteer work experience in a human‑service‑related agency.
• Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree of Social Work (BSW) or Master’s Degree of Social Work (MSW) internship in a human services‑related agency may substitute for the required experience.

• Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.
• Colorado State Child Welfare Caseworker Certification or ability to complete the exam within ninety days of enrollment.

• Conditional post‑offer background investigation, including fingerprinting, motor‑vehicle‑record check and drug screen.
• College transcripts required prior to the date of hire.

Office environment, client homes, schools, jails, courts; may require climbing stairs, walking driveways, and occasional lifting. Hybrid remote work environment subject to department discretion. May require occasional on‑call or after‑hours rotational schedule; local and non‑local travel including possible out‑of‑state travel.

El Paso County is an E‑Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer.

El Paso County adheres to federal drug screening guidelines and requires a pre‑employment drug screen.