Child Welfare Intake Caseworker

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title :   Child Welfare Intake Caseworker

Department :   Department of Human Services

Reports To :  Deputy Director of Adult Protective Services

Classification :  Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Compensation Range : $60,000-$70,000 annually (additional compensations for on-call)

Benefits :  Employee Benefits | Lake County, CO

Position Summary

This position is primarily responsible for delivering comprehensive Adult Protective Services (APS) casework, including intake, screening, investigations, and ongoing services for vulnerable adults in Lake County. The APS case worker ensures the safety and stability of at-risk adults through collaboration with community partners, advocacy, and intervention. During periods of high demand, this position may also support Child Welfare casework functions as needed to assist with overflow cases, based on agency needs and community priorities.

General Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Duties

• Conduct investigations of APS referrals to determine whether abuse, neglect, or exploitation has occurred, including observation, interviews, and coordination with family members and community partners.
• Develop and implement effective, individualized case plans for at-risk adults by leveraging family, friends, and local support systems to promote client safety and well-being.
• Accurately document all case activities including assessments, contacts, and plans using the CAPS electronic case management system.
• Advocate on behalf of clients and work collaboratively with law enforcement, legal entities, healthcare providers, and other professionals.
• Determine appropriate protective actions, which may include removal from unsafe environments or court petitions for guardianship. Provide court testimony when necessary.
• Participate in screening and evaluating incoming APS referrals with the Protective Services Supervisor and team to determine assignment eligibility.
• Maintain compliance with state and agency requirements, including successful completion of the Adult Protection Academy and ongoing annual training.
• Support child welfare services in a case worker capacity during overflow periods, assisting with intake, assessment, and follow-up as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the protective services team and broader agency mission.

Preferred Qualifications

Required to be On Call on a rotating basis

Work is performed in a variety of cases that will have similar and dissimilar problems. Each case is substantially different and often involves complex family relationships. The case worker independently evaluates the case and develops ongoing safety plans, case plans.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Instructions may be received from the supervisor when cases are assigned and during the progress of a case. The supervisor is available to provide instructions and to act as a consultant at the request of the case worker. Work is reviewed for compliance to policy and general conclusions through spot checks, staffing, supervisor conferences, and judicial involvement.

Hazard Notice

In making client visits incumbent may encounter angry, hostile clients, verbal abuse and unsafe conditions in homes.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a major in human behavior, or a degree with 30 semester hours, or 45 quarter hours, of course work in development of human behavior, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures or therapeutic techniques such as social work, psychology, sociology, guidance and counseling, and / or child development; and,

Physical Activity & Work Environment

EOE Statement

Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.

Notice of Work Authorization Requirement

Applicants must be authorized to lawfully work for any employer in the United States. Lake County is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Notice of Emergency / Disaster Responsibilities

All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. To be prepared for this role, all employees and emergency service function (ESF) leads will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested by the Director of Emergency Management. With advanced notification from OEM, employees will make reasonable efforts to attend training events in coordination with other employees and supervisors.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Expected Duration of the Application Process

Due to the nature of the application and selection process for Lake County full-time positions, applicants can reasonably expect the application process to take a significant amount of time to complete before a decision is made to hire or not to hire. Typically, it takes approximately two (2) to four (4) weeks from the date of application to complete the entire selection process. The length of time it takes to complete the process can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please note that this is an estimated duration of the selection process.

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