JOB DESCRIPTION:
Investigates claims of abuse and neglect of children and/or maintains caseload of children/families that have previously been determined to require protective assistance of the services of the agency (i.e. ongoing clients) and/or manages caseloads of foster care and/or adoption assessment and placements. Significant amount of time spent in the field conducting interviews and gathering information, transporting children and/or families; and routine home visits.
Prepares assigned cases for administrative or judicial procedures as required.
Cooperates with law enforcement officials, attorneys, prosecutors and the court at all times. Offers testimony at court hearings/trials when needed.
Maintains case records in accordance with established procedures.
Ensures that case records include accurate and complete written reports, case plans, assessments, and any other information relative to the case.
Meets procedures deadlines as mandated by department regulations. Serves as on-call worker assigned to intake reports for 7 day intervals.
May serve on internal/external committees and attend various agency meetings.
Attends training to obtain required CEU’s per year and to enhance performance on the job.
Completes other tasks as assigned.
This description serves as a general summary of duties and is not indicative of every task involved in this role. Find out more by reviewing the entire posting and minimum qualifications on our website, hancockjfs.org, under employment opportunities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Bachelor’s degree in human services-related studies
2. OR bachelor’s degree in any field and have been employed for at least two years in a human services occupation
3. OR associate’s degree in human services-related studies
4. OR been employed for at least five years in a human services-related occupation For employment to continue, a person described in option 2, 3, or 4 above must obtain a job-related bachelor’s degree not later than five years after the date of employment with the agency commences.
Note: All liability and responsibility for determining “human services-related studies” or “human services-related occupation” rests with the employing agency. Per section 5153.122 of the Ohio Revised Code, each caseworker shall complete at least ninety hours of in-service training during the first year of the caseworker’s continuous employment, consisting of courses in recognizing and preventing child abuse and neglect, assessing risks, interviewing persons, investigating cases, intervening, providing services to children and their families, and other topics relevant to child abuse and neglect. After the first year of continuous employment, each caseworker annually shall complete thirty-six hours of training in areas relevant to the caseworker’s assigned duties. In addition, applicant must have valid driver’s license.
UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS/HAZARDS:
The position possesses responsibility for the safety of children or adults by requiring the incumbent to make determinations as to whether these children or adults are in an “imminent risk of harm.” These children and adults are incapable of protecting themselves from physical, mental, and/or sexual abuse. Injuries, if they do occur are likely to involve temporary disabilities such as bruises or cuts. Serious mistakes in terms of failing to remove children or adults from homes could conceivably, although extremely infrequent, cause death (e.g., suicide) or a permanent disability. Additionally, the position involves performing duties which require taking some special safety precautions, such as when contacting and negotiating with a family suspected of child abuse or neglect. However, performing this duty does not require the use of protective clothing. Exposure to these situations is likely to result in threats of injury, which are rarely acted upon. However, the position involves regular exposure to environmental factors (e.g., cold, excessive heat, noise, fumes, vibration, dirt) during interviews and meetings conducted outside of the office. The position may involve lifting or carrying children, and exposure to contagious diseases.
APPLICATION DETAILS:
Please submit letter of interest and resume to Chelsea Wentling at chelsea.wentling@jfs.ohio.gov.