Social Caseworker III - 161849

Overall Job Objective

What Success Looks Like In This Job

Provide protective services to at-risk adults through investigation of allegations of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation. The caseworker in this position assists at-risk adults to reside safely in the community, in the least restrictive setting, while protecting their life, dignity, and independence; promoting self-determination, and encouraging maximum self-sufficiency.

Examples of Duties for Success

• Investigates assigned reports of mistreatment and self-neglect and assesses client's needs through home visits, interviews with client, suspected perpetrator(s), family members, neighbors, and friends. Activates emergency and/or urgent safety interventions when needed. Consults with and makes reports to law enforcement as appropriate.
• Develops individual case plans and prepares, completes, and maintains client records according to county, state, and federal requirements. Assists with arrangement of supportive services for client and monitors effectiveness of casework plan. Documents all contacts using APS case files, and all other forms as required by regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Communicates effectively with at-risk clients, their families, county attorney's office, and outside agencies. Must be able to work with persons in crisis or who are in a state of panic or hostility. Works closely with eligibility benefits program staff, other sections, and external agencies to share information and to make appropriate referrals. Consults and collaborates with community agencies and professionals, including but not limited to: physicians, attorneys, law enforcement, financial institutions, mental health, developmental disabilities, and zoning and code enforcement.
• Initiates probate proceedings for guardianships and conservatorships when such have been determined needed by the supervisor, the team, and the county attorney. Prepares paperwork for court, including but not limited to: completing court reports, obtaining doctor letters on competency, and providing documentation of family involvement and interventions.
• Participates in family meetings and testifies in court hearings.
• Participates on the multi-disciplinary team (M-Team) and on various state and local committees. Participates in weekly unit meetings, state and county sponsored trainings, specific adult protection trainings, CBMS trainings, community education, and other activities as required to improve and enhance job performance.
• Provides coverage of adult protection intake duties on rotating basis with other unit staff. These intake duties involve being available during business hours, via phone or in person, to accept reports of suspected abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation. Intake duties may involve referrals to law enforcement or other community agencies.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications for Success

• Knowledge of Colorado Revised Statutes related to the Protection of At-Risk Adults, the range of protective orders available through the judicial court system, rules and regulations of Volume 30 of the Colorado Department of Human Services.
• Knowledge of disability syndromes (i.e., dementia, physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, mental disabilities, substance abuse, brain injuries, neurological disorders, etc.) and their impact on functioning.
• Knowledge of the practices, principles, and dynamics of adult protection case management and principals of human behavior.
• Ability to determine cognitive capacity and to understand medical diagnoses, medications and their effects on geriatric patients, and to assess and coordinate community resources.
• Knowledge of basic and effective communication techniques, including skill in interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of public entitlements and benefits that may be available to at-risk adults.
• Knowledge of CBMS as it relates to Adult Protection.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

More Qualifications for Success

• Experience: Two (2) years of full time professional social casework experience, acquired after the degree in a public or private social services agency, in an area appropriate to the position.
• Education & Training:
  • Bachelor's Degree in one of the human behavioral science fields.
  • An MSW may substitute for all of the required experience.
  • Proof of education, (degree or transcripts), and license (if candidate has received one) are required.
• License or Certificate:
  • Colorado Adult Protection Caseworker certification is required, and must be completed within three (3) months of employment, through the Colorado APS Training Academy. Certification through another State will require proof of completion, and may substitute for all or part of the training required by Colorado.
  • Possession of a Colorado Driver's License and proof of automotive insurance.
• Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check.
• Other:
  • Ability to utilize personal vehicle or other mode of transportation to make visits to clients homes, travel to court and other public facilities in all types of weather.
  • Ability to conduct home visits in unknown and uncontrolled settings which may include animals, feces, airborne contaminants, gang members, weapons, and other environmental hazards.