Job Information
Ottawa County Department of Job and Family Services Child Welfare Caseworker in Oak Harbor, Ohio
Job Purpose: Receive reports of alleged child abuse or neglect, assess child safety and family stability, and build family stability.
Duties: Provides adult and child welfare crisis intervention services to families by receiving referrals from professional and non-professional persons, conducting abuse and neglect investigations by interviewing clients, conducting home visits and gathering evidence relative to the case. Completes risk assessment matrix and makes determinations where custody is indicated, acts as a representative of the agency by signing the complaint and testifying in court. Prepares social histories and court documents, completes forms and writes reports as required by law and/or executive orders. Conduct visits with foster children and substitute care providers, and transports foster children, when needed. Define and establishes individual treatment goals and needs for continuing services for protective service cases. When appropriate, takes children into agency custody and facilitates initial placement and associated documentation.
Provides on-going protective services to families, conducts home visits, gathers facts necessary to complete family assessments and write case plans, review summaries and correspondence. Completes reports, forms and case documentation. Maintains cases in good order with up-to-date information. Coordinates and refers to community resources to assist in service delivery. Ensures all required activities occur and are documented on cases within required deadlines. Engages in case work counseling to assist clients in understanding personal and family strengths and dysfunction. Monitors progress of case plan with the family and community resources. Acts as a designated representative of the agency on treatment teams. Assists with intake and screening functions of agency.
Completes time study requirements with appropriate documentation and within required timeframe. Maintain reliable & predictable attendance. All positions with Ottawa County Department of Job and Family Services are considered to be Mandated Reporters. Driving is a requirement of this position.
Is on-call on a regular rotating basis, both evenings and weekend. Attends conferences, seminars and training sessions to enhance knowledge of theories and techniques, rules and regulations affecting work tasks in child welfare. Performs other duties as required.
Skills/Qualifications: Minimum qualifications: Successful completion of Child Protective Services Fellowship Program; OR Associate degree or equivalent in human service related field with related experience. Preferred qualifications: Bachelor degree in human service related studies with at least 2 years of related experience preferred.