Position Summary

The Lead Social Worker I will serve as the lead worker for the CPS Investigations and Assessment unit, providing training and consultation to social workers involved in protective services, investigations, counseling, and case management for children at risk. This position requires sound judgment to assess child safety and risk of harm, conduct timely investigations, and provide crisis intervention. The Lead Social Worker may carry a caseload in the absence of social workers and provide supervisory support as needed. This role reports to a Social Work Supervisor III under general supervision.

Work Schedule

The normal work schedule is mostly Monday through Friday 8:30am-5pm, with occasional after hours and weekend work as required and on occasion due to shelter duty, projects, and other departmental needs. The Lead Social Worker I A&T participates in on-call rotation with other Social Workers and social work supervisors for after-hours emergency coverage. Hybrid/remote work schedule may be available after successful completion of 1 year of employment. Frequent unscheduled overtime and other after-hours work is also required.

Key Responsibilities

• Assessment & Investigation (80%)
• Conduct comprehensive family or investigative assessments to determine the need for services and ensure child safety; review records; interview family and collateral contacts; conduct home and institutional visits; and refer clients to appropriate community services.
• Crisis Intervention (30%)
• Coordinate Child and Family Team meetings; participate in after-hours coverage; provide group, family, or individual counseling as appropriate.
• Documentation & Administrative Tasks (25%)
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation; complete required reports and tracking forms; supervise staff in the absence of supervisors; review CPS records for quality and compliance; prepare court documents; and coordinate service delivery with partner agencies.
• Court Involvement (15%)
• Prepare court reports and provide testimony during hearings, including adjudication, permanency planning, and termination of parental rights.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience (Minimum):

• Master’s degree from an accredited School of Social Work and 1 year of social work experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and 2 years of related experience; or
• Master’s degree in counseling and 2 years of related experience; or
• Four-year degree in human services or related field and 3 years of related experience; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses:

• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

Skills & Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of social work principles, child welfare policies, family dynamics, and community resources.
• Ability to engage resistant clients and work effectively under stressful situations.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, especially regarding child safety and risk assessment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports and testify in court.
• Physical ability to perform duties including occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs).

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Work is performed both in-office and in the field, including client homes, schools, medical facilities, and correctional institutions.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,471.00 - $92,146.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person