Collaborative Foster Care Program Certification Caseworker-Hybrid Work Model

"Arapahoe County Child and Adult Protection Services positions are hybrid and require 3-days in the office which could be at either the Aurora or Littleton location."

Our Mission: Arapahoe County Department of Human Services (ACDHS) builds strong communities by promoting the safety, independence and stability of individuals and families.

Our Vision: To end the cycle of poverty and prevent abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adults (using an integrated Two-Generation approach)

ACDHS uses an integrated Two-Generation (2Gen) approach to address all of the basic human services needs of the entire family unit. The 2Gen approach begins with a mindset focused on family-centered program design, continues with the alignment of services and resources within the department as well as across multiple organizations, resulting in coordinated services to children and adults together (family) in order to create long term stability and sustainability.

The 2Gen approach builds well-being for families by focusing equally and intentionally on high-quality services in five areas of focus: early childhood education, adult education and employment pathways, economic security, health and well-being and social capital. This approach will help us achieve our core mission of breaking the generational cycle of poverty, preventing neglect and abuse and building strong communities.

• Familiar with foster care policy, rules and regulations, and Volume 7 regulations for foster care certification. Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE) certification will be required as this position is responsible for the yearly completion of home study updates.
• Monitor and support of certified foster and kin homes, strong collaboration with primary caseworkers and other collaterals, quality documentation of contacts, and assisting in the recruitment, retention, and training for the Collaborative Foster Care Program.
• Monthly supervision and assessment of certified foster and kin homes, ensuring requirements are met to achieve/maintain certification, and providing support to families to ensure their ability to care for children in foster and kinship care.
• Assist with a limited number of requests for foster care placements. The CFCP is striving to have a presence in all three Counties (Arapahoe, Douglas, and Jefferson) through attendance at family meetings, group supervisions, and other meetings when necessary. Joint home visits with primary caseworkers and foster/kin care providers are encouraged whenever possible.
• Assess new foster and kin provider applicants and make recommendations regarding their ability to meet the requirements for certification and to provide a safe home for children.
• Prepares and presents families to the program's Certification Review Team for approval.
• Cross-trained, provides placement desk backup coverage, and may have other primary responsibilities within the unit.
• After-hours visits are regularly required to meet the needs of foster and kin families. In addition, the candidate will occasionally need to assist with foster/kinship orientation and with other ongoing training, which would require evening work.
• Promote a positive work environment.

REQUIREMENTS:

Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

• Knowledge of casework principles and methods of human needs and behavior pertaining to child development, parenting, attachment, and separation.
• Knowledge and skill in interviewing techniques, crisis intervention methods, and relevant treatment modalities. Knowledge and utilization of trauma-informed practice.
• Knowledge of community resources, agency rules, regulations, and procedures related to child protection issues.
• Ability to independently analyze complex situations, formulate plans, and make quick decisions as needed.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious professional relationships with other employers, outside agencies, and the public.
• Ability to testify effectively in court hearings.
• Excellent communication and engagement skills, to include strong writing skills.

Behavioral Competencies (these are required for all positions at ACG):

Accountability Accessibility Inclusivity Integrity

Education and Experience:

A bachelor's degree in social work or a human behavioral science field from an accredited institution with a minimum of 30 semester credit hours or 45 quarter hours in a human behavior science field* and one (1) year of professional casework, case management, or human services experience in a public or private human services agency.

OR

A bachelor's degree in social work or a human behavioral science field from an accredited institution with a minimum of 30 semester credit hours or 45 quarter hours in a human behavior science field* and successful completion of a child welfare internship within a County Department of Human Services or a related Human Services Agency with direct contact and service to children and families in the community.

OR

A bachelor's degree in social work or a human behavioral science field from an accredited institution with a minimum of 30 semester credit hours or 45 quarter hours in a human behavior science field* and one (1) year of volunteer experience in a public or private human services agency working at least 20 hours per week.

OR

A master's degree from an accredited institution in social work or a human behavioral science field* with no experience.

OR

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in an unrelated field (such as biology, physics, geology, etc.) with a minimum of 15 semester credit hours or 25 quarter hours in a human behavior science field* and a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in casework, case management, or human services in a public or private agency.

OR

A master's degree from an accredited institution in an unrelated field (such as biology, physics, geology, etc.) with a minimum of 15 semester credit hours or 25 quarter hours of coursework in a human behavior science field*, coursework taken during bachelor's degree will meet this education requirement and a minimum of one (1) year of professional experience in casework, case management, or human services in a public or private agency.

*In order to meet the minimum educational requirements of a human behavior science degree, the applicant must have a degree with major course work (equivalent to 15 semester credit hours or 25 quarter hours) in either development of human behavior, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures, or therapeutic techniques such as social work, psychology, sociology, guidance and counseling, and child development.

For the purposes of meeting minimum educational requirements, the following degrees obtained from an accredited university will be considered "categorically eligible". Bachelor of Arts and/or Master of Arts degree in the following areas of study.

Areas of study that will be considered to meet the minimum educational requirements as outlined in Volume VII:

• Educator/Teacher and or Para-professional Work: Providing support to underserved children in communities where services are essential, including engaging with families of learners.
• Refugee/Migrant Support: Offering aid and advocacy to refugees and/or migrants facing unique challenges.
• Residential Care/PRTF: Experience with children, youth, or adults in residential care, day treatment, or detention centers, emphasizing hands-on engagement with families.
• Domestic Violence Case Manager: Direct experience in managing cases related to domestic violence and supporting clients.
• Clinical Experience: Experience working with vulnerable/underserved children and families utilizing therapeutic tools or interventions.
• Medical Professionals: Ex. Nurses who have worked in the field with underserved populations, providing public health education to families who are vulnerable and need assistance accessing services.
• Victim's Advocate: Experience working with children and families in the community, providing support and resources.
• Probation Officer: Experience providing case management services to individuals, both youth and adults.
• Law Enforcement: Experience working in underserved communities, being called in the field to mitigate risk/de-escalation of citizens struggling with mental health, working with adults/youth in the community. Connecting with families in the community experiencing traumatic life events.
• Internships and Volunteering: Experience gained through internships or volunteering in any of the categories with a commitment of 20 hours per week or more (or 16 hours if the internship was within the child welfare county department).

Pre-Employment Additional Requirements:

• Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR) and background check.
• Possession of a valid Class "R" Colorado Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within two weeks of appointment.

• Will require fingerprinting and a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) background check.
• Successful completion of bi-annual Colorado Justice Information System (CJIS) training.
• The CFCP caseworker works Monday through Friday and hours vary depending on the families' needs.
• Reliable transportation is required as you will be utilizing your own personal vehicle for visiting families' homes, transporting children, and attending court. You will be reimbursed for mileage.
• 50% monthly commuting for home visits to foster and kinship providers which locations can be outside the 3 counties and after business hours.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Definitions:

Occasionally: Activity exists less than 1/3 of the time.

Frequently: Activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.

Constantly: Activity exists more than 2/3 of the time.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The following are some of the physical demands commonly associated with this position.

• Spends 50% of the time sitting and 50% of the time either standing or walking.
• Occasionally lifts, carries, pulls or pushes up to 20 lbs.
• Occasionally uses cart, dolly, or other equipment to carry in excess of 20 lbs.
• Occasionally climbs, stoops, kneels, balances, reaches, crawls and crouches while performing office or work duties.
• Verbal and auditory capacity enabling constant interpersonal communication through automated devices, such as telephones, radios, and similar, and in public meetings and personal interactions.
• Constant use of eye, hand, and finger coordination enabling the use of automated office machinery or equipment.
• Visual capacity enabling constant use of a computer or other work-related equipment.

Please list any special physical demands associated with this position below. For instance, exposure to hazardous environments, bloodborne pathogens, extreme heat/cold, use of power equipment or machinery, and wearing of PPE (personal protective equipment).

Definitions:

Occasionally: Activity exists less than 1/3 of the time.

Frequently: Activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.

Constantly: Activity exists more than 2/3 of the time.

** In accordance with Senate Bill 23-058, applicants understand that Arapahoe County will not request or require the applicant to include their age, date of birth, or date of attendance/graduation date on the initial application. Applicants understand that Arapahoe County can request or require an individual to provide documentation including copies of certification, transcripts, and other materials created by a third party. The applicant understands that the applicant can redact, if they so choose, information that identifies age, date of birth, or dates of attendance/graduation from an educational institution on those requested/required certification, transcripts and other materials created by a third party.

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (i.e. uploading or attaching documents to your online application), call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627. Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application, first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt uploading (attaching) it.