Caseworker I/Social Service Worker-DCFS

DCFS Caseworkers and Social Service Workers strive to keep children with their own families whenever safely possible by assessing their and their families' needs, getting them connected to available resources, and conducting in-home services of appropriate intensity and duration. They work to reunify children who have been removed from their homes whenever possible or find enduring safety and permanency for them through alternative options. To accomplish this, caseworkers work closely with the subject matter experts, are provided with regular professional supervision, and complete DCFS Practice Model Training while performing the following tasks:Investigating reports of abuse, exploitation, and/or neglect; assessing safety, risk, strengths, and barriers and determining appropriate actions governing a family's situation.Working with families to create plans for children s safety and for ongoing services.Coordinating and referring services to children and families offered by community resources, placement providers, collateral agencies, the courts, and community partners.Supervising visits between parents and children to ensure safety.Conducting in-home visits to assess safety and track progress.Facilitating Child and Family Team Meetings with the family, their formal and informal supports.Testifying in court hearings regarding actions, findings, procedures, and protocols.Preparing detailed case documentation that includes: intake records, investigation summaries, assessments of safety, risk and family functioning; service plans, court reports, case history and activity logs.May include performing 24-hour-on-call services as needed under supervisor's direction. 24-hour on-call service assignments may be based on, and subject to, geographic employment location and/or agency demand.Other duties as assigned.