Child Welfare Social Worker 1 or 2 – FACS (2024)

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The Department of Health and Welfare

DEDICATED TO STRENGTHENING THE HEALTH, SAFETY, AND INDEPENDENCE OF IDAHOANS

People Making a Difference!

***THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE OPEN UNTIL FILLED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO BE CONSIDERED.

Are you a licensed social worker who wants to make a positive difference in the lives of Idaho’s families and children? Are you looking for a career with advancement opportunities and an excellent compensation package? If this sounds like a good fit for you, come join the Child and Family Services team as a Child Welfare Social Worker 1 (licensed Social Worker in Idaho) or Child Welfare Social Worker 2 (licensed Social Worker in Idaho & Master’s degree or 2 years of experience working in Child Welfare) in our Family and Community Services Division (FACS), in our Ponderay field office. This position will report to Angela Kitt, Child Welfare Supervisor.

General Information: This position is designated for individuals with general social work qualifications (which includes possession of a current Idaho social worker license) who have no prior child welfare experience The Child Welfare Social Worker 1 position requires incumbents to work effectively with individuals and families under stress, difficult circ*mstances, and from diverse backgrounds Child Welfare Social Workers perform one or more types of casework, including foster care licensing, adoptions, case management, safety assessment, or intake; some positions may have the opportunity to telework. Incumbents serve a nine-month probationary period and participate in the Child Welfare Academy in order to learn Idaho child welfare practices and standards and complete Child Welfare Academy assignments. During the nine-month probationary period, incumbents carry a reduced child welfare caseload under the guidance of child welfare supervisors or designated experienced child welfare social workers to gain knowledge and expertise necessary to provide professional child welfare social work services to children and families who are subjects of child abuse or neglect. The Child Welfare Social Worker 1 is the first of a six-level Child Welfare job series.

This announcement may be used to fill future permanent and temporary positions. Temporary positions are limited to working 1,385 hours in a 12-month period for any one state agency. Employees are eligible for benefits if they work twenty (20) hours or more per week and the term of employment is expected to exceed five (5) continuous months. Temporary appointments from this announcement, serving at least one thousand forty (1,040) hours of continuous service, may be hired as an entrance probationary employee without further examination for the same classification and location as announced.

You must be licensed as a social worker in Idaho to pass the exam for this position. After you have received your license, please reapply. Or if you are not interested in being licensed or while you are waiting to be licensed, you might consider applying for a Client Services Technician position or a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist position.

The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare is a drug-free workplace. Any applicant offered employment in this position at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test. In addition, successful candidates will be required to complete a criminal history background investigation. Employment is dependent upon satisfactory results of the investigation.

BENEFITS:

BEST RETIREMENT AVAILABLE IN THE NATION

We have one of the Nation’s best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit.

OTHER EXCELLENT BENEFITS

  • excellent medical, dental and vision insurance- (full-time/30+ hours per week) employee only coverage for PPO
  • generous vacation and sick leave accrual beginning as soon as you start
  • 11 paid holidays a year
  • paid parental leave
  • multiple savings plans, optional 401K, and optional 457
  • basic life insurance for employee and family (employee covered at one times annual salary; spouse covered at $10,000; child covered at $5,000)
  • wellness programs
  • ongoing training opportunities
  • an opportunity for student loan forgiveness
  • and more!

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

Child Welfare Social Worker 1:

  • Receive and process referrals, complaints, or requests for service, and conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews of child abuse or neglect to obtain and assess mental, physical, economic, employment, environmental and social status of client/family.
  • Prepare written intake reports based on initial interviews with referents and subjects of assessment and draft case plans related to child abuse/neglect issues with recommendations for case-related service decisions.
  • Draft case plans related to child abuse/neglect cases and participate in interdisciplinary team staffing to formulate and/or modify treatment plans.
  • Provide social services, support, and change-oriented activities to preserve family unit and promote client self-determination.
  • Prepare case record notes attesting to engagement with clients and results from specific services.
  • Perform on-site evaluations of foster homes to determine if appropriate for child placement and recommend approval/disapproval for licensing.
  • Research, obtain and make referrals to community resources and provide court-related services including court testimony, court reports and other legal documentation and mediation, negotiation, and implementation of agreements.
  • Prepare court reports, affidavits, testimony, orders to remove the child, etc. for required court proceedings.
  • Consult with experienced social workers, law enforcement, court personnel, community resource workers and school staff.
  • Use keyboard to document and enter client data into computerized record systems.

Child Welfare Social Worker 2:

  • Assess and process referrals for child abuse or neglect and conduct assessment and fact-finding interviews to obtain and assess mental, physical, economic, employment, environmental and social status of client/family/caregiver.
  • Assess interview information to determine substantiation of referrals and prepare written intake reports.
  • Make on-site evaluations of foster homes to determine suitability of facilities and service providers for licensure/certification.
  • Design, organize, implement, and monitor effectiveness of case plans using an array of community resources to resolve issues.
  • Facilitate client access to support services.
  • Determine appropriate client placement and ensure least restrictive environment, take action to reduce risk to client and others by providing emergency, crisis intervention, and after-hours on-call service.
  • Complete need and risk assessments on cases and determine eligibility for services and level of care.
  • Carry a full caseload in child welfare social work.
  • Client counseling, social services, support, and change-oriented activities to preserve the family unit and promote client self-determination.
  • Develop appropriate safety plans for children addressing special needs of clients.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary team staffing to modify treatment plans.
  • Prepare case record notes attesting to engagement with client and results from specific kinds of service.
  • Design and apply varying treatment modalities for problem resolution.
  • Monitor child and family achievements for safety, permanency, and well-being, refer clients and others to community resources and provide court-related services including testimony, mediation, negotiation, and implementation of agreements.
  • Recommend the need for legal intervention and consult with law enforcement and court personnel, community resource workers and school staff.
  • Prepare court reports, affidavits, testimony, etc. for required court proceedings.
  • Use keyboard to document and enter client data into computerized record systems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

You must possess all the minimum qualifications below to pass the exam for this position. Please make sure your resume or work history supports your meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Failure to do this may disqualify you from being considered for this position. It is highly recommended to attach a one-page cover letter to your application to demonstrate how you meet the requirements below.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

CHILD WELFARE SOCIAL WORKER 1 (CWSW1) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Requires current Licensure as a Social Worker in Idaho in accordance with Idaho Code 54-3201 et.seq. Licensure information can be found through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses at https://apps.dopl.idaho.gov/DOPLPortal/BoardPage.aspx?Bureau=SWO
  • Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license.

CHILD WELFARE SOCIAL WORKER 2 (CWSW2) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

AND

• Successful completion of Idaho Welfare Academy sessions and assignments. (Child Welfare Social Worker incumbents who have successful completed a nine (9) month experience in child welfare case management in Idaho)

OR

• Two years’ experience in a public child welfare system or child welfare agency and complete the Child Welfare Academy within the first year of appointment.

OR

• Master of Social Work degree and complete the Child Welfare Academy within the first year of appointment.

Learn About a Career with DHW

***PLEASE NOTE: application assistance is not available after the business hours listed below, on the weekends, or on holidays and you must apply before 4:59 pm on the closing date. When applying, use CHROME as your browser to avoid complications.

If you have questions, please contact us at:

Email is the quickest way to get an answer to your questions.

(answered Monday through Friday during business hours MST)

EMAIL: dhwjobs@dhw.idaho.gov
PHONE: (208) 334-0681

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.

Child Welfare Social Worker 1 or 2 – FACS (2024)

FAQs

How to answer CPS interview questions? ›

In a CPS interview, expect to answer questions about your child's wellbeing and your family situation. The investigator will want to understand if the child is safe and well cared for. It's important to be open, honest, and cooperative during the interview.

What is your weakness in a social work interview? ›

Reflecting honestly on your weaknesses shows a level of self-awareness that is crucial in social work. When you're asked about your weaknesses in an interview, take a moment to consider which areas you are genuinely working to improve. Choose something that is true but also not a core competency of the job.

Is a social worker the same as a caseworker? ›

Whereas case managers provide oversight of many cases and facilitate end-to-end processes, social workers work directly in the administration of services. Social workers are more intimately involved with their clients and the outcomes of their treatments and recommendations. Both roles require a bachelor's degree.

What would be your biggest challenge working in the field of child welfare? ›

Workforce turnover is a key factor. High turnover directly impacts families and communities, has a negative impact on relationships with families, slows the completion of caseworker duties, and leads to poorer reunification and permanency outcomes.

What does CPS look for in an interview? ›

During the CPS investigation, CPS will gather information from you, your children, and other people who know you and your family. CPS will also look at any records that may be relevant to the case, such as medical records or school records.

What are the best answers for interviews? ›

To answer, follow the formula below:1. Share one or two positive qualities and personal attributes: "I've always been a natural leader and worked well in a fast-paced environment...”2. Back them up with examples: "...I've exceeded my KPIs every quarter and have been promoted twice in the past five years.

How to pass a social work interview? ›

How to make a good impression during a social work interview
  1. Rehearse. ...
  2. As with any interview, make sure you're dressed smartly, arrive on time and have brought the required documentation with you, which will be specified prior to the interview. ...
  3. A substantial range of previous work experience is crucial.

What is your biggest strength as a social worker? ›

Essential Skills and Traits for Social Workers
  1. Empathy. Empathy is the ability to identify with and understand another person's experience and point of view. ...
  2. Communication. ...
  3. Organization. ...
  4. Critical thinking. ...
  5. Active listening. ...
  6. Self-care. ...
  7. Cultural competence. ...
  8. Patience.

How do you introduce yourself as a social worker to a child? ›

Use clear, straight-forward language to explain who you are and what is happening. Use expressions like “I am here to help Mummy/Daddy keep you safe” with younger children; with older children something like “sometimes parents need a bit of extra help to make sure children are safe and that is why I am here”.

Is social welfare and social worker the same? ›

Although both social work and social welfare programs provide applicable knowledge and practice, graduates who focused their studies in mental health or a similar area may be the most qualified for these positions. Master of Social Work and Master of Social Welfare programs are very similar.

What makes a social worker a social worker? ›

Clinical social workers need a master's degree, supervised experience, and a license to provide mental health or counseling services. Social workers typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Is social work the same as nursing? ›

Nurses generally focus on clinical care, addressing their patients' immediate physical condition and needs through diagnosis and treatment. Social workers, on the other hand, help clients cope with life challenges, such as unemployment or divorce.

Why is child welfare important in social work? ›

Child welfare social workers specialize in building upon the strengths within a family and their community to help provide a safe and loving environment for their children. However, in some instances, social workers must intervene to protect children from harm.

What are possible threats to a child's welfare? ›

Children affected by disabilies are highly vulnerable to discrimination, abandonment, abuse, exploitation, injury and death. Child abuse includes all forms of physical and emotional mistreatment, sexual abuse, and neglect of a child's basic needs.

What challenges do social workers face with children? ›

Social workers practicing in the child welfare field often face the need to make critical decisions while working in stressful work environments that can include high case loads and limited supervision, training, and supports.

How to prepare for an interview with CPS? ›

During the interview, be honest and cooperative with the CPS caseworker. Answer their questions to the best of your ability, providing accurate information without being defensive. Remember to keep the child's well-being in mind throughout the interview. Focus on their safety, needs, and best interests.

What are CPS skills? ›

Creative problem solving (CPS) is a skill that can help you find innovative solutions to complex challenges, whether in your personal or professional life. But how do you show your clients or stakeholders that you have this skill and that you can apply it effectively to their needs?

How do you pass a case interview question? ›

Case Interview Tips

Take notes. Remember, the case is a chance to demonstrate how you think – don't be discouraged if you don't know the industry well. Use your analytical and communication skills to show how you would break down the problem. Make sure you understand the problem you are being asked to analyze.

Why does CPS ask for references? ›

When CPS becomes involved in a case concerning a child's safety and well-being, they seek to gather as much pertinent information as possible. A key avenue for obtaining this information is through contacting references who have knowledge of the child, their family, or the situation under scrutiny.

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