The Putnam County Department of Social Services and Mental Health is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Child Protective Services (CPS) Caseworker.

This title has been approved by the New York Civil Service Commission for inclusion in the Hiring Emergency Limited Placement (HELP) Program. This position shall be non-competitive for a period of twelve months. At the end of this period, this position shall be deemed competitive, and any incumbents hired during the twelve-month period, shall be considered competitive without further examination.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: The CPS Caseworker (Spanish-Speaking) provides professional social services casework involving determinations in child protective investigations, recommendations concerning need for services and/or court involvement, and formulation of plans for individual cases, or as directed by the court. The primary focus of the work is conducting independent investigations into situations of alleged child abuse and/or neglect. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Conducts independent investigations into Child Abuse and Neglect Reports as received from the New York Child Abuse Registry;
• Interviews sources, persons and perpetrators and makes decisions as to whether there is enough credible evidence to substantiate the allegations made in the reports;
• Determines a course of action as to the nature and seriousness of the allegations and whether (with consultation of the agency Attorney) court intervention is required;
• Files petitions in abuse and/or neglect cases;
• Recommends services, necessary safety interventions or remedial action in order to protect a child(ren);
• Makes field visits to both respondent, sources, persons named and collateral sources;
• Conducts Court Ordered Investigations (COIs) as directed by the Court;
• When removal of a child is indicated, coordinates placement of the child with the Case Supervisor of Family Services Unit;
• Makes and arranges for medical care both on ongoing cases and in the course of an investigation;
• Makes referrals to other agencies when indicated;
• Writes letters, reports and other documentation as required;
• Maintains a computerized case file as required by New York State;
• Conducts joint investigations with police as indicated;
• Conducts sexual abuse investigation as indicated;
• Provides a back up to the current twenty-four hour coverage to receive and act on reports of child abuse and/or neglect that are received on weekends and after normal work hours;
• Routinely works after hours outside of normal day in order to conduct investigations;
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either

1. Bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice or a related human services field; or
2. Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years full-time paid experience with a public or private agency adhering to acceptable standards in social work; or
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience as indicated in (a) and (b) above.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid unrestricted appropriate level driver’s license and acceptable driving record is required at time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Job Type: Full-time, Monday – Friday

Starting Salary:$59,595 per year