CPS Investigation Case Worker (CYFD/PSD #10119027+

What the job does: Child Protective Services Case Workers make decisions regarding the safety of a child or vulnerable adult, whether to forward referrals to local field offices for investigation or refer a family who has been in an abuse/neglect situation to supportive services. The Case Worker initiates CPS investigations and conducts case management of Child Protective Services investigations cases (family services and legal) consistent with policy and procedures so as to permit the attainment of federal standards and performance-based budget measures - assigned investigations per month or a combination of investigations and permanency cases which are of equal weight. The Case Worker assesses the safety of children alleged to be maltreated and ensures that the appropriate safety decision is made, and that services are provided to parents and children to mitigate identified safety threats. On a rotating basis, provides after-hours response to CPS emergencies. CPS Case Workers coordinate assessments, and permanency plans for children in the custody of the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) to promote child safety, permanency, and well-being. The Case Worker completes licensing requirements on a timely basis and in accordance with CYFD guidelines to have an effective community relationship with clients and vendors. Make decisions regarding granting licensure to foster families, approving adoptive families, matching available children with approved families, and placing children accordingly.

Investigations: 

Responsibilities are as follows but not limited to: Initiate CPS investigations in accordance with assigned priority, assessing the safety of and risk to children of the family who are the subject of a CPS referral; on a rotating basis, provide after-hours response to CPS emergencies. Conduct investigations by completing the safety assessment tool, conducting interviews of involved parties, notifying family of investigation decision, disposition and rights to an administrative review. Provide quality practice in the completion of CPS investigations and continuous protective services in accordance with the Protective Services Division policies and procedures. 
All case workers will complete FACTS/IMPACT documentation on providers as per policy and procedure.