Custer County is accepting applications for the Adult Protection/Child Welfare Case Worker position. The primary responsibilities of this role include but not limited to:

Adult Protection Duties:

• Develop and implement case plans to address clients’ physical, mental, financial, social, and behavioral needs while promoting safety.

• Maintain knowledge of available community resources and provide this information to clients and customers.

• Handles crisis intervention, family mediation, and coordination of services and resources.

Child Welfare Duties:

• Conduct community investigations in response to reports of child abuse, neglect, or significant family disruptions involving youth in conflict or those adjudicated as delinquents, and make recommendations to the Child Welfare Manager.

• Develop plans to ensure the safety of children, strengthen families, and promote permanency for children, and submit these plans for supervisor approval.

• Respond 24/7 to reports of abuse or neglect and provide crisis intervention, following the caseworker’s on-call schedule and addressing other departmental emergencies as needed.

Additionally, the role involves investigating allegations of mistreatment against at-risk adults 18 and older. Responsibilities include ongoing case management, coordinating resources with community providers, and 24-hour on-call duties shared with other caseworkers. Key tasks include conducting casework for Adult Protective Services, which involves assessments, referrals, and managing cases for disabled and elderly adults at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the theories and principles of casework practice, including adult protection and child protection, as well as theories related to child development, parenting, and attachment.

• Familiarity with the Colorado Children’s Code

• Understanding of Colorado Adult Protection laws and statutes

• Ability to communicate and collaborate with professionals and clients from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

• Capacity to Maintain professionalism, analyze complex situations, and respond appropriately under stress.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage frequent interruptions.

• Excellent time management skills.

• Strong commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.

Minimum Education/Experience Required:

Required: Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, guidance, or counseling.

Preferred qualifications include one year of post-graduation experience in adult protective case work or two years of post-graduation experience developing treatment plans with families, working with abused or neglected children, or supporting children in the mental health or juvenile justice systems.

Special Requirements:

Successful completion of CDHS-mandated annual training required to maintain employment.

License or Certification Required:

A current driver’s license as travel may be required, as well as a background check.

Elements of Contact:

Personal contact with members of the public is familiar. Some situations may require exchanging documents, money, personal property, etc. Face-to-face verbal communication between members and individuals is often necessary. Contact with blood, body fluids, or other medical hazards is rare for members. However, members should have sufficient time to take precautionary and protective measures when necessary.

Custer County is an equal opportunity employer. This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary of $42,000.00/per year-DOQ, including benefits. The position is open until filled.

Job description available HERE

Applications may be submitted to:
Custer County Human Resources
P.O. Box 150

Westcliffe, CO 81252
Email: HR@custercounty-co.gov