Title:  Hotline Caseworker-Hybrid Work Model

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF JOB:

The Hotline Caseworker in the intake screening unit receives all intake referrals to the Department for child abuse/neglect, adult abuse/neglect/exploitation, youth services and any other crisis situations involving this population. The purpose of the position is to gather complete, accurate information from reporting parties to make an initial assessment of the information to arrive at an appropriate case disposition.

DUTIES:

• Receives incoming calls of a crisis nature and determine the problem and gravity of crisis being reported. Gather all the needed information utilizing the expanded screening questioning to make an initial assessment of a case, determine safety issues present, what services are required, what community referrals are needed on the case, and what additional information is needed to arrive at a case disposition. Provide support and counseling until matter can be dispositioned by a supervisor and/or RED Team.
• Completes thorough record checks on all reports received. This includes extensive computer capabilities, knowledge of state and county systems including Trails, CBMS, Colorado Courts,etc.
• Provides community resources and information via telephone and emails, processes police and school reports received, and prioritizes follow up on such reports, etc.
• Completes follow up work and call backs requested by RED Team to obtain more information to influence disposition determination.
• Attends and participates in RED Teams on a routine basis.

REQUIREMENTS:

Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

• Basic understanding of social casework principles and methods, demonstrate knowledge of dynamics of child abuse/neglect; adult abuse/neglect/exploitation; adolescent development and the dynamics of the process of aging/development. This includes an awareness of cultural issues, child development, parent/child conflict and psychiatric and medical problems.
• Must have knowledge of agency and state rules, regulations, and procedures as well as knowledge of effective parenting methods and maladaptive family dynamics.
• Ability to read and process information verbal and written as well as elicit information from callers in a timely and accurate manner is required. Skill in obtaining accurate and clear information that is utilized to make decisions effecting client's health, safety and well-being is also necessary. Skill in concise verbal and written information and skill in relating to clients and reporters in an emotionally supportive manner during crisis situations is required.
• Knowledge of community resources that interface with Department's responsibilities to ensure appropriate disposition of referrals and that resources given, address the identified problem areas.
• Ability to assess immediate crisis situations and establish a plan of action with minimal supervision to ensure the immediate safety of children and adults. Must be able to exercise independent judgment and decision-making skills in the supervisor's absence, to include following all agency policies and procedures.
• Ability to remain calm, organized and in control of stressful situations to ensure that information is complete, accurate and clear and to remain calm and able to prioritize crisis caseload.

Behavioral Competencies (these are required for all positions at ACG):

• Accountability
• Accessibility
• Inclusivity
• Integrity

Education and Experience:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a major in a human behavior science field* * In order to meet the minimum educational requirements of a human behavioral science degree, the applicant must have a degree with major course work (equivalent to 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours) in either development of human behavior, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures or therapeutic techniques such as social work, psychology, sociology, guidance and counseling, and child development. 

Pre-Employment Additional Requirements:

• Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR) and background check.
• Possession of a valid Class “R” Colorado Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within two weeks of appointment.

Post-Employment Requirements:
Security clearance required: will require fingerprinting and a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) background check

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is generally confined to a standard office environment. Work environment can be stressful, fast paced and challenging.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The following are some of the physical demands commonly associated with this position.

• Spends 80% of the time sitting and 20% of the time either standing or walking.
• Occasionally lifts, carries, pulls or pushes up to 20 lbs.
• Occasionally uses cart, dolly, or other equipment to carry in excess of 20 lbs.
• Occasionally climbs, stoops, kneels, balances, reaches, crawls and crouches while performing office or work duties.
• Verbal and auditory capacity enabling constant interpersonal communication through automated devices, such as telephones, radios, and similar; and in public meetings and personal interactions.
• Constant use of eye, hand and finger coordination enabling the use of automated office machinery or equipment.
• Visual capacity enabling constant use of computer or other work-related equipment.

Definitions:

• Occasionally: Activity exists less than 1/3 of the time.
• Frequently: Activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.
• Constantly: Activity exists more than 2/3 of the time.