Title:  Best Interest Determination Coordinator-Hybrid Work Model

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF JOB:

The Best Interest Determination (BID) Coordinator is responsible for ensuring educational stability for children in custody of Human Services by collaborating with school districts, families, youth, guardian ad litems and caseworkers. This is considered an expert level position within caseworker career progression structure and requires a high degree of competency and skills. This position provides specialized and advanced services to the agency and clients.

DUTIES:

• Provides case coordination, project and data management for Arapahoe County’s Best Interest Determination program. This position works in collaboration with school districts, Colorado Department of Education, Colorado Department of Human Services and various internal and external collaterals.
• Acts as a liaison for school districts concerning matters related to child welfare involvement for students. Provides education to the community and stakeholders on mission and philosophy of child welfare work.
• Acts as liaison between school representatives and caseworkers/supervisors assigned to a specific family to assist in any educational transition needs for youth and their caregivers upon placement.
• Schedules and facilitates family engagement meetings with applicable parties to ensure educational stability for children in the custody of the Department. Represents the Department in the determination decision made for each student. Independently analyzes complex situations, formulates plans and makes quick decisions as needed. Mediates difficult interactions between parties and follows the dispute resolution process when necessary.
• Obtains school records, case information, and relevant data from caseworkers, family, and school district in preparation for BID meetings.
• Processes and reviews BID referrals for accuracy and completion. Documents meeting notes in various databases and provides a finalized report to all required parties as outlined in state and federal guidelines.
• Schedules and monitors school transportation through an approved transportation vendor. Acts as liaison for and maintains communication with school district transportation services and DHS transportation vendor. Provides caseworker and family with logistical information for transportation details and maintains accurate contact information for each student profile. Oversees the coordination of schedules as it relates to individual school schedules, sports, weather, emergencies, and various other situations that may occur.
• Maintains accurate records of school transportation and reviews monthly invoices for associated costs. Collaborates with finance department to ensure timely payment of invoice and cost share between school districts and CDHS.
• Works in partnership with Provider Services Team to oversee the MOU for each school district, ensure compliance, and provide feedback about any recommended changes/modifications.
• Actively participates in both internal and external BID/education related committees, meetings, seminars and trainings to gain knowledge of best and most effective practices.
• Provides consultation and training for new workers and offer meaningful feedback to assist in their professional development and understanding of the BID process and legislation.

REQUIREMENTS:

Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

• Ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to model best practice skills and philosophy in the field
• Ability to manage complex and sometimes conflicting situations
• Thorough knowledge of principles of human behavior and the impact of trauma.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of modern social work.
• A good working knowledge of special education and educational support plans/IEP.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Skill in interpreting laws, rules and procedures and the effective communication of these to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to read literature, books, reviews, scientific or technical journals, data, financial reports, and/or legal document.
• Skill in originating, writing and editing reports.
• Ability to work under stressful and time sensitive conditions
• Skill in resolving conflicts
• Clinical social work skills to be able to assess the needs of children, youth, and families and work collaboratively in a team setting to determine the appropriate level of services provided.
• Ability to work collaboratively with community partners and represent the Department in a professional manner, conveying the Department’s philosophy and mission.
• Ability to negotiate services with school districts and transportation vendors.
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions, multi-task, use critical thinking skills and have the ability to apply technical skills effectively.
• Ability to write detailed reports, prepare business letters, expositions, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech.
• Knowledge of basic office procedures and equipment; ability to learn various computer software applications, i.e., CBMS, TRAILS, VISION, ICM, etc. and a demonstrated proficiency with Word, Outlook and Excel software programs is required.
• Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality in working with sensitive situations.
• Strong organizational skills in order to meet strict deadlines and timeframes.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Accountability
• Accessibility
• Inclusivity
• Integrity

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors of Social Work or Bachelors of Arts/Bachelors of Science in Sociology, Psychology, Human Services, Guidance and Counseling and/or Child Development and six (6) years of post-Bachelor degree paid experience in social work. -or-
• Masters in Social Work or a Masters degree in Sociology, Psychology, Human Services, Guidance and Counseling and/or Child Development and six (3) years of post-Masters degree paid experience in social work.

Special Qualifications:

Must have already successfully completed the Colorado Pre-Service Training Academy program or, if hired, must successfully complete and pass all required State of Colorado training on order to be considered for future employment.

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.
• Security clearance required: will require fingerprinting and a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) background check

Post-Employment Requirements:

• Reliable transportation is required as you will be utilizing your own personal vehicle for visiting family.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Position is deemed essential and incumbents must be available for winter storm and other emergency events.
• Work is generally confined to a standard office environment.
• Work locations and facilities are subject to change based on business need.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• No unusual physical demands are associated with this position.
• Spends 50% of the time sitting and 50% 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.