Ashtabula County Children Services Board

Ashtabula, OH

Child Welfare Caseworker-Adoption Assessor/Foster Care

Pay Grade/Rate of Pay: Pay Grade 7: $22.153 per hour with consideration based on experience. Plus, a comprehensive benefit package.

Ashtabula County Children Services is currently accepting applications for full-time Child Welfare Caseworker- Adoption Assessor/Foster Care worker. Applicants must meet the requirements for Child Welfare Caseworker according to State rules (OAC 5180:2-33-55) Must have good driving record and pass a drug screen.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the general supervision of the Foster Care/Adoption Supervisor, the Child Welfare Caseworker- Adoption Assessor/Foster Care will:

• Maintain a caseload of children who are in permanent custody of the Agency (e.g., contact children and caregivers in placement setting at least once monthly)

• Prepare and maintain accurate, detailed documentation of all communication with children and caregivers

• Prepare court documents and attend all court hearings necessary; complete and attend case reviews; continually recruit for adoptive families of children on case load until permanency has been achieved; participate in adoptive matching conferences every 90 days for children on case load; facilitate adoption finalization hearings in Probate Court, etc.

• Conduct and prepare home studies to license foster and adoptive families (e.g., continually recruit potential foster and adoptive families; facilitate training for potential foster and adoptive families; complete background investigations and conduct intensive home interviews with potential foster and adoptive families; license families; etc.)

• Maintain caseload of current licensed foster and adoptive families (e.g., facilitate trainings for current foster and adoptive families; complete semi-annual home visits for licensed foster and adoptive families; provide support for foster and adoptive families as their resource worker; facilitate adoption finalization hearings in Probate Court; facilitate emergency placements for children who are in the temporary custody of the Agency; etc.)

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate's degree in social work or related field to apply. Bachelor's degree will be required to be obtained within 5 years of hire, and certification as an adoption assessor within the first year of hire

• Bachelor's degree preferred in social work or a related field

• Be self-motivated and able to handle a schedule of conflicting demands

• Be able to form effective working relationships with children and families

• Be able to work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends

• Be able to coordinate a variety of service providers

• Be able to work effectively in a team environment

• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Possess excellent organizational skills

• Possess competent computer skills

• Be able to meet deadlines

LICENSURE or CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Must possess a valid State of Ohio driver's license and maintain insurability under the County’s vehicle insurance policy. Must be able to successfully pass post-offer drug screen, physical and BCI fingerprint background check.

Please submit your resume: Ashtabula County Children Service Board

Attn: Social Service Director Beverly DeFazio Email: beverly.defazio@jfs.ohio.gov

Drug Free Workplace, E.O.E.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

*NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE*

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Ashtabula County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other status protected by law. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. Ashtabula County is a Drug-Free Workplace.

www.ashtabulacounty.us