Protective Services Screener

POSITION: Protective Services Screener (posting #141889)

SALARY: Starting at $44,720/yr commensurate with experience

The Protective Services Screener is responsible for receiving, writing, and processing referrals of alleged child maltreatment, conducting preliminary fact finding, conducting initial interview with public, and providing information and referral to community resources.

• FULL-TIME positions, 40-hours per work week
• Regularly scheduled within the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some weekend work may be required.
• The supervisor may require the worker to utilize an Alternative Work Site.

Excellent Benefits Include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurances
• Paid $30,000 life insurance policy
• OPERS (Ohio Public Employees Retirement System)
• 12 paid holidays
• 2 weeks paid vacation time
• Possibility of vacation cash out
• Possibility of hybrid work environment
• Monthly phone stipend reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Achieve Civil Servant status after 180-day probationary period

Required Qualifications  

• Associate degree in human services related studies or 5+ years of employment in human services related occupation
• Valid driver’s license and Ohio Revised Code (ORC) compliant auto insurance
• Candidate must pass a comprehensive background assessment.

Preferred Qualifications  

• Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field
• Licensed Social Worker
• Knowledge of local services
• Child Protective Services experience

APPLY on our website:

Employment Opportunities – Athens County Children Services (athenschildrenservices.com)

**Applications accepted until ALL positions filled.**

ACCS is an EEO & Trauma Informed Employer.

FULL-JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Definition

The Protective Services Screener is responsible for receiving, writing, and processing referrals of alleged child maltreatment, conducting preliminary fact finding, conducting initial interview with public, and providing information and referral to community resources.

Reports To

Protective Services Screening Supervisor

Employment Status

This is a full-time position carrying a 40-hour per week work regularly scheduled within the hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday thru Friday, except legal holidays, with flexibility of early morning or evening hours as needed to complete job responsibilities. Some weekend work may be required. The supervisor may expect the worker to use an Alternative Work Site.

Principal Responsibilities

1) Receive and Input Reports or Abuse/Neglect/Dependency

• Receive phone calls and meet with visitors to the agency regarding referrals that may constitute possible abuse, neglect or dependency reports, or regarding questions that may pertain to child custody issues, family violence situations, or mental health issues.
• Conduct initial interviews with the public.
• Conduct SACWIS checks to determine if the agency has past or current involvement with the family referred for services.
• Prepare and send response letters to mandated reporters informing them of what information they may request from agency.
• Gather detailed information on reports involving drug impacted infants.
• Refer individuals to the appropriate community resources for assistance.
• Complete background checks using the Accurint Program or other identified resource.
• Complete BCI/FBI criminal background checks as needed.

2) Provides Support and Data Entry Services

• Provide on-call agency service for afterhours coverage as determined by the on-call rotation.
• Enters information into the SACWIS system regarding possible abuse, neglect, or dependency reports.
• Enters relevant data into Excel spreadsheets for tracking purposes.

3) Information Management

• Enter data regarding referrals of abuse, neglect, dependency, and other types of referrals into an automated data management system (SACWIS).
• Complete monthly and annual statistical reports.
• Provide statistical reports to agency staff.
• Scan documentation into Sharepoint and Traverse.
• Secure, log and file photograph copies of youth in maltreatment cases.
• Within their corresponding cases, document all mandated letters that were sent out.

4) Collaborate and Coordinate with Multiple Stakeholders

• Answer telephone calls, greets the public and relays information to supervisor.
• Inform Screening Supervisor of calls that are emergent.
• Attend team meetings.
• Christmas Project -work with agency staff and public to provide Christmas gifts for children.
• Participate in public awareness and community activities as required by agency standards.

5) Utilize Appropriate Supervision

• Discuss pertinent daily issues that arise with supervisor.
• Report all stakeholder and employee grievances.
• Report any safety concerns.
• Share records, letters, case information with supervisor.
• Share information with supervisor on independent decision making. Show balance between over-dependence on supervisor and independence in decision making.
• Utilize supervision during crisis situations.
• Prepare an individualized training plan along with supervisor and show ability to evaluate own practice.
• Participate in and contribute to agency meetings, discussions, and conferences.
• Discuss information entered into data systems and monitored for quality and compliance.
• Attend staff meetings and required in-service training.
• Keep supervisor informed of critical issues that may arise between scheduled conferences.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

This position requires that the Screener be flexible in performing infrequent duties, not already listed, that may be necessary to support the mission of the agency. Other clerical duties as assigned.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to clearly communicate.
• Ability to relate to the public in a polite and professional manner.
• Knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Word, and Excel
• Knowledge of phone systems
• Knowledge of professional office practices and procedures and ability to operate office machines.
• Ability to organize work and follow directions.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Working knowledge of Trauma Informed Care practices.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Ability to maintain relations with other social agencies, public officials, and general public.
• Knowledge of child development and the effects of abuse and neglect.
• Knowledge of child behavior patterns and environmental factors.
• Awareness of local cultural norms and values.
• Proficiency in interviewing skills, listening, and obtaining information.
• Ability to gather knowledge of family’s strengths and concerns and problem identification.
• Knowledge of social work methods, techniques, and practices.
• Knowledge of legal requirements and court procedures.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet program goals, responsibilities, and deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal skills.
• Knowledge of agency policies, procedures, standards and ODJFS rules.
• Knowledge of medical and legal terminology
• Knowledge of crisis intervention and mediation
• Ability to prepare accurate and informative social case records.
• Ability to handle high levels of stress.
• Basic knowledge of child welfare practice and goals.
• Ability to work independently, with a team, and with supervision.
• Knowledge of the Ohio’s legal definitions of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, dependency, and endangerment.
• Knowledge of the need to maintain regarding the agency’s caseload.
• Knowledge of assessment /investigation procedures.
• Knowledge of the impact of drugs on individuals and families and methods of intervention.
• Ability to develop relationships with families and support staff.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in human services related studies or 5+ years of employment in human services related occupation
• Valid driver’s license and Ohio Revised Code (ORC) compliant auto insurance coverage
• Candidate must pass a comprehensive background assessment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field
• Licensed Social Worker
• Knowledge of local services
• Child Protective Services experience

Equipment Operated

Computer, Multi-line telephone system, cellular telephone, copier, Fax and scanner, digital camera, and an electronic tablet.

Physically Demanding and Hazardous Working Conditions Inherent in this Job

The physical demands and hazardous working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is almost continuously required to sit, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may continuously repeat the same hand, arm, or finger motion many times as in typing. The position frequently requires non-stop typing on the computer. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds, such as files or computer reports. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet deadlines with time constraints and to interact with the public and other workers.

The employee will come into contact with irate or upset individuals.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is acceptable to this environment. However, the noise level can vary depending upon daily activity but will remain within the acceptable noise level range. The employee continuously is interacting with the public and staff. The employee will be required to meet multiple demands from several people.

Required Training

Screeners will complete CAPM Safety and Family Assessment training offered by the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program (OCWTP) within the first year of employment unless this training has already been completed. Additionally, Screeners will complete 30 hours of training per year. ACCS staff are to attend safety training offered by the RTC/OCWTP and any other agency scheduled training. Screeners are expected to upgrade knowledge and skills through advanced training as recommended by the Protective Services Manager, and as reflected on the individual training needs assessment.

Screeners are expected to use computer programs including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, as well as SACWIS, Traverse, and any other computer programming that will be utilized by the agency in the future. Orientation to these programs will be provided by the agency.

General Conditions of Employment

Other conditions of employment as explained in the Agency Policy and Procedures Manual. This position may infrequently require duties performed after regularly scheduled hours.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $44,720.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Patient demographics:

• Children

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Child Welfare related job: 5 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's license (Required)
• LISW or LSW (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Athens, OH 45701 (Required)

Work Location: In person