The Social Worker/Social Services Advocate works closely with attorneys in the Public Defender’s Office to perform professional work of considerable difficulty in evaluating and investigating the circumstances that led to their clients’ involvement in the child welfare, criminal and juvenile justice system. The advocate will also perform some case management services, identifying and facilitating social and behavioral health services for the clients.

Under direction performs professional work of considerable difficulty in attending required home visits with children in out-of-home care, attending child and family team meetings, connecting children and foster homes with social services, preparing reports of meetings and performing other related duties as assigned.

At Coconino County, public service matters. Our dedication to public service promotes a culture that elicits employee growth, cultivates inspiration, and creates future leaders by empowering employees to solve internal and external customer needs and exceed customer service expectations. As an award-winning organization with high regard for cultural diversity and the positive contributions of the many thriving cultures within our county, our nation, and our society, Coconino County leads a variety of initiatives that celebrate diversity; from our Annual Diversity Day, and monthly Heritage Lunch & Learns, to book clubs, and professional development academies which target diverse workforce segments. Coconino County's respect for diversity is shared throughout the organization. Be part of this optimistic, innovative team where outstanding customer service creates dynamic solutions and engages leadership at every level.

Please Note: This position is regular, part-time (less than 20 hours per week) position.

(Illustrative Only)

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  Accesses and reviews court, medical, psychiatric, etc., records and police reports for information pertinent to the case
• Conducts home visits in foster, family and group homes throughout Arizona. This position requires some travel throughout the state.
• Attends Child and Family Team Meetings and Individual Education Plan meetings
• Maintains calendar for all required meetings and visits
• Visits kinship placements
• Conducts needs assessments for clients
• Evaluates the necessity for social and behavioral services and facilitates services for children, family and mentally disabled
• Develops and maintains a social and behavioral health services bank
• Reviews circumstances of minors
• Prepares notes and/or reports regarding visits and meetings attended and makes recommendations about client needs
• Provide testimony on occasion regarding investigations and reports
• Enters data into case management system
• Provides backup to support staff as needed
• Assists with evaluating opportunities to expand the ability of the office to provide more services to its clients

Bachelor's degree in social work, a behavioral science or nursing and two years case management or counseling experience; OR

Associate's degree in social work, a behavioral science or nursing and three years case management or counseling experience; OR

Any combination of education, training and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Must obtain an Arizona driver's license by date of hire and maintain throughout employment. Fingerprint clearance may be required.

PREFERENCES:

Master's degree; bilingual English/Spanish/Navajo.

This position is exempt from overtime.

Note: Individuals in exempt classifications as part time employees may be classified as non-exempt per FLSA law regarding minimum weekly salary requirements.

This position is safety sensitive.

Considerable knowledge of:

• Preparing and writing reports
• Conducting child and family investigations
• Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare System
• Behavior Health System
• Principles and practices of case management
• Federal, state, and local laws, policies, state statutes and administrative rules pertaining to dependency and mental health

• Conducting investigations
• Interviewing and counseling
• Report writing
• Listening and both verbal and written communication

• Analyze complex child and family behavioral issues
• Exercise professional level independent judgment
• Objectively evaluate clients
• Write meaningful reports
• Work with diverse population, in many different environments
• Deal impartially with individuals of various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds
• Maintain confidentiality
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, appointed department directors, staff, other agencies, the media and the general public
• Work safely and support the culture of workplace safety
• Follow written and oral instructions
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Employee Benefits

Coconino County offers a comprehensive employee benefits
package to regular employees working 30 or more hours per week that includes:

(Regular Part Time employees receive some benefits on a pro-rated basis. Temporary and Seasonal employees do not receive benefits. Elected officials are not eligible for vacation and sick leave.)

• Vacation/Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 10 Holidays Per Year
• Health Care Insurance
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Group Life Insurance
• Pre-Tax Deduction Plan
• Sick Leave Conversion Plan
• Personal Day Purchase Program
• Vacation Sell Back Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Wellness Program
• Long-Term Disability
• Arizona State Retirement System
• Employee Assistance Program
• On-going Training Opportunities
• Free bus transportation/ EcoPass bus pass

Elective Coverage

• Dependent Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Supplemental Life (for employees & dependents)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Tax-deferred investment program
• Accidental and Disability Insurance
• Short Term Disability