Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Assess, evaluate, conduct initial and ongoing case management of children/family services, and needs.
• Develop, review, update and ensure implementation of strength-based service plans for each child in care or custody including risk assessment, safety plans and goals.
• Complete all documentation in accordance with agency and regulatory requirements.
• Attend home and foster care visits; transport children to health, social services or other agency-related appointments as required.
• Maintain ongoing communication with DCF staff and other constituencies, initiate court action when necessary.
• Empower families to make stable commitments to children by providing counseling and coordinating visits with biological parents and/or guardians and other relatives; develop a helping relationship and ensure needed supports and services are provided.
• Attend weekly supervision, weekly staff meetings, in-service training, and team meetings.
• Maintain a high degree of professionalism in the community, with clients, schools, courts and with referring agencies seeking to build and sustain positive relationships.

IMPORTANT: Offers of employment are made based on agency staffing needs. Offices in the Western Region consist of:

• Pittsfield Office - 73 Eagle Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsfield, MA 01201
• Greenfield Office - 143 Munson Street, Unit 4, Greenfield, MA 01301
• Holyoke Office - 261 High Street, Holyoke, MA 01040
• Van Wart Office - 112 Industry Avenue, Springfield, MA 01104

• Springfield Office - 140 High Street, 4th Floor, Springfield, MA 01105

About the Department of Children and Families:

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is committed to upholding the fundamental mission of protecting children from abuse and neglect to ensure they are able to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. DCF's vision is that all children have the right to grow up in a nurturing home, free from abuse and neglect, with access to food, shelter, clothing, health care and education.

DCF works toward establishing the safety, permanency and well-being of the Commonwealth's children by: stabilizing and preserving families; providing quality temporary alternative care when necessary, safely reunifying families; and when necessary and appropriate, creating new families through kinship, guardianship or adoption. Preferred applicants will possess a demonstrated commitment to the core practice values: 1) child-driven, 2) family-centered, 3) community-focused, 4) strength-based, 5) committed to diversity/cultural competency, and, 6) committed to continuous learning.

For more information about DCF:

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-children-families

Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants".

As part of the hiring process, the Office of Human Resources will be verifying any college-level degrees conferred to the selected candidate. Additionally, any licensure required for the position will be verified. Information provided as part of the hiring process is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

• Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

Please be advised that you have applied to a "Continuous Posting." Continuous postings are used for high volume positions which require continuous hiring. Candidates who apply to this posting will remain active in the "continuous posting" for 90 days and will be considered as openings arise. Although we cannot guarantee every candidate will be considered, as selection is based on job availability and individual staffing needs of the agency, candidates are strongly encouraged to reapply after 90 days.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4

Qualifications

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have (A) a Bachelor's degree or higher in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education or criminal justice or a relevant human services degree and (B) a current and valid Licensures as a Licensed Social Work Associate, Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Certified Social Worker or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker issued by the Massachusetts Board of Registration.

Applicants at the Department of Children and Families must obtain the required license in Social Work within the first nine (9) months of employment.

The classification may require possession of a current and valid Motor Vehicle Driver's License at a class level specific to assignment.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.