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Social Service Worker I

Commonwealth of Kentucky, Owenton, KY, United States


Advertisement Closes 4/30/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)

26-01904

Social Service Worker I

Pay Grade 14

Salary $55,541.52 - $64,816.08 Annually

Employment Type EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

Hiring Agency Cabinet for Health & Family Services | Dept for Community Based Services

Location 75 Duke Avenue Owenton, KY 40359 USA

Description
The agency may authorize the selected candidate to telecommute. The agency may terminate or modify the telecommuting arrangement at any time.

The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) is a multi-faceted agency that provides services and programs to enhance the self-sufficiency of families; improve safety and permanency for children and vulnerable adults; and engage families and community partners in a collaborative decision-making process.

DCBS seeks a Social Service Worker I who is driven to succeed in helping people and advance family self‑sufficiency. With professionalism and integrity, our agency offers services to families to ensure safe, stable homes for the children of the Commonwealth. The Social Service Worker I is a skilled team member, providing a vital link between the children, families and local community partners. The employee is expected to perform at the highest quality to ensure services to the vulnerable citizens. This is a demanding position that requires maturity, self‑discipline and the ability to work overtime.

Responsibilities

Investigate allegations of child abuse, neglect, and/or dependency

Meet with family members to determine the merits of a report of child neglect and/or abuse

Meet with other interested parties such as school and medical staff to gather additional information

Complete detailed assessments based on the facts obtained during home visits and meetings with interested parties

Work with families to create a case plan for addressing and correcting issues within the household

Make referrals to outside community resources to assist the family in overcoming identified barriers and to keep children safe in a permanent home and promote their wellbeing

Enter case information into the computer

Complete court reports as needed

Provide testimony during administrative and judicial hearings

Work closely with community partners such as law enforcement, school systems, counselors, and shelters

Qualifications

Experience working with families and/or children

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Good time management and organizational skills

The ability to work well under pressure

A willingness to work as part of a team.

Minimum Requirements
Education:

Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy or a related field.

Experience, Training, or Skills:

NONE

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:

NONE

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:

NONE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.):

If employed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department of Juvenile Justice, an employee in this job classification must furnish to the appointing authority within one month of employment, documentation that he/she possesses a valid driver's license. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.

Working Conditions
Performs job duties in an office/facility or residential program setting and visits clients and/or families at their residence. Provides emergency services on a 24‑hour basis, including accepting referrals and completing investigations at any hour without prior warning. As a result of enforced intervention, the worker runs the risk of physical harm.

Probationary Period
This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 9 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

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