Social Service Worker I
Commonwealth of Kentucky, Frankfort, KY, United States
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5/2/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
Job Title
Social Service Worker I
Pay & Employment
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
Location
5111 Commerce Crossing, Louisville, KY 40229, USA
Agency
Cabinet for Health & Family Services | Department for Community Based Services (DCBS)
Position Overview
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, the Social Service Worker I is a skilled team member, providing a vital link between the children, families, adults, and local community partners.
Responsibilities
Investigate allegations of child and adult abuse, neglect, and/or dependency and exploitation.
Recruit, train, and approve individuals and families as foster and adoptive homes.
Meet with family members to determine merits of a report of child and adult neglect and/or abuse.
Meet with other interested parties such as school and medical staff in order to gather additional information.
Complete detailed assessments based on investigative and ongoing case management work.
Locate and secure appropriate placements for children when necessary.
Work with families and adults to create case plans for addressing and correcting issues.
Make referrals to outside community resources to assist the family, adults, and children with identified needs for well-being, safety, and permanency.
Enter case information into the computer.
Complete court reports and provide testimony during administrative and judicial hearings.
Work closely with community partners such as law enforcement, school systems, counselors, shelters.
Ideal Candidate
Experience working with adults, children, and families.
Experience collaborating with team members and community partners.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Good time management and organizational skills.
Ability to work well under pressure.
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: Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment.
Additional Information
Employees will be subject to a fingerprint-based criminal background check by the Kentucky State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Before accepting a job offer, applicants will complete a Form I-9 and the institution will use E-Verify after offer acceptance.
Working conditions: Performed in office/facility or residential program setting and visits clients at their residence. Provides emergency services on a 24-hour basis.
Probationary period: Initial and promotional probationary period of 9 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.
Equal Opportunity Statement
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
#J-18808-Ljbffr
5/2/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
Job Title
Social Service Worker I
Pay & Employment
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
Location
5111 Commerce Crossing, Louisville, KY 40229, USA
Agency
Cabinet for Health & Family Services | Department for Community Based Services (DCBS)
Position Overview
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, the Social Service Worker I is a skilled team member, providing a vital link between the children, families, adults, and local community partners.
Responsibilities
Investigate allegations of child and adult abuse, neglect, and/or dependency and exploitation.
Recruit, train, and approve individuals and families as foster and adoptive homes.
Meet with family members to determine merits of a report of child and adult neglect and/or abuse.
Meet with other interested parties such as school and medical staff in order to gather additional information.
Complete detailed assessments based on investigative and ongoing case management work.
Locate and secure appropriate placements for children when necessary.
Work with families and adults to create case plans for addressing and correcting issues.
Make referrals to outside community resources to assist the family, adults, and children with identified needs for well-being, safety, and permanency.
Enter case information into the computer.
Complete court reports and provide testimony during administrative and judicial hearings.
Work closely with community partners such as law enforcement, school systems, counselors, shelters.
Ideal Candidate
Experience working with adults, children, and families.
Experience collaborating with team members and community partners.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Good time management and organizational skills.
Ability to work well under pressure.
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: Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment.
Additional Information
Employees will be subject to a fingerprint-based criminal background check by the Kentucky State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Before accepting a job offer, applicants will complete a Form I-9 and the institution will use E-Verify after offer acceptance.
Working conditions: Performed in office/facility or residential program setting and visits clients at their residence. Provides emergency services on a 24-hour basis.
Probationary period: Initial and promotional probationary period of 9 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.
Equal Opportunity Statement
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
#J-18808-Ljbffr