Under general supervision, Protective Service Workers perform professional investigation, case management, and casework services at the Family & Children’s Services program. This includes the following activities: engagement of children, youth and families; assessment of safety and risk; case planning and service delivery; and transitioning children and families to appropriate permanent and stable living situations. ESSENTIAL TASK AND DUTIES According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job class and are not intended to be an inclusive list. Partners with families, communities, and service providers to build a supportive team that addresses the safety, health, and well-being needs of the child, youth, and family. Explores safety, well-being, family relationships and natural supports through interviewing, field visits, and gathering collateral information in a timely manner. Conduces comprehensive assessments of safety, risk and protective capacity utilizing designated assessment tools. Takes appropriate action to ensure child safety, including promoting family strengths, mitigating safety threats and/or removal of children from the home. Maintaining case information on applicable computerized case management system(s). Collaborates with families and stakeholders to develop behavioral case plans that addresses the family's needs and complies with relevant laws, rules and regulations, based on the assessment. Helps connect families to a broad array of services and supports and empowers them to utilize strengths to implement the provisions of a case plan. Counsels and educates youth, families, care providers and community partners on the Child Welfare process, legal requirements, and departmental policies and procedures by communicating verbally and in writing to provide necessary and appropriate information to families. Builds community partnerships through relationship building and educating community organizations about Family and Children’s Services. Stays abreast of latest polices, initiatives, and best practices by attending trainings, reading literature reviews, accessing various online child welfare resources, and participating in work groups and site teams to contribute to the development of policies. Ensures all assigned cases meet compliance standards and schedules work accordingly. Testifies in Court, adheres to Court protocol, and complies with legal requirements. Ensures the well-being of children placed in homes by identifying homes to meet children’s needs and closely monitors their placement Assists out of home care providers to ensure children attend mandatory parental visits and medical and dental appointments to comply with mandatory County and State procedures, rules, and regulations. Prepares written correspondence, electronic records, and court reports by maintaining well documented records in a clear and timely manner, according to Agency procedures.