Community Services Aide III, Grade 18

WHO WE ARE

Montgomery County is located adjacent to Washington, D.C., and with over one million residents, is the most populous County in the State of Maryland. The County is also the most diverse County in the State and ranks among the top ten most diverse Counties in the nation. Montgomery County contains many major U.S. government offices, scientific research and learning centers, and business campuses.

The Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for delivery of the County’s public health and human services that meets the needs of our community’s most vulnerable children, adults and seniors. The Department provides services through more than 120 programs at more than 20 locations. With over 2,000 employees, the Department of Health and Human Services is the largest County Department.

As a department, we believe the health and wellness of the county can only be achieved by ensuring that every resident has fair opportunities to reach their fullest potential. This means access to quality housing, transportation, education, employment, health care, human services, safe neighborhoods, and healthy food. HHS provides critical services for residents who face a variety of obstacles in achieving their full potential. HHS plays an essential role in building a healthy and strong community.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Child Welfare Services, part of the Social Services Office Division, is excited to recruit passionate and motivated Community Service Aides!  In this vital role, you’ll partner will social workers and engage directly with families and the community to provide meaningful case support, encouragement, and oversight for parents and children.  If you’re enthusiastic about making a positive impact and supporting healthier, stronger families, we welcome you to apply for one of these two positions.  

As a Community Service Aide III (CSA III) for Child Welfare Services, you will:

• Provide interpretation and translation services for children and their parents.
• Observe and monitor parent-child interactions to assess safety, risk factors, and adherence to Department guidelines
• Support permanency planning efforts by contributing to assessments of youths’ wellbeing, ongoing safety, and overall risk.
• Accompany and assist parents in accessing services, including applying for benefits, securing community-based referrals, and navigating resources that strengthen family stability.
• Promote effective parenting practices by modelling appropriate, safe discipline techniques and continuously evaluating child safety.
• Prepare and maintain detailed client records and visit reports to ensure compliance with agency policies and regulatory requirements.
• Transport children to and from court appointments, medical visits, parent-child visitations, and other case-related activities. 
• Communicate relevant observations and information to assigned social workers, as appropriate. 
• Perform related duties as required. 

Additional Information:

There are currently two vacant CSA III positions; one position is assigned to the Family Preservation (In-Home) unit; the second position is assigned to the Foster Care (Out-of-Home) unit.  

Bilingual applicants in the Spanish/English languages are encouraged to apply.

Work Schedule: Although the normal hours for CWS are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., staff providing direct services to children and families may need to work earlier or later to respond to case needs such as home visits, emergency removals, or other time-sensitive situations.

Driver’s License: This position REQUIRES a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive a county vehicle to conduct home, school, and community visits. The role also requires the ability to lift and carry children of various ages, equipment and supplies and to safely navigate stairs and various home environments during fieldwork.

Medical and Background: Selected candidates for this position will be subject to a pre-employment medical exam, drug screening, and criminal records check through the Maryland State Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.  Candidates will also be checked through the Maryland Registry for Child Abuse and Neglect and federal and state sex offender registries.  Any applicant who fails the medical exam, background check, or whose name appears on either of the registries may be disqualified from employment for this position. 

Experience: Three (3) years of experience providing delivery of social, health, and/or public assistance services.

Education: Completion of high school or High School Certificate of completion recognized in the State of Maryland.

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

License: Possession and maintenance at all times of a valid Class "C" (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant's state of residence when required for job-related duties.

• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills and possesses a familiarity with electronic client databases.

• Demonstrates sound judgement and decision making in the human services field.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Demonstrates knowledge and experience with Family Court and Juvenile Court proceedings, contributing information for court reports, and providing testimony.