Recognize a child welfare worker

National Child Welfare Worker Appreciation Week is September 11-15. This week kicks off the Division of Child Welfare’s campaign to raise awareness of and inspire appreciation for the important work that child welfare workers do every day. 

The Division of Child Welfare believes county child welfare staff provide invaluable services to their community and directly impact the lives of the families they serve. Child welfare workers are foundational in ensuring children are safe. DCW wants to recognize child welfare staff who excel in their service to children and families. The five candidates will be recognized in person during the last week in September. The top candidates will also have the chance to be spotlighted in the bi-weekly Community Partner Newsletter. All nominees will receive a certificate of appreciation and gift. 

Applications will be scored by DCW staff; please use the criteria below in your nomination:

Describe how this caseworker goes above and beyond to meet the needs of children and families

• Demonstrates excellence in their availability and responsiveness to family needs- is flexible to meet families where they are at
• Is creative, resourceful, and knowledgeable when engaging families
• Engages relevant stakeholders to clearly relay child protection concerns and coordinate ideas on how to mitigate them

Describe how this individual makes an impact on the culture of their agency

• Takes the lead on projects that further important initiatives within the agency
• Is identified as a change agent and early adopter of policy and practice changes
• Is observed holding themselves to high standards of ethics and practice
• Creates a positive and welcoming working environment for others

Describe how this individual serves as a role model for their peers 

• Supports peers who are struggling with workload
• Workers go to this individual for questions and guidance 
• Models tough conversations
• Exemplifies leadership with their peers in job knowledge and their actions
• Demonstrates a high degree of self-management for their workload and assistance of others.

Any child welfare manager, case aid, supervisor, caseworker, or hotline staff employed by a county department of human services can be nominated. All nominations are due by September 7, 2023. There are no restrictions on who can nominate a staff member. Nominate a colleague.