Lucas County Children Services (LCCS) will host a Career Expo at the Summit Center, 333 North Summit Street, in downtown Toledo, Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The expo is putting emphasis on the need for caseworkers.
“Every county child protection agency in Ohio is experiencing a shortage of caseworkers to meet the needs of the children and families they serve and we’re no exception,” explained LCCS Executive Director Randy Muth. “LCCS is using the career expo as an opportunity to cast a wider net for qualified candidates passionate about making a real difference in the community.”
The caseworker shortage is having a profound impact everywhere. The recent opioid epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic have weighed heavily on the child protection system in Ohio and nationwide. As a result, more children are entering the child protection system with more complex, highacuity needs—behavioral health challenges, developmental or intellectual disabilities among them. Research also shows children stay longer in foster care every time their caseworker changes. The resulting stress has caused many to leave the caseworker ranks.
“This is the toughest job you’ll ever love. The work is challenging, but highly rewarding in intrinsic and other ways,” noted Muth. “Being a caseworker takes a special person dedicated to serving children and families. But LCCS has an outstanding infrastructure in place to mentor and support both new and veteran caseworkers.”
The expo serves as an opportunity for spring college graduates, those seeking a career and professionals in other fields to learn more about LCCS and what is involved in becoming a caseworker. Current staff will be on hand to answer questions about salary, benefits, expectations and more. On-site interviews will be conducted with qualified candidates.
LCCS caseworkers are required to have bachelor’s degrees and some even have work experience in the fields of social work, criminal justice, psychology, sociology, human services, public health, human development and family services. Walkins are welcome at the career expo, but pre-registration is preferred. Event and registration information, directions and parking instructions can be found at lucaskids.net/ career-expo/.
To check out all job openings at LCCS, visit lucas kids.net/employment-oppor tunities/.
