Child Welfare Social Worker (In Home Lead)

DEPARTMENT:       

Social Services (DSS)

DATE POSTED:            

March 23, 2023

CLOSING DATE:           

April 3, 2023

SALARY MIN:  

$52,666

SALARY MAX:

$94,618 (HIRING MAX  70,000)

POSITION NUMBER:            

40008640

JOB TYPE:  

Full-Time

Effective 8/5/2022 ** This position is eligible for a tiered $4,000.00 sign-on/retention bonus**

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides In Home services for families with substantiated reports of suspected child neglect and abuse as defined by the General Statutes of North Carolina. Case Management Services for families who have been substantiated or found in need of services for abuse, neglect and dependency and prepare services agreements to address the needs of the families.  This includes, preparing court summaries and participating in associated court proceedings. Makes difficult agency decisions regarding the removal of children from abusive and neglectful homes. Provides prevention services for families who may be at risk of child maltreatment. Must have knowledge of child welfare policies and practices including but not limited to social work assessment, crisis intervention, family functioning and child development.

The incumbent will assume additional duties beyond that of a standard Child Welfare Social Worker and serve as a team leader for other In-Home Child Welfare social workers. Provides guidance and informal mentoring/coaching to assigned team members including advising on statutory mandates, agency policy and procedure, and programmatic requirements. Conducts targeted quality reviews for the In-Home services section. Develops and facilitates structured technical assistance sessions based on error trends. Due to these additional duties this position is eligible for a 5% pay differential.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques and practices and their applications to complex casework, treatment, and investigation of abuse or neglect of children.
• Thorough knowledge of policies and procedures as evidenced by the ability to cite the authority of federal and state law
• Thorough knowledge of individual and group behavior, family dynamics, and medical, behavioral and/or psychosocial problems and their treatment theory.
• Considerable knowledge of governmental and private organizations and resources in the community.
• Ability to interact and motivate a resistant, involuntary client population and the public who may not agree with the laws, rules or policies of the process or the programs.
• Ability to prepare documentation such as written investigative reports for the court, case records and treatment plans.
• Ability to testify as an expert witness, employ advanced case management interview techniques to establish a supportive relationship and involve families in the initial assessment for the need of services.
• Ability to quickly assess the risks and safety of the client environment during daylight hours, after dark and in high crime areas.
• Ability to employ expert negotiation skills in the most complex cases.
• Ability to analyze and assess child development safety issues in relation to risk factors.
• Ability to analyze tense family situations and make decisions about removing children when the decision must be made with limited direct information and limited access to consultation.
• Ability to communicate effectively and establish supportive client relationships.
• Ability to utilize computer systems and software (i.e., Microsoft applications-Word, Excel, Publisher, etc.).

REQUIREMENTS:

Master's degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work experience; or a Bachelor's degree from an accredited school of social work and two years of social work or counseling experience; or Master's degree in a counseling field and two years of social work or counseling experience; or a four-year degree in a human services field or related curriculum and three years of social work or counseling experience; or graduation from a four-year college or university and four years of experience in rehabilitation counseling, pastoral counseling or a related human service field providing experience in the techniques of casework, group work or community organization; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. One year of work experience can be credited for completion of the social work collaborative.

PREFFERED:

Candidates with bilingual skills preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

 Requires a valid North Carolina driver's license with an acceptable three -year driving record and a vehicle.