Social Worker I/A&T (Investigations)

Child Protective Services Investigator

Important information before starting your application:

You must complete the application in its entirety and submit the application before it can be saved in the system. You must answer all required questions and complete all required sections of this application to be considered for employment with Iredell County.

The primary purpose of this position is to provide child protective service investigations and family assessments, regarding reports of child abuse, neglect and dependency, as mandated by the Statutes of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. This position will also be responsible for provision of Child Protective Services Intake, Child Protective In-Home Services and Foster Care Services as directed by the supervisor, according to the agency's needs and to allow for the smooth transition of cases between services. This position will back up Child Protective Service On-Call staff as needed and also provide assists, kinship assessments and monitoring of cases for out-of-county requests. This position works directly with at-risk children and families and involves the most complex case situations in the agency. Requires participation in Child & Family Team Meetings, presentation of cases to the court, and other duties and types of responsibilities as may be required.

Special attributes and skills:

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 with 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; ability to 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 has to be made with limited direct information and limited access to consultation; ability to communicate effectively and establish supportive client relationships. Ability to perform manual work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Typical qualifications:

Master's Degree in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative; Master's Degree in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work and one (1) year directly related experience; Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative and one (1) year directly related experience; Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work and two (2) years directly related experience; Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services field from an accredited College or University and three (3) years directly related experience; Bachelor's Degree from an accredited College or University and four (4) years directly related experience. Official transcripts of all degree work are required. Drug test required.